5 Questions with Brad Gronke of Bulkmatik Transport on C.A.Re., CLM Conference

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Employers will say they care about injured workers, but Bulkmatik Transport has shown that it C.A.Re.s about its team. At next month's CLM Workers Comp Conference Bulkmatik's Dr. Brad Gronke will cover it what the C.A.Re. model is all about. We were lucky enough to borrow Dr. Gronke's time to get a sneak peek on his CLM session.

Q: How do you define the C.A.Re. model?

Brad Gronke: The C.A.Re. model is a human-centered claims framework that connects how we lead to how we execute.

At its core, it integrates:

• Compassion → Communication
• Advocacy → Alignment
• Recovery → Resolution

It is built on a simple idea: when we lead with compassion, advocate with intention, and focus on true recovery, we naturally improve how we communicate, align stakeholders, and resolve claims more effectively.

It is not just a process model, it is a behavioral and operational system for better outcomes.

Q: What's the importance of this topic in workers' compensation?

BG: Workers’ compensation is increasingly complex, rising medical costs, regulatory pressure, and workforce expectations are all intensifying at the same time.

What is often missing is not more process, it is better connection between people and purpose.

The C.A.Re. model addresses that gap by:

• Improving trust with injured workers
• Reducing friction across stakeholders
• Driving earlier, more effective resolution

The result is lower costs, shorter cycle times, and better human outcomes, which is exactly what the industry is being asked to deliver right now.

Q: Who would benefit the most from attending this session?

BG: This session is especially valuable for:

• Claims leaders and executives responsible for performance and strategy
• Frontline adjusters and supervisors managing day-to-day claim outcomes
• Risk managers and employers looking to improve results and experience
• Partners in the ecosystem (nurse case managers, legal, TPAs)

Anyone responsible for balancing outcomes, compliance, and people will benefit, because this model gives them a practical way to do all three.

Q: What's the path you've taken that has led you to finding this topic important?

This work comes from more than two decades in claims, leadership, and working directly with organizations trying to improve results.

Across carriers, TPAs, and employer environments, the same pattern shows up:

• Strong technical processes
• Talented people
• But inconsistent outcomes

What I have seen consistently is that outcomes improve when we intentionally connect leadership behaviors to operational execution.

The C.A.Re. model grew out of that realization, combining real-world claims experience with leadership principles to create something that is both practical and measurable.

Q: Without giving up spoilers, what's your favorite takeaway from this presentation?

BG: My favorite takeaway is the moment people realize that better outcomes do not come from doing more, they come from doing the right things differently.

When communication becomes intentional, alignment becomes proactive, and resolution becomes strategic, not reactive, everything starts to shift.

It is that shift from handling claims to leading outcomes that really sticks with people.

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