Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Rivera.
Hi Mari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello everyone, thank you for the opportunity. I’m originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I moved to Florida in 2009. Although I was a young mother, I stayed in school. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, as well as associate degrees in Medical Assisting and Medical Billing & Coding.
In 2016, I worked as a surgical assistant, assisting patients, scheduling surgeries, and managing medical insurance authorizations. In 2019, I found a new way to help people while growing professionally: I became a Public Adjuster.
I’ve always loved being around people, helping those in need, and negotiating. I also have marketing experience and have hosted radio and television programs focused on educating the community.
In 2021, I founded Ladder & Heels Adjusting LLC, a public adjusting firm that represents policyholders when dealing with their insurance companies—handling home losses, auto damage, and other covered claims. Ladder & Heels is proof that women can succeed in a male-dominated field.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a young mother, my biggest challenge was raising my children while continuing my education. There were late nights, early mornings, and plenty of obstacles—but I never gave up. I earned my degrees and kept moving forward, one step at a time. Another major challenge was entering a field long dominated by men as a proud Puerto Rican, Spanish-speaking woman. Early on, I had to prove my knowledge, my integrity, and my results. Those experiences didn’t stop me; they shaped me. They taught me to lead with preparation, persistence, and compassion—and to build Ladder & Heels as a firm where women thrive, families are protected, and our community is educated and empowered.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ladder and Heels Adjusting?
Ladder & Heels Adjusting LLC (“Ladder & Heels”) is a women-led, bilingual (English/Spanish) public adjusting firm based in Central Florida. We represent policyholders only—homeowners, HOAs, and small businesses—throughout Florida. From first notice of loss to final payment, we handle documentation, scoping and estimates, carrier communications, recorded statements and inspections, proofs of loss, reopen/supplement requests, and disputes for underpaid or denied claims. We coordinate appraisal and mediation when appropriate and, if legal action becomes necessary, we connect clients with vetted Florida law firms while continuing to support the claim.
Our experience spans hurricane/wind and roof damage, water and plumbing/AC leaks, fire/smoke, mold, theft/vandalism, and other covered property losses; we also guide policyholders on property damage aspects of auto and certain liability-related claims. Founded in 2021 by Public Adjuster Mari Ivelisse Rivera, Ladder & Heels proves that women thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. We operate with full compliance under Florida DFS rules, transparent contingency-based fees, and an education-first approach—so families are protected, properties are restored, and communities are empowered
How do you think about happiness?
What lights me up is helping people feel safe, heard, and protected. I’m happiest when a family gets their home restored, a client finally receives the check they deserve, or we turn a “denied” into a fair resolution. I love teaching—whether on radio/TV, at community workshops, or one-on-one—because knowledge gives people power. I’m proud to mentor other women in a field once dominated by men and to show my kids that integrity, discipline, and faith open doors. Day to day, joy looks like serving my community in two languages, celebrating our Puerto Rican roots, building Ladder & Heels with my team, good coffee before an inspection, and the smile that says, “We did it—together.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladderandheelsadjusting.com
- Instagram: Ladderheelsadjusting
- Facebook: Laddder & Heels Llc
