Chris Banton, Sr.

Biography

Chris Banton, Sr. joined YA Group in 2025 as a Regional Consultant, bringing with him extensive experience in construction management. He has successfully led projects ranging from $1 million to $100 million across commercial, residential, and catastrophe-related sectors throughout the United States.

Chris has worked closely with insurance carriers on residential policies, complex claims, builder’s risk, and subrogation matters, and has supported attorneys on litigation files. He also serves as an Appraiser and is frequently called upon to act as an Umpire, offering objective dispute resolution services.

His areas of expertise include scope assessment, estimating, cost audits, schedule analysis, and change management. Chris is highly proficient in interpreting construction contracts, technical drawings, specifications, and engineering reports, ensuring accurate and thorough evaluations.

Credentials

• uSAS | FAA Licensed Drone Pilot
• WRT | IICRC - WRT (Water Damage Restoration Tech)
• FSRT | IICRC - FSRT (Fire Smoke RT)
• OCT | IICRC - OCT (Odor Control RT)
• HAAG | Certified Commercial & Residential Roof Inspector
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration Certificate

Representative Consulting Assignments

• Florida College Systems | Florida | Hurricane Helene & Milton | $100M
• City of Wentzville, Missouri Municipalities | Wentzville, MO | Hail | $40M
• Hilton & Double Tree | Florida | Hurricane Helene & Milton | $10M
• Bridgeport Condominiums | Fire | $5M
• Keystone Crossing V. The Hartford | Hail Appraisal | $1M
• USAA V. Selective | Expert Testimony | Arbitration
• Liberty Military Housing | Structure Assessment

Professional Experience

• 2025 - Current | Regional Consultant | YA Group
• 2023 - 2025 | Director | J.S. Held, LLC
• 2021 - 2023 | Senior Consultant | Insurance Restoration Consultants
• 2012 - 2021 | Large Loss Project Manager | Jenkins Restorations

Education

• Kaplan University - Bachelor of Science - Mass Communication - Davenport - Iowa