Irene Now Makes Over $407,000 a Year! Notary Signing Agent & Signing Service Owner (Arizona)

You said, you know, if my dad can see me now, how proud he'd be. That was as a $4,000 a month notary public loan signing agent. How dad proud would your dad be now that you're a multi six figure business owner?

I know he's watching me and I know he's proud. You know, luckily I still have my mom here and that she's able to see my success. She's just so proud and she tells me all the time that my dad would be just as proud.

Another episode of on the Road. Where are they Now? Irene, what's going on, girl?

Hey. Hey. How's it going?

Some of you guys might recognize her from an episode that I did back in 2019. She was a part time signing agent making $4,000 a month. Part time. Can you tell everybody what you do now?

I'm now a signing service owner and I contract notaries all throughout the US to do signings for.

Oh my. And how many signings did you have last year run through your signing service?

About 3. 300.

3,300. And three years ago, when we did the last episode, you were doing like 20 to 25amonth. And now you do like 300amonth. Like, when I say that, like, what goes through your mind?

Man, I never thought it'd be possible. I didn't think I would ever get to this level. It's been absolutely insane. I mean, I only have a high school diploma, so making my first 10k, I never thought I would hit that. And making six figures in my first year as a notary public loan signing agent, that was so insane. Like, I never thought that would be possible for someone that just has a high school diploma. I never thought I'd be an entrepreneur the way I am now.

Yeah.

And I just put in a lot of effort and I'm very dedicated to what I do. I'm dedicated to helping notaries. You know, I have a lot of notaries that have done their first signing for my signing service and I'm right there walking them through every step of the way. Like, I want them to succeed the way I succeeded and it is possible for them. And that's what I always tell them. Like, if I can get here, you guys can get here too.

You didn't think you can make six figures right now. And now that you're. You're on the precipice of building out a ginormous signing service in Arizona, what's cool about business is it makes you realize every step of the way that you can do more. Because sometimes we're not. We don't believe we're capable of what we're capable of. The best part about your signing service is you were a notary working for signing services. So you know what? It's like you were brand new where no one was giving you a chance. So you had a scratch and claw for everything. So now you're like, look, you don't need a scratch and claw. I will help you out. I mean, this is really a full circle story of a notary now trying to help other notaries. Because I was in that position.

Exactly.

It's, what a journey so far, right?

Yeah. It really has been like, I just. I mean, I've been doing this since 2019, and it's 2023, and it's like, I can't believe how much I've accomplished in that short amount of time. And I'm still accomplishing more and more. I want to get to that. I will not. I want to. I will get to the seven figures and hopefully this year, but that's. That's my goal.

What I love is the mindset change. You caught yourself right there. You're like, I will get there. But it's crazy because when you first start this journey, it's really tough to think you're capable of it, but now you know you're capable of. Of being the next coast to Coast. Like, you know it in your heart. Right. The next signature closers. And that's the beautiful part about your journey. Irene, I see, you know, such a confident businesswoman, and I want people to be inspired by this. You know, like you said, I don't have a college degree. But you're making, I mean, a high school. You don't have a college degree, but you're making more than most people with college degrees.

Yeah.

Right. Through your hard work and effort. What were some of the lessons you learned on this kind of transition from being a solopreneur to an entrepreneur where you're hiring thousands and thousands of other people to do work with your name on it?

I just got to learn how to. I had to learn how to trust people. And that has probably been the hardest thing is, you know, it's my name on the line. That's how I look at it. And hiring other notaries. I just got to trust that they're going to do a great job. I make myself available to every single one of them and, you know, if they have any questions, I'm more than happy. It doesn't matter if it's 5 o' clock in the morning, 9 o' clock at night. Like, I am answering questions.

Get to the position where we can build a signing service because we are control freaks. Like, we know where the docs are, we know where the dies are dotted, the T's are crossed, we know the stamps aren't missed. Like it's going from a control freak to like, oh my gosh, like it's not in my control, you know, and that is probably the first thing. What were some of the things that made that transition easier for you into like, trusting others if you can? Because I want, like I said, I want to try to help someone who might be in the same process.

No, I'm totally going to sound like a walking ad for you, but this is, this is honestly the truth. I prefer using loan signing system students. And one of the main reasons is because, you know, like you said, I was a loan signing system student of the year. Because of that, a lot of people, even before that, a lot of people know who I am and they want to do a great job for me because they know I'm a loan signing system signing service owner. And loan signing system students will go above and beyond for me. And those are the best students that I use because they do anything and everything. If they mess up on a document, which is very rare, it does happen, but they're out there fixing it right away. And if I need a signing done at 5 o' clock in the morning, they're more than happy to do it. It's like, okay, great, thank you, I appreciate it. But it's. I know I don't have to worry as much when I do get somebody that's a loan signing system student.

So everyone's going to want to know the name of your signing service. What's your name, your signing service, and where are you from?

Phoenix. Notary Pro out of Phoenix, Arizona.

Love it. So you want to sign up? Head to her website and like she said, she looks for loan signing system students. Let's go. Speaking of which, why did you launch it?

I launched it because I saw that there was a need for, for experience notaries to do the signings for my title companies. I mean, there would be many times where I'd go to my title companies and they would just be like almost in tears because notaries were messing up left and right. They were getting packages in and that's the need that I saw that and it's like, okay, I have the loan signing system family all throughout the U.S. i should just jump in and do it. And you know, I was also seeing that a lot of other loan signing system students were launching their own signing service. So I just thought it was about time.

I mean, when you said that you saw other signing LSS students starting their own signing services, you know, you got inspired by it, right? I think people get discouraged by other people's success versus inspired by it. Like how? Talk about you and your outlook on that.

People like Molina, she, I mean, she's out there, she's hustling and she's getting that work. And there's days where it's like, should I go out there and market? Like, it's slow right now, like, why, why am I marketing? But then, you know, I go on to Instagram and I see her posting continuously and it's like, that's why she is where she is. And I need to do more of that. I need to, I need to be better. And it does inspire me because then I'm going out there and trying to get more work for my, for my business. And I mean, it's no wonder she has a seven figure business. And that's where I want to be.

Like, you know, you hit on something great, there is. You get inspired because you don't think, you know, she didn't get there by accident.

Yeah.

You open up Instagram like, girl, this girl's working hard. When I'm sleeping, she's working. And so instead of getting turned off by it, you model it. And that's exactly right. It's like, yes, she's doing this. I should be doing that. And so you get inspired because you realize the quickest way to success is copy someone who's successful. So if she's going X, Y, she's doing xyz, then why am I not doing xyz? And that. And that's the mindset I was trying, I'm trying to, I was hoping to get out of you because I didn't know how you can answer that. But you know, you really take it from the output of like, she's doing something to reach that success. What is it? Because when I find out what it is, I'm just going to do it. Because that's what success is about. Finding them, finding a system and duplicating that system and doing it where you live and putting your spin on it and putting your Irene ism on it. Right. I think it's beautiful. What I love, what you said also was like, I just got out there and I reminded people where I am because people don't know you're open for business. Unless you tell them you're like the queen of that, which I love. Like you just got to, you just go out there and you get your message out. Like, I'm open, I can serve you. I want to bring you value. Where a lot of people during the correction was like, the sky's falling, I'm out of here where your verse is. I'm going to double down on this moment. And I think people need to hear that you had the best year of your life. In a market where everyone said, well, there's no business for me. You're like, okay, you can say that. And I'm gonna go work with the clients that you're leaving and I'm gonna get a little bit from a lot of people. If someone tells you it's slow, what would you tell them?

There's a ton of business out there. You just gotta get out and you know, go to these networking events, go to these title companies, let them know that you're here and you will get business. Like you will get the business.

You know, it's funny, you know, I think people say, when people say it's slow, they find it, they give. It's an excuse for why they didn't succeed. Oh, because they didn't succeed because of their effort or lack thereof. They didn't succeed because it was slow versus just like, you know what I'm gonna go out and make get this business. And that's what the successful signing agents do. And entrepreneurs, like, they say more the more millionaires are created during recessions and at the other time in an economic swing. And someone like you who had the best year of your life, 3300 notaries made money because of the effort you made. What is one of your favorite parts about owning a signing service?

Well, one of the main parts that I love is that I'm making sure that my escrow officers are getting their deals closed. Like that's my favorite part. And most of the time it's error free. Like, and I just love that.

And let me stop you real quick because I hope people heard that the first thing that she mentioned was someone else's business. Like this business isn't about you, it's about them. The favorite part of your business is helping your clients. Yes, and I hope people heard that because that's what real successful notary public loan signing agents understand is. It's not about me, it's about who I serve. It's about the value I bring to my clients. You know, you didn't Say the freedom. You didn't say your family didn't say eat dinner with your kids every day, picking up your son from school. You said it's about helping them close their business because that's what business is. Because when you understand that business is about who you serve, everything else falls into place. Time with your family, money in your bank account, vacations. The number one thing you should be an entrepreneur for is to serve the people you're supposed to serve. Because that happens. The life that you've built happens. How did this mindset come along? Like, like where did this happen in your journey? Was it immediate? Was it like, you know, tell people this transition really happened Because I want every student, a notary to really feel what you just said.

When I first started as a notary, like I wanted to be a great notary public loan signing agent because I'm a reflection of my title companies, my lenders, my realtors. And that's something that you drill into us, that we are a reflection of them. And I really took that to heart and, and because of that, you know, I had my escrow officers using me on a constant basis and use me continuous to this day. They still use me.

Yeah, well I love it. It's kind of just naturally innate. I, I think good things happen to good people and I think when good people build good businesses, magic happens. And so innately you're just such a good human that you realized early on that like if I can serve them then my business will build itself. And, and I think too many times notaries get in this industry for the money. They see the 150 an hour, they see that, you know, that I got to work two hours and make $150 and they've lost sight of why they should be in business. And from someone who's went from a $4,000 part time signing agent into a, you know, a multi six figure signing service. And the first thing that you said about you love about your signing service is helping your clients with their business. I'm sitting here as a proud coach and mentor because like you know, like that's what I've tried to build loan signing system on. It's not about me, it' you. And I love when, when this, the community really backs behind that and we've built like you said, a great community of notaries out there trying to help other people.

I do have one more thing that I want to say about that because I do have a ton of notaries that call me and one of the very first Things that I always tell them is that your reputation is everything in this business. And being a great notary public loan signing agent, having a great attitude and being reliable, those three things, that's what makes you one of the best signing agents out there. Like it's that, that's all it is. Like it's all about your attitude and your reputation and, you know, being reliable. Like you have those and you're going to be successful.

Yeah. You know, it's funny is, you know, I don't think notaries understand how often signing service owners speak to each other, especially the loan signing system family, right?

Oh yeah.

And so I mean we have a, we have a private ambassador chat log that we use and it's literally a. I got, I need a notary out in California. And all of a sudden everyone goes, oh, this one, this one, this one, right. Or I need a note in Arizona. You're like, oh, I got this one, this one. Like it's to your point is like your reputation really builds this business. Right. And you don't understand how many times people talk about you when you're not there. And so you know me and you see it firsthand within our LSS Ambassador community. But it happens on the outside too. And if you put clients first, like the business builds itself.

Exactly.

It's a little cliche, but like, wouldn't you agree with that?

I totally agree. And I do talk to other notary public loan signing service owners and other signing service owners call me all the time. And you know, I'm always giving my recommendations like, oh, you got to use this girl. She's amazing. She has a great attitude.

Yeah. And I think a lot of notary public loan signing agents need to realize is as a signing service owner using a database, we can only know so much about you. Right. We realize I'm reading a flat notary profile that is fun the way you want us to read it. We're not naive to that. So the best thing we do is we look for referrals from other signing service owners that we know. And so I again, it's, you know, sometimes people are so worried about Mark, what should my notary public loan signing agent profile say? You know, like worried less about that and more about being a good business owner and your business. Your. The calls will come because you went the extra mile. The calls will come because you made a mistake, but you went above and beyond to fix it. And that people don't understand is like, we actually reward notaries who make mistakes because they fix their mistakes.

Exactly.

What a great conversation. Notary public loan, signing agent, owners, just jamming right now. I mean, where are they now? I mean, honestly, Irene, I'm just so proud of you, man.

Thank you.

I hope you're proud of yourself.

I am. Thanks.

Yeah. Good. I. I don't think enough people say they're proud of themselves enough. And so, I mean, make sure you say that to yourself because you've come a long way in such a short time. You know where you're headed, you know where you're building this. If you can build a signing service as large as yours, do you think anybody could? And why?

Oh, my God, yes. And, you know, I feel like if I can do it, anybody can do it. And I mean, there's nothing special to me. Like, I didn't, you know, I. Like I said, I just have a high school diploma. Like, I didn't go to college, and anybody can do it. It's all about your, you know, your attitude and your willingness to put in the work. If you put in the work, the business will come. Yeah.

You know, I think, I think you are special, and I think. Here's why. I think that, you know, there are soft skills to every business and that, you know, there's X's and O's and there's like the human side of the business. And I think you reflect the human side of the business as well as anybody. And it's, frankly, it's why I chose you as a notary public loan signing agent of the year. I know how big your heart is not. And you said it today, the first thing about owning a signing service is, was your clients. You know, you'll hire new notaries. You're welcome. And I think, I hope people are inspired by that. So I'm trying to get at is like, what's special about you. We can all have that right, which is caring, being kind, making it not about you, but about who you serve, trying to help the notaries, trying to help the community, trying to help your clients. And so, you know, I think that your success is based off you being a really good human. And I hope a lot of you're welcome. And I hope people are inspired that back, because I think a lot of people see these signing service owners and think that we're like, you know, big CEOs and we're cutthroat, and it's not. We're just like people trying to help people. And if you can really kind of use that mantra in business, you know, you're a person trying to Help another person. Ours happens to be notorial work, happens to be loan signings. But no matter what industry you're in, like, just if you're in it for the right reasons, money usually follows or anything you want to add to that.

If you're not a notary public loan signing agent already, just. Just do it. I waited about seven months after I passed the loan signing system to even take my first signing. I regret that. Like, I wasted seven months. And, you know, anybody can do it. Anybody can do it.

And I mean, Irene, I'm proud of you, man. You were very vulnerable in your first. In your first interview with me three years ago. Yeah, shoot. Four years ago, girl. Yeah, Four years ago. And you said, you know, if my dad can see me now, how proud he'd be.

Yep.

That was. As a $4,000 a month notary public loan signing agent. My question to you is, how dad proud would your dad be now that you're a multi six figure business owner?

Oh, man, Mark, you're gonna make me cry. Yeah, I mean, I just. That's something that I think about all the time too, is, you know, I know he's watching me and, and I know he's proud. You know, luckily I still have my mom here and we almost lost her during COVID and I prayed, I prayed so much for that that, you know, we had just lost my dad the year before, and then my mom ends up really sick of COVID and it was rough. And I'm just thankful that I still have her here and that she's able to see my success because she is so proud. She goes to all my meetups. She's just so proud. And she tells me all the time that my dad would be just as proud. So.

Yeah, thank you for sharing.

Yeah.

And I take. I think, I think life and business is about reflecting like you just did. I don't think we do it enough. It sounds like you do do it, which is. Which is healthy and beautiful and, and. And thank you for having that moment because I know Ryan's proud of you. You know, I know. I know Ryan. And you know, your mom can't be proud of you. I think people don't realize that. You know, I feel like it's a duty to be successful because it's bigger than me business. You sit back and reflect on those moments. I think, I think it's easier to stay motivated and stay inspired and, and stay the hard work. And so thank you for reflecting with me there, Irene, if that went a different route. But yeah, you know, like when I gave you signing age in the year and it was a secret, you know, it was. I just saw how much you were doing for others. It was that that was the main reason. Being a great notary public loan signing service owner. Right. Signing agent. Those were important. But notary public loan signing agent of the year is almost more of a humanitarian award than it is how much money you make. It's clear how much you care. It's clear what you care about. The Phoenix community. The greater Phoenix community. I know you go to Tucson.

Yes.

Just care about the Arizona notary community. And so, you know, I think you've built a business this big because of how big your heart is. And thank you. You're welcome. You know, one of my favorite sayings is good things happen to good people, man. Any inspiring words you want to leave anybody with?

I just want to thank you for being such a great mentor and everything that you do for the community. It's. It's life changing. It really is. You know, you inspire me all the time and you're constantly encouraging everybody that they can be successful. I didn't think it was going to be possible for myself, but it totally. It totally is and can be for anybody.

I'm just a coach. The players make the plays. Girl. You got this. Don't stop. I'll see you. The seven Figure club. Let's go.

Thank you.