Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Bragdon.
Hi Donna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Prior to becoming a notary public, I worked with the State of Texas for almost 30 years. I had positions in management, Civil Rights and contracts; these positions required attention to details, and following specific policies and procedures as outlined by state and federal laws. I have composed updates for state congressional leaders, providing information on programs funded by state and federal legislation and making requests for additional funding of specific programs. I managed over 950 employees located in seven locations in Texas. During my time with the State, I gained an unusual skill set in completing paperwork and a love of doing so. I retired from the State in 2019, but after 6 months, I wanted to do something else. It was at a refinance closing for my home, that I started exploring the realm of notary public and closing agent. I spoke with the notary who conducted my refinance closing and he provided me with the information I needed to obtain my notary commission in Texas and move into the realm of loan/real estate closing and general notary work. I have been working my business full time since April 2020 and I LOVE what I do. I get to meet new people each day, help them with their legal needs, and explore new avenues of the notary world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road has not been smooth. The first assignment I ever received as a notary/closing agent, my printer refused to work. I could not get it to print documents on legal sized paper, which was needed for this assignment. I finally had to contact the title company and ask them to re-assign the job. I felt my world crumble – my first assignment and I could not complete it. Fortunately for me, another assignment came later that same day, and I was able to prove myself and this new adventure was the right one for me.
I have also had to deal with difficult people, billing issues, chasing payments, or more printer issues, but each bump in the road teaches me patience, new ways to look at my business and changes I can make. Bumps/struggles are always learning opportunities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a certified notary with the State of Texas; I hold both a traditional commission and a remote online notary commission. I have completed Notary Signing Agent (NSA) training with the National Notary Association (NNA), and I am NNA certified and background screened. I have over five years of experience as a notary and NSA, having completed over 500 closings during this time.
I am also an apostille agent and courier. I assist clients in getting their documents authenticated for use in foreign countries. This process involves helping clients submit documents, such as birth certificates diplomas, licenses, or state business filings, to the Texas Secretary of State for an apostille or authentication certificate, which verifies the origin of the document.
I amaze my customer when I attend a session, in that I come prepared. If it is loan/real estate closing, all documents are printed and flagged for their signatures and mine. I also do not carry a traditional notary book; mine is electronic and kept on my phone. I am able to keep each client’s information private, but I can also access past signing information easily
I am known for going out of my way for my clients. I am willing to go the extra mile to ensure my clients have what they need when they need it. If that means I need to meet with a client at midnight to complete loan paperwork or notarized a document for them, I will. If that means I need to schedule an online meeting on a Saturday to complete an online notarization because my client’s schedule only has that day/time available, I will. I provide my clients with the customer service I expect from others. I believe in treating others how I want to be treated.
What’s next?
At this time, I have not big changes planned. I want to keep growing in my field and become the go-to notary and closing agent in my area. There is always something new to learn in the realm of a notary. Laws change and we are responsible for know what those changes are.
I do want to see technology become a bigger part of the notary world. Just a few years ago, notaries were able to start conducting notary sessions online through approved platforms. I can see this growing, especially when I am able to notarize a document in Texas for someone who is vacationing in Portugal. Our world is growing and it is exciting to see the changes
At some point, I would like to add chaplaincy to my resume, but I am not there yet. That is a long-term goal and I will get there one day.
Pricing:
- 10.00 per notary certificate, one signature
- 25.00 first 10 miles and 1.00 each additional mile
- 50.00 Remote online notarization – one notary certificate/1 signer
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bragdonsnotaryservices.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NotaryDonnaBragdon
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bragdon-97034b1ab/
Image Credits
Texas Notary Commission
Texas Remote Online Notary Commission
Apostille training
National Notary Signing Agent training
National Notary Background check
