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Mitigating Risks Through Technology

Safeguard in the News
March 28, 2019

Source: DS News

On Thursday, April 11, from 1–2 p.m. EDT, DS News will host a webinar to explore the increased risks facing servicers and mortgage professionals. The webinar, titled “Risky Business: Using Data and Analytics to Protect Properties,” is presented by Safeguard Properties and will include insights from Tim Rath, AVP, Business Development, Safeguard Properties; Jason Heckman, AVP, Mobile and Analytics, Safeguard Properties; and John Thibaudeau, Director, Single-Family Real Estate, Fannie Mae.

Managing foreclosed properties can be a challenge without proper procedures in place. With the help of technology, the risks can be efficiently targeted, helping to identify solutions and significantly lower costs. Our panel of experts will discuss the latest property management innovations and how they can protect your investment.

Discussing how industry professionals can mitigate risks, Heckman told DS News, “Analyzing the property data reported from the field helps the mortgage servicing industry make informed business decisions that benefit their bottom line. By providing insight into trends, we can detect potential risks and help mitigate some of the biggest challenges threatening our clients’ assets.”

By utilizing it effectively and safely, technology can be a vital asset to your business.

“Data and technology are so powerful in helping me manage my business,” Thibaudeau said. “It helps my team make better decisions, reduces costs, and enables my team to conduct business more quickly in providing a better experience for our customers.”

While you’ll have to register and tune in to see how the full discussion unfolds on April 11, Rath offers some questions to consider:

What has been the evolution of technology in the servicing space?
How can data and analytics be utilized to manage risks to properties such as crime, vandalism, and emergency preparedness?
What are the challenges and benefits of incorporating new technology into existing systems?
Concerning cost and ROI, what is the value of investing in technology now?
What future innovations in technology in the servicing space are on the horizon?

Dive deeper into these questions and more—register for the webinar here.

CEO

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the Chief Executive Officer for Safeguard Properties, steering the company as the mortgage field services industry leader. He also serves on the board of advisors for SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Alan joined Safeguard in 1995, learning the business from the ground up. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2002, and was named CEO in May 2010. His hands-on experience has given him unique insights as a leader to innovate, improve and strengthen Safeguard’s processes to assure that the company adheres to the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Under Alan’s leadership, Safeguard has grown significantly with strategies that have included new and expanded services, technology investments that deliver higher quality and greater efficiency to clients, and strategic acquisitions. He takes a team approach to process improvement, involving staff at all levels of the organization to address issues, brainstorm solutions, and identify new and better ways to serve clients.

In 2008, Alan was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its annual “40-Under-40” profile of young leaders. He also was named a NEO Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award finalist in 2013.

Esq., General Counsel and EVP

Linda Erkkila

Linda Erkkila is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Safeguard Properties, with oversight of legal, human resources, training, and compliance. Linda’s broad scope of oversight covers regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, insurance, litigation and claims management, and counsel related to mergers, acquisition and joint ventures.

Linda assures that Safeguard’s strategic initiatives align with its resources, leverage opportunities across the company, and contemplate compliance mandates. She has practiced law for 25 years and her experience, both as outside and in-house counsel, covers a wide range of corporate matters, including regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, compensation and benefits, litigation management, and mergers and acquisitions.

Linda earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. Linda was previously named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

COO

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Properties, where he has played a pivotal role since joining the company in July 2010. Initially brought on as Vice President of REO, Mike’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision quickly propelled him to Vice President of Operations in 2013, and ultimately to COO in 2015. Over his 14-year tenure at Safeguard, Mike has been instrumental in driving change and fostering innovation within the Property Preservation sector, consistently delivering excellence and becoming a trusted partner to clients and investors.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mike earned a degree in Quantitative Economics. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Branch, where he specialized in supply chain management. Before his tenure at Safeguard, Mike honed his expertise by managing global supply chains for 13 years, leveraging his military and civilian experience to lead with precision and efficacy.

CFO

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard Properties. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Marketing, Accounting, and Information Security departments. At the core of his responsibilities is the drive to ensure that Safeguard’s focus remains rooted in Customer Service = Resolution. Through his executive leadership role, he actively supports SGPNOW.com, an on-demand service geared towards real estate and property management professionals as well as individual home owners in need of inspection and property preservation services. Joe is also an integral force behind Compliance Connections, a branch of Safeguard Properties that allows code enforcement professionals to report violations at properties that can then be addressed by the Safeguard vendor network. Compliance Connections also researches and shares vacant property ordinance information with Safeguard clients.

Joe has an MBA from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University’s Honors Accounting program.

Business Development

Carrie Tackett

Business Development Safeguard Properties