Safeguard Properties

Safeguard Properties Launches Next-Generation Multimedia Application

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
February 6, 2018

Grapevine, Texas, February 6, 2018 — Safeguard Properties is launching its next-generation multimedia Photo Direct application, introducing the use of panoramic photos, video and audio to property preservation work in the field. The company will unveil the enhancements at the 2018 Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) National Mortgage Servicing Conference & Expo Feb. 6-9.

“This is the only mobile system for property preservation today that will provide mortgage servicers with an enhanced, multimedia look into their portfolios,” said Alan Jaffa, CEO of Safeguard. “Video, with the addition of audio, will help Safeguard and its vendor network tell a better story about each property. If a photo is worth 1,000 words, video will speak volumes.”

Safeguard adds these capabilities to its suite of systems and mobile offerings that have been at the forefront of the mortgage field services industry for years. The addition of video, audio and panoramic will provide servicers with valuable information necessary to assess property damage and validate bids.

“It is our mission to provide preservation services and innovative technologies that proactively protect our clients’ assets and communities across the country. Video and audio capabilities continue Safeguard’s tradition of investing in technologies that help solve the industry’s most challenging problems,” said George Mehok, chief information officer for Safeguard.

The initial implementation of video has a risk-based focus on assessments for basements, roofs, plumbing systems, floors and exterior conditions are currently those triggers, which represent some of the more challenging property preservation perils for mortgage servicers.

To learn more about the use of video in the field, please click here.

About Safeguard

Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media sharing in this news:

HousingWire
MortgageOrb
National Mortgage News
DS News
MReport

Linda Erkkila Named 2017 Leading Lady by MReport Magazine

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
September 14, 2017

Valley View, Ohio, September 14, 2017 – Safeguard Properties, the mortgage field services industry leader, is pleased to announce that Linda Erkkila, general counsel and executive vice president of human resources, has been named a 2017 Leading Lady by MReport magazine.

“Linda has made a significant impression on both the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic mission at Safeguard through her extensive knowledge, experience, and broad understanding of the industry,” said Alan Jaffa, CEO of Safeguard. “We congratulate her on being recognized for her accomplishments as an industry leading lady.”

Linda serves as general counsel and executive vice president of human resources for Safeguard. As a key member of the executive team at Safeguard, Linda has made an impact as a strategic leader in both the legal and human resources departments. She also has influenced the mortgage servicing industry via partnerships with government regulators and offering her expertise through published articles and conference panels.

MReport magazine’s 2017 Women in Housing list features 60 distinguished women. It is divided into three categories: Power Players, which honors C-suite and executive-level women; Leading Ladies, which recognizes top female executives and managers; and Emerging Leaders, which features up-and-coming talents who are 35-years of age or younger. MReport’s Women In Housing is a special issue published annually, and the women will be recognized at next week’s Five Star Conference’s Women in Housing Leadership Forum at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20 at the Five Star Conference in the Hyatt Regency in Dallas, Texas.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

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MReport

Linda Erkkila Named a 2017 Woman of Influence by HousingWire Magazine

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
August 2, 2017

Valley View, Ohio, August 2, 2017 – Safeguard Properties, the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce that Linda Erkkila, general counsel and executive vice president of human resources, has been named a 2017 Woman of Influence by HousingWire magazine.

“We congratulate Linda on being recognized for the significant role she plays on Safeguard’s executive team and ensuring we remain the leader in the mortgage field services industry,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard’s CEO. “Her strategic leadership has allowed her to effectively streamline our legal department and enable Safeguard to create innovative ways to continue to make the company a destination workplace.” 

Linda serves as general counsel and executive vice president of human resources for Safeguard. Her broad scope of oversight covers regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, pro-active risk mitigation, enterprise strategic planning, human capital and training initiatives, litigation and claims management, and counsel related to mergers, acquisition and joint ventures.

As a key member of the executive team at Safeguard, Linda has made a huge impact on the company as a strategic leader in both the legal and human resources departments. She also has influenced the mortgage servicing industry via partnerships with government regulators and offering her expertise through published articles and conference panels. Her extensive legal knowledge and experience, combined with a broad understanding of the industry makes Linda a woman of influence.

HousingWire’s Women of Influence is an annual program launched to recognize the significant contributions of women to both mortgage banking and real estate. The honors are given to individuals who are making notable contributions to both their businesses and to the industry at-large – with a specific focus on contributions made in the most recent 12 months. Their energy, ideas, achievements, as well as commitment to excellence and progress give us a look at the future of the industry.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

About HousingWire Magazine: HousingWire Magazine is a monthly magazine that provides in-depth context and insight spanning the people, issues and data that matter in mortgage finance and real estate. The magazine offers readers insight on U.S housing and finance from leading national columnists, as well as exclusive features that tackle hard-hitting issues in real estate finance and bring to life the people that make markets. HousingWire’s editorial coverage can be found at www.housingwire.com.

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Jennifer Anspach Named HR Executive of the Year Finalist by Crain?s Cleveland Business

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
August 18, 2017

Valley View, Ohio, August 18, 2017 – Safeguard Properties, the mortgage field services industry leader, is pleased to announce that Jennifer Anspach, assistant vice president of human capital, has been named an HR Executive of the Year Finalist in the private companies category for Crain’s Cleveland Business’s 2017 Archer Awards.

“We congratulate Jennifer on being recognized for the significant role she plays leading our associates,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard’s CEO. “Over the past few years, Jennifer has worked diligently to ensure Safeguard is a premier workplace by establishing new employee policies and initiatives. She is always up for a challenge and deserves this recognition.”

Jennifer is focused on the needs of the company’s associates and their work-life balance through the implementation of innovative initiatives like work from home, part-time, and flex schedules, in addition to a casual dress code, Wellness initiative, and career enhancement and tracking opportunities through goal development and training.

Jennifer’s background in accounting and thorough understanding of each of Safeguard’s service lines enables her to effectively manage recruitment strategies, employee relations, training, personnel policies, retention, and benefits programs. In the three years since she has taken the leadership role in human capital, Jennifer has been successful in reducing the company expense for health care premiums and saving the company in worker’s compensation, unemployment and reducing the full-time employee requirement.

Now in its seventh year, Crain’s Archer Awards program celebrates Northeast Ohio’s human resources professionals who “hit the mark.” In partnership with Howard & O’Brien Executive Search, the awards honor human resources professionals who are building companies with the best people, talent, development and culture.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

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DS News

Safeguard Properties Announces Two Technology Management Promotions

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
July 26, 2017

Valley View, OH, July 26, 2017 — Safeguard Properties announced the following appointments to its technology management team:

Steve Machovina, promoted to assistant vice president of technology infrastructure and cloud services for Safeguard, is responsible for the overall management and design of Safeguard’s hybrid cloud infrastructure. He manages all technology engineering staff who support data centers, telecommunications, network, servers, storage, service monitoring, and disaster recovery. Steve joined Safeguard in November 2013 as director of information technology operations. Prior to joining Safeguard, Steve was vice president of information technology at Revol Wireless, a privately held wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana. He also held management positions with Northcoast PCS and Corecomm Communications, and spent nine years as a Coast Guard officer and pilot. Steve holds a BBA in management information systems from Kent State University in Ohio and an MBA from Wayne State University in Michigan.

Jason Heckman, promoted to the assistant vice president of mobile and analytics for Safeguard, is responsible for both Safeguard’s mobile development and strategy as well as the company’s data warehousing and business intelligence. Jason oversees the design, development and release of all Safeguard’s internally developed mobile applications. He also oversees the development and delivery of operational and analytical data technologies throughout the organization. Jason has been with Safeguard since 2012. During that time he led the development and integration of Safeguard’s mobile applications across the company’s vendor network to provide real-time data from the field. Prior to joining Safeguard, Jason was the director of application development and business intelligence for Revol Wireless, a privately held wireless provider in Ohio and Indiana. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio.

About Safeguard

Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media sharing in this news:

HousingWire

Safeguard Properties Announces Two Management Appointments

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
May 9, 2017

Valley View, OH, May 9, 2017 — Safeguard Properties announced the following appointments to its management team:

Sheilla Lienerth, appointed to assistant vice president of client relations. Sheilla will lead Safeguard’s client account management and process improvement team. Prior to joining Safeguard, Sheilla held a variety of leadership roles that include sales, customer engagement, and performance and business analytics. She is a trained Six Sigma Black Belt and brings a continuous improvement mindset and process discipline to all aspects of her work. Her career includes senior positions with Bridgestone’s credit division and KeyBank. Sheilla has an Executive MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. She began her undergraduate work at Judson University and completed at the New York Institute of Technology receiving a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in business and psychology. Sheilla received the 2015 Executive MBA Leadership Award from Weatherhead and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Judson University.

Lisa Nicholas, appointed to director of finance and accounting. Lisa’s focus will be on managing Safeguard’s accounts receivable and loss management teams. Prior to joining Safeguard, Lisa managed various areas of accounting with increasing responsibility at Forest City Realty Trust, Avery Dennison, and Barnes Distribution. In those capacities, she was responsible for strategic process improvement initiatives, operational efficiency and developing standard process and internal control frameworks. Lisa is a graduate of Franklin University and is the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for Morning Star Baptist Church in Cleveland.

About Safeguard

Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media sharing in this news:

DS News
MReport 
MortgageOrb
HousingWire
National Mortgage News
National Mortgage News

Kellie Chambers Named a 2016 Leading Lady by MReport Magazine

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
August 31, 2016

Valley View, Ohio, August 30, 2016 – Safeguard Properties is pleased to announce that Kellie Chambers, assistant vice president of investor relations, has been named a 2016 Leading Lady by MReport magazine as part of its Women in Housing recognition.

“I am pleased Kellie is being acknowledged for the significant contribution she makes, not only to Safeguard, but to the industry as a whole,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard’s CEO. “She is an asset to the company as our in-house expert on all investor guidelines, property preservation in pre-sale and best practices for maintaining properties.”

Kellie began her career in property preservation in 2001 as a trainer at Safeguard. Her forward-thinking mentality and ability to lead others have helped her climb the ranks within Safeguard from her initial role to supervisor of quality control, manager and director of property preservation and now her current role as the assistant vice president of investor relations. She is an integral part of the company’s executive team and the go-to individual for investor interactions, in addition to playing a critical role in ensuring operational controls, monitoring, and client/supplier communications are in place for investor compliance.

MReport’s 2016 “Power Players,” “Leading Ladies,” and “Emerging Leaders” honorees are part of its September 2016 special issue celebrating the accomplishments of women in the mortgage industry. The 2016 “Power Players” are five mortgage and housing veterans with roles in both the government and private sector. In addition to powerful female leaders, 50 additional women were selected for MReport’s 2016 “Leading Ladies” and “Emerging Leaders” list. The women selected for these honors were nominated by their peers in the industry, who cited all the qualities that make them strong leaders — such as their intelligence, drive, and pursuit of innovation.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

About MReport Magazine: MReport seeks to provide specialists in all areas of the mortgage origination industry with the critical information they need to stay on top in today’s competitive market. Focused on four key areas of the mortgage origination business, MReport’s targeted content highlights production, servicing, data and the secondary market. MReport’s editorial coverage can be found at http://www.themreport.com/.

Media sharing in this news:
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Kathy Cogan Named a 2016 Rising Star by HousingWire Magazine

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
June 1, 2016

Valley View, Ohio, June 1, 2016 – Safeguard Properties, the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce that Kathy Cogan, assistant vice president of account management, has been named a 2016 Rising Star by HousingWire magazine.

“We congratulate Kathy on being recognized for the significant role she plays in Safeguard’s client interactions and growth during her 13-year career with the company,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard’s CEO. “She is a critical part of Safeguard’s executive team and the company’s continued success.” 

Kathy’s path within Safeguard has been impressive since she joined the company in 2003 after graduating from Notre Dame as part of the inaugural Management in Training (MIT) program. After only a few short months in the program, Kathy’s skills and abilities were quickly recognized and she was promoted to IT manager of research and development. Kathy has continued to excel at Safeguard with promotions to client account manager in 2007, director of client account management in 2009, and assistant vice president of client account management in 2011.

Building on Kathy’s 13 years of experience, her strong client relationships and her expertise in the REO market, day-to-day Kathy focuses on developing new business opportunities within Safeguard’s existing client base and has taken a more active role in the client onboarding process and contract formation. In this role, Kathy maintains her critical involvement in operations.

HousingWire’s 2016 Rising Stars represent the best young leaders in the mortgage industry — in lending, servicing, investing and real estate. Many of these 50 winners are leading their companies from the C-Suite, deciding overall strategy for their organizations and staking out new territory. Others are contributing through innovation, product development, process enhancements and big data analysis. Across the board, their efforts are energizing not only their individual companies but also animating the entire housing economy.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

About HousingWire Magazine: HousingWire Magazine is a monthly magazine that provides in-depth context and insight spanning the people, issues and data that matter in mortgage finance and real estate. The magazine offers readers insight on U.S housing and finance from leading national columnists, as well as exclusive features that tackle hard-hitting issues in real estate finance and bring to life the people that make markets. HousingWire’s editorial coverage can be found at www.housingwire.com.

Media sharing in this news:
HousingWire (full recipient list)

Safeguard Properties Announces New Assistant Vice President of Operations

Posted on by Safeguard

News Release
September 3, 2015

Safeguard Properties announced the following appointment within its executive team:

Pat Hoffman, assistant vice president of operations. Hoffman was appointed to this newly created position to assist the COO in identifying and executing on a number of strategic operational initiatives. Prior to joining Safeguard, Hoffman served as director of operations at Capstone Logistics in Norcross, Ga., for 11 years where he managed multiple accounts providing third-party warehouse services to the leading wholesale and retail grocery and foodservice providers. He also implemented quality and performance improvement initiatives, managed safety programs, and delivered results through effective recruiting, training, and team building. Hoffman also served as operations manager at Roadway Express in Kernersville, N.C., managing inbound and outbound operations. He earned his bachelor of business administration in information systems and operations management from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.

About Safeguard: Safeguard Properties is the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and based in Valley View, Ohio, the company inspects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for mortgage servicers, lenders, and other financial institutions. Safeguard employs more than 1,500 people at three offices in Northeast Ohio – Valley View, Brooklyn Heights and Mentor – an office in Richardson, Texas, and an office in Mt. Washington, Ky. The company also utilizes a network of thousands of contractors nationally. Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media sharing in this news:
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DS News
MortgageOrb
HousingWire

Kellie Chambers Named a 2015 Rising Star by HousingWire Magazine

Posted on by Safeguard

Safeguard Properties announced Vice President of Investor Relations Kellie Chambers as one of the 40 industry professionals to receive the 2015 Rising Star Award by HousingWire magazine.

Safeguard Properties’ Kellie Chambers Named a 2015 Rising Star by HousingWire Magazine

Cleveland, June 5, 2015 – Safeguard Properties, the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce that Kellie Chambers, assistant vice president of investor relations, has been named a 2015 Rising Star by HousingWire magazine.

“We are proud that Kellie is being recognized for the significant role she plays in Safeguard’s growth and success, and her dedication to the industry as a whole,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard’s CEO. “Her commitment to Safeguard’s motto of Customer Service = Resolution and moving the property preservation/field services industry forward through collaboration and partnerships are what make Kellie a true rising star.”

Kellie began her career in property preservation in 2001 as a new-hire trainer at Safeguard. Her forward-thinking mentality and ability to lead others have helped her climb the ranks within Safeguard from her initial role as a trainer to supervisor of quality control, manager and director of property preservation and now her current role as the assistant vice president of investor relations. She is an integral part of the company’s executive team and the go-to individual for investor interactions, in addition to being a valued expert on all investor guidelines, property preservation in pre-sale and best practices for maintaining properties.

The Rising Star Award honors 40 industry professionals in mortgage finance, originations, servicing, investing and real estate. All are younger than 40 years old and have proven accomplishments that have propelled their companies and the industry as a whole into new levels of growth and profit. They are recognized change agents who aren’t afraid to take risks. Some have developed groundbreaking new software, re-engineered entire systems and launched their own startups. They have seen dramatic growth in sales, in market share and in influence.

Please click here to view the full 2015 Rising Stars list online.

About Safeguard Properties: Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

About HousingWire Magazine: HousingWire Magazine is a monthly magazine that provides in-depth context and insight spanning the people, issues and data that matter in mortgage finance and real estate. The magazine offers readers insight on U.S housing and finance from leading national columnists, as well as exclusive features that tackle hard-hitting issues in real estate finance and bring to life the people that make markets. HousingWire’s editorial coverage can be found at www.housingwire.com.