Safeguard Properties

Safeguard Properties Announces Two Executive Appointments

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Safeguard Properties Announces Two Executive Appointments

Valley View, OH, February 5, 2013 — Safeguard Properties announced the following appointments within its executive team:

Joe Iafigliola, vice president of vendor management. In this newly created position, Iafigliola will lead Safeguard’s strategic initiatives to manage the company’s nationwide network of vendors who perform preservation and maintenance functions for its clients. Prior to joining Safeguard, Iafigliola held leadership positions with McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Newell/Rubbermaid and Procter & Gamble. Iafigliola holds an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and is a summa cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is a certified management accountant. Iafigliola serves as a board member and treasurer for the Cleveland Film Commission.

Wendy Anderson, attorney. Anderson joins Safeguard’s expanded legal department, with responsibilities for contract negotiations, monitoring and compliance, evaluating regulatory impact, and supporting internal operations. Prior to joining Safeguard, she served as corporate attorney with GCA Services Group Inc., and in-house counsel for National Retail Properties Inc. in Orlando, Fla. She also worked for private law firms in Tampa, Fla., and Boston. Anderson earned her undergraduate degree in advertising from the University of Florida and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida’s College of Law. She currently serves on the board of directors for Friends of CASA for Kids in Geauga County, Ohio; and as a volunteer court-appointed special advocate (CASA) in Geauga County’s Juvenile Court.

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 service companies, lenders, investors and other financial institutions. Safeguard employs approximately 1,700 people, in addition to a network of thousands of contractors nationally. Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media contact: Megan Greenwalt, public relations specialist, 800-852-8306, ext. 1870
megan.greenwalt@s.safeguardproperties.com

Robert and Ita Klein Foundation Donate to Hurricane Sandy Relief

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Robert and Ita Klein Charitable Foundation Donates $1.5 Million To Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Cleveland, Ohio, February 1, 2013 – The Community Assistance Special Fund (CASF), created to support rebuilding efforts for residents of the South Shore of Long Island and Queens, New York affected by Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, announced today that the Robert and Ita Klein Charitable Foundation has donated $1.5 million.

David Greenblatt, administrator of the CASF said, “We are privileged to receive this generous contribution from the Robert and Ita Klein Charitable Foundation. This donation will allow us to help families whose homes were severely damaged during the Hurricane Sandy disaster, many of whom are still displaced.” Greenblatt noted that for many homeowners and renters, insurance coverage and grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have not been sufficient to allow them to get their properties and lives back together.
 
“After seeing the devastation of Hurricane Sandy first-hand, I was deeply concerned about people who lost their homes and continue to suffer from this disaster,” said Robert Klein, founder and chairman of Safeguard Properties in Valley View, Ohio. “The mission of the company I founded is to protect and preserve properties, neighborhoods, and communities every day. We also play a significant role to assure that properties are protected after disasters such as Hurricane Sandy,” said Klein. He added:  “Consistent with Safeguard’s mission, my wife Ita and I are honored to help people affected by this disaster rebuild their homes and their lives.”

CASF is a federally approved 501c (3) non-profit agency, operating under the Davis Memorial Fund, which provides financial assistance to needy families and disadvantaged children.  CASF has distributed more than $5.2 million in grants to homeowners and apartment dwellers in the South Shore of Long Island and Queens areas. Grants are requested through comprehensive applications with on-site visits by representatives from CASF. Inquiries may be directed to the fund at CommunityAssistanceFund@gmail.com.

Safeguard Properties, founded by Robert Klein in 1990 and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, is the largest mortgage field service company in the U.S.  It inspects, protects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for the mortgage industry.

Media contacts:

Community Assistance Special Fund: David Greenblatt, 516-302-7394.

Safeguard Properties: Megan Greenwalt, public relations specialist, megan.greenwalt@s.safeguardproperties.com, 852-8306, ext. 1870.


About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees  and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with more than 1,600 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Robert Klein Wins Mortgage Industry Award

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October Research announces winners of industry awards
 
(Cleveland, Ohio – June 12, 2012) October Research, LLC, publisher of The Title Report, The Legal Description, Valuation Review, RESPA News and Dodd Frank Update, today announced the winners in its inaugural awards program, launched to honor men and women in the mortgage and settlement services industries for exemplary accomplishment in the areas of leadership, innovation and philanthropy.
 
Announced during the National Settlement Services & Compliance Summit in Cleveland, Ohio, the leadership award was given to Robert Klein, founder and chairman of Safeguard Properties. The award for innovation went to Stewart Morris, Jr., vice chairman of Stewart Information Services Corp. The award for philanthropy went to Chris Gulotta, Principal of The Gulotta Law Group, PLLC.
 
The awards were presented by Erica Meyer, founder and publisher of October Research and Chris Casa chief executive officer of October Research.
 
“We are thrilled to launch this new awards program for the industry this year,” said Meyer. “It was an honor to present the awards to such accomplished and dedicated individuals.”
 
Leadership
Klein is recognized for his efforts on behalf of the mortgage servicing industry to advance industry best practices, help homeowners avoid foreclosure, and build stronger relationships with municipalities to protect properties and preserve neighborhoods.
 
Founded in 1990, Safeguard Properties began as a two-person operation and today is the largest privately held mortgage field service company in the U.S. It employs nearly 1,000 people, plus a network of approximately 10,000 vendors and contractors who inspect and maintain defaulted and foreclosed properties for mortgage servicers, lenders, investors and other financial institutions.
 
Kellie Chambers, assistant vice president of property preservation at Safeguard Properties, accepted the award on behalf of Klein.
 
Innovation
Morris was recognized for helping Stewart to become a leading provider of title insurance and related services to the real estate, settlement services and mortgage industries. Much of this success has been driven by Morris’ efforts to create technology to improve productivity, create transparency and better the customer experience. Many industry technology “firsts” can be attributed to his efforts to move the industry forward.
 
“The title and settlement services agents out there are the core of the entire real estate process,” Morris said in accepting the award. “Innovation is a journey. We have an obligation to continue to innovate this process on behalf of all the clients we serve. This industry is filled with innovators who keep this process going.”
 
Philanthropy
Gulotta, an attorney and principal of a New York Title agency, was recognized for his various community efforts. As a business owner, he has served on the boards and provided pro bono legal services to the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, the Eastchester Volunteer Ambulance Corp. and The Community Fund. He is also known for giving much of his time mentoring students at community schools, universities and law schools as well as being an advocate for physical health and youth sports.
 
“What a great honor it is to be nominated for an award like this and for an award named after such a great man,” Gulotta said. “Philanthropy is nothing you do for anything in return. Every child I have mentored every soccer player I have coached, it has all been selfish. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and never looked for anything in return. I also want to recognize Evan Grimm and Dave Heine for their work in organ donation and childhood poverty.”
 
The Joe Casa Awards for Leadership, Innovation and Philanthropy were named after the late founder of October Research. These prestigious awards recognize the highest standard of professional achievement in the settlement services industries.
 
In presenting the awards, Chris Casa said he was delighted to pay tribute to the industry top leaders and innovators who have stepped up to the plate time and again to guide the industry through the challenges of the last decade.
 
October Research launched the Joe Casa Awards program in January and nominations were accepted through March 31. Nominations were open to anyone with a track record of accomplishment in the mortgage and settlement services industry. The 2013 awards program will be open for nominations in January 2013.
 
About October Research
Founded in 1999, October Research is the nation’s leading provider of market intelligence, industry news and regulatory information for professionals in the real estate, settlement services and mortgage industries. Publications include The Title Report, The Legal Description, Valuation Review, RESPA News and Dodd Frank Update. Located in Richfield, Ohio, the company also produces educational audio seminars, Webinars, videos and live events, which can be purchased at www.octoberstore.com.

 

About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees  and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with nearly 1,000 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Safeguard Properties Announces Five Executive and Management Appointments

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Safeguard Properties Announces Five Executive and Management Appointments

Valley View, OH, May 24, 2012 — Safeguard Properties announced the following promotions within its executive and management teams:

Kellie Chambers, promoted to assistant vice president, property preservation. Chambers assumes leadership responsibilities for both property preservation operations and the client account representatives group. She also oversees all aspects of Safeguard’s property preservation service line, including order entry, client relations, regional coordination, and operations. Chambers joined Safeguard in 2001. In 2007, she was promoted to property preservation manager and in 2009 was promoted again to director.  Chambers also serves on the board of directors for Community Housing Solutions in Cleveland, Ohio, a non-profit organization helping to fill the housing needs of the underserved.

Russ Klein, assistant vice president, quality assurance and training. Klein is responsible for implementing comprehensive quality assurance and internal audit programs to identify and correct errors before they impact customers. He is also responsible for developing and delivering training for new hires and ongoing learning programs for current associates. He joined Safeguard in 2010.  Prior to joining Safeguard, Klein held leadership positions in operations, project management and technology with American Greetings, Diamond Management and Technology Consultants, and JPMorgan Chase (formerly First Chicago NBD Capital Markets). He earned an MBA from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington University. Klein also serves on the board of directors for Vocational Guidance Services in Cleveland, Ohio.

Steve Meyer, assistant vice president, high risk and hazard claims. Meyer is responsible for managing clients’ conveyance processes and developing our working relationships with cities and municipalities around the country. Meyer joined Safeguard in 1998 as manager over the hazard claims team. In 2002, he assumed responsibility for the newly-formed high risk department, once again building its success. Meyer was promoted to director over these two areas in 2007. Prior to joining Safeguard, he spent 10 years within the insurance industry, holding a number of positions including multi-line property adjuster, branch claims supervisor, and multi-line and subrogation/litigation supervisor. Meyer is a graduate of Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

Travis Anderson, director, vendor management. Anderson is responsible for implementing and maintaining comprehensive programs for the recruiting, training and management of Safeguard’s extensive and diverse vendor network. Anderson joined Safeguard in January 2012 after almost 7 years at Iron Mountain, an information management company in Solon, Ohio. He also served 11 years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power program on two submarines, one from each coast. Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology and business in 2003 from the University of Phoenix.

Tim Rath, director, property preservation, regionals. Rath directs the property preservation regional coordinators that are responsible for working with Safeguard’s vendor network to assure that its clients work is thoroughly completed and communicated on time. Rath joined Safeguard in October 2011 as a property preservation project director. Prior to joining Safeguard, he was the director of supply chain with PartsSource Inc. in Aurora, Ohio. Rath also held positions with Rexel Inc. and ComDoc Inc. Rath graduated from the University of Akron in 2000 with a degree in marketing and sales.

About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees  and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with nearly 1,000 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

AHMSI Announces Partnership with Compliance Connections

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American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc Partners With Compliance Connections™ to Proactively Manage City Code Requirements on Homes

Web-based technology aims to preserve the value of communities

Dallas, Texas, April 30, 2012 — American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc. (AHMSI) announced its partnership with Compliance Connections™, a division of Safeguard Properties, to proactively manage and address potential code issues for its property portfolio.

Compliance Connections™ offers a web-based portal allowing mortgage loan servicers and municipalities to communicate immediately when code issues arise.  When notices are posted, they are delivered immediately and electronically, eliminating the delays associated with mailed notices, saving time and money, and preserving the value and condition of real estate assets and the communities in which they are located.

“If a window is broken at one of our properties or has other violations, we need to know about it so we can take care of it right away, said Rance Halfmann, Vice President Default Operations Support.  “That’s what Compliance Connections™ will help us do.   Through the system, a code enforcement officer can notify us immediately so we can act promptly to keep our properties and surrounding neighborhoods safe and secure and maintain property values.”

“AHMSI’s dedication to the communities it serves is impressive.  We are proud to partner with them to reach out to municipalities and code enforcement officials across the country to minimize property-related issues,” said Brandon Kirkham, President of Compliance Connections™.

About AHMSI
AHMSI is the 13th largest mortgage servicer in the country managing nearly $71 billion in loan servicing, representing approximately 374,000 customers. Since its inception in April 2008, AHMSI has modified over 195,000 mortgage loans, including over 32,000 under the U.S. government’s Making Home Affordable Program. AHMSI’s more than 3,000 associates work each day with the mission of helping families preserve their dream of home ownership.

About Compliance Connections™
Compliance Connections™, headquartered in Plano, Texas, is a Safeguard Properties company that provides technology assisted solutions and fulfillment services in the areas of code violation and compliance. The Compliance Connections™ platform provides loan servicers, code enforcement officers and others involved in the code violation process a secure workflow management system to track violations. The central, Web-based location offers code enforcement officers the ability to communicate, upload documents, manage tasks and review the status of a code violation. Web site:  www.complianceconnections.com.
Media contacts: 

Philippa Brown, Vice President Corporate Communications, 469-645-3103

Brandon Kirkham, president, Compliance Connections™, 972-212-7223, bkirkham@complianceconnections.com.

About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees  and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with nearly 1,000 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Weatherhead 100 Recognizes Safeguard Properties

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On December 7th, Safeguard Properties was recongized by Weatherhead 100 as the fastest growing large company in Northeast Ohio.

Weatherhead 100 Recognizes Safeguard Properties
As Fastest Growing Large Company in Northeast Ohio

Valley View, OH, Dec. 15, 2010 ? Safeguard Properties was recognized as the fastest growing large company in Northeast Ohio at the annual Weatherhead 100 awards ceremony on Tuesday, December 7th.? Safeguard led in the Centurion category that includes companies with annual net sales in excess of $100 million.

The annual Weatherhead 100, presented by the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), recognizes the 100 fastest growing companies in Northeast Ohio.?

This is the 14th year in which Safeguard has been recognized as a Weatherhead 100 company.? It is the first time that Safeguard has earned the top spot in the Centurion category.? Qualifying companies must demonstrate consistent growth over the past five years.? The objective ranking is performed by the Weatherhead School of Management.?

Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held mortgage field services company in the U.S.? It inspects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for banks, mortgage companies, investors and other financial institutions.? Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, the company employs more than 800 people, plus a network of thousands of contractors nationwide.? Website:? www.safeguardproperties.com.

Media contact:? Diane Roman Fusco, director of public relations, 800-852-8306, ext. 1213, diane.fusco@s.safeguardproperties.com.

View the Video

Safeguard CFO Greg Robinson Recognized as CFO of the Year

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Safeguard CFO Greg Robinson honored as “CFO of the Year”

Valley View, OH, October 28, 2010 ? Safeguard Properties announced today that Chief Financial Officer Greg Robinson received the ?CFO of the Year? Award from Crain?s Cleveland Business in the large private company category.??

The award was announced Tuesday, October 26th at a ceremony and dinner reception attended by more than 600 guests.??

Crain?s recognized Robinson for his key role, as a member of the executive leadership team, providing sound fiscal management to help the company quadruple its revenues between 2005 and 2009.??

?Greg has been a trusted business advisor whose collaborative style and expertise have been critical to Safeguard?s growth during the past four years,? said Safeguard CEO Alan Jaffa.? ?We are tremendously proud of Greg and grateful to Crain?s for recognizing his outstanding contribution.????

Robinson joined Safeguard in 2006.? Prior to joining Safeguard, he was director of government solutions for CGI, Inc.? He is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, and lives in Broadview Heights, Ohio, with his wife and two sons.??????

?

About Safeguard??

Safeguard Properties, headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, is the largest privately held mortgage field services company in the U.S.? Founded in 1990, the company inspects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for banks, mortgage service companies, investors and other financial institutions.? The company employs more than 800 people, plus a network of thousands of contractors throughout the country.?

Safeguard Properties announces headquarters expansion

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Safeguard Properties announces headquarters expansion

?Valley View, OH, July 15, 2010 ? Safeguard Properties Chief Executive Officer Alan Jaffa announced a 7,500 square-foot expansion of its existing 58,000 headquarters facility.?????

The expansion space is located in a 20,000 mezzanine that the company built above its new headquarters building to accommodate planned growth.?? When fully built out, Jaffa said the headquarters will total 78,000 square feet and accommodate more than 1,000 staff.??

Since moving into its new headquarters in Spring of 2009, Safeguard?s employment has grown from 650 to more than 800.? The expansion will provide work space for 85 additional staff, plus conference rooms, a break room and other common areas.?

?About Safeguard Properties???

Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held mortgage field services in the U.S.? It inspects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for lenders, mortgage service companies and other financial institutions.? Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, the company employs more than 800 people, plus a network of thousands of contractors across the country.??

Media contact: Diane Roman Fusco, director of public relations, diane.fusco@s.safeguardproperties.com, 800-852-8306, ext. 1213

To view the announcement on MortgageOrb.com, please click here
To view the announcement in REO-Insider, please click here

Alan Jaffa Named CEO of Safeguard Properties

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Safeguard Names Alan Jaffa CEO, Robert Klein Assumes Chairman Role


Safeguard Properties announced Tuesday that Alan Jaffa has assumed the role of the company?s chief executive officer. Founder and principal Robert Klein, who formerly served in the CEO capacity, is transitioning to chairman of the board, effective immediately.

In announcing Jaffa?s new position, Klein said, ?Alan has been directly responsible for managing the operations and leading the positive change within the organization for some time now and has been influential in Safeguard?s growth. As we prepare for the 20th anniversary of our founding in May, it is important to formalize Alan?s role as CEO to reflect the leadership he has already earned and demonstrated.?

Klein noted that under Jaffa?s leadership, Safeguard will continue as a privately held family enterprise and will remain so for generations to come.

Since joining Safeguard in 1995, Jaffa has been instrumental in driving the company?s growth as he moved up through key positions within the organization. In 1999, Jaffa was appointed VP of the company and promoted to COO in 2002. Since Jaffa assumed the role of chief operating officer, Safeguard?s revenues have grown in excess of 500 percent and staff has grown to more than 800 employees.

As chairman of the board, Klein will continue to represent Safeguard as an industry advocate for clients through his involvement with the industry, investors/insurers, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and other industry trade organizations. He also will lead strategic growth initiatives within the company.

?Robert set a great course, building Safeguard into an industry leader and will continue to drive initiatives that create industry collaboration,? said Jaffa. ?We have a strong management team and the most qualified staff in the industry, and we will continue to build upon the great work of the team we have in place to help Safeguard?s clients meet the challenges ahead that face our industry.?

Headquartered in Valley View, Ohio, Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held mortgage field services company in the United States. The company inspects and maintains defaulted and foreclosed properties for mortgage servicers, banks, and other financial institutions.

To view the online article, please click here

About Safeguard
Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held field services company in the country. Located in Cleveland, Ohio and founded in 1990 by Robert Klein, Safeguard has grown from a regional preservation company with a few employees and a handful of contractors performing services in the Midwest, to a national company with over 700 employees. Safeguard is supported by a nationwide network of subcontractors able to perform any requested superintendence, preservation, and maintenance functions, as well as numerous ancillary services in the U.S., the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

VA: VALERI Servicer Newsflash

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Investor Update
September 4, 2018

Source: VA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Modification Comparison Chart – A chart summarizing the different VA modification options has been created to provide additional clarification. It will be available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/servicers_valeri_guides.asp on Monday, September 10, 2018.

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

On Saturday, September 8, 2018, VALERI Manifest 18.3 will be released. VALERI will be unavailable from 7:00 p.m. EST to 11:00 p.m. EST. The following system enhancements will be included:

CQ 13433 – Updates the redemption expiration date business rule logic in the Transfer of Custody event to pass if loan terminated via Deed in Lieu.

CQ 13535 – Updates the claim logic to deny foreclosure recording fees if VA did not accept conveyance of the property.