Safeguard Properties

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:
MReport (full recipient list)

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:
MReport 
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.

Safeguard Properties Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Posted on by Safeguard

Safeguard Properties announced its 25th anniversary celebration, taking place throughout May 2015.

Safeguard Properties Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Company shares thought leadership and innovation along its 25-year road to success

Cleveland, May 14, 2015 — Safeguard Properties, the largest provider of mortgage field services in the United States, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in May 2015.

“Twenty five years ago Safeguard Properties was a start-up company headed by Robert Klein with one other employee, working out of a small office, servicing three states. Today we are 1,700 employees strong and provide property preservation services to just about every ZIP code in the United States.
The journey has certainly been amazing,” commented Alan Jaffa, Safeguard Properties CEO, who has been with Safeguard since 1995.

Safeguard has put together a 25th anniversary tribute video and timeline that can be viewed on the company’s 25th anniversary web page.

As one of the very first national field services companies, Safeguard found itself in the unique position of having a hand in the molding of an industry. Safeguard is recognized for leading initiatives that have helped set the standard, including developing industry best practices, guiding regulations, and developing innovative technology applications.

Although property preservation is the company’s core business, Safeguard recognizes the importance of building relationships with the communities in which the homes they service reside. Through its Community Initiatives Department, the company proactively collaborates with neighborhoods and civic leaders across the country to share information and resources to help strengthen relationships between the industry, cities, governmental agencies and community organizations. 

In recognition of the company’s anniversary, Safeguard will be building off of the tagline “Preserving Today, Protecting Tomorrow”. The company plans to spotlight many of the community service initiatives it participates in on a monthly basis and highlight the role it plays in protecting and preserving neighborhoods and communities.

Safeguard’s impact on the field services industry runs deep. Below are a couple examples of ways it has changed the face of mortgage field services:

Interior Inspections – Safeguard’s founder Robert Klein was instrumental in the decision by HUD to definitively require interior inspections for all properties. For years Safeguard lobbied for mandatory interior inspections to ensure early detection of issues that, if not detected and mitigated, could lead to a material loss to the value of the property. It can be reasonably estimated that this change has saved the industry millions and millions of dollars through the early mitigation of material damages.

Good Neighbor Door Hangers – The Good Neighbor Program was developed to engage neighbors of vacant properties to keep watch on the property and report any issues that arise. It has been successful in quickly addressing thousands of property issues and has earned Safeguard praise from city officials, neighbors and clients.

National Property Preservation Conference – The NPPC is a two-day conference started by Safeguard in 2004 that brings together leaders from HUD, the GSEs, mortgage servicers and field services companies from across the nation. The annual conference provides a forum for strengthening partnerships, cooperation, and support throughout the industry.

Technology Investment and Leadership – Safeguard’s information technology investments have focused on core technologies designed to improve the timeliness, security, accuracy and quality of the services we provide to our clients. From Mobile applications to geo spatial tools, robust client and vendor portals to integrated data warehousing and reporting capabilities, Safeguard has led the industry in creating and providing automated tools to our vendors and clients that provide transparency and quality to the work performed in the field.

“We have proven that we can adapt quickly to market changes by looking ahead and using creative thinking to advance industry standards and best practices. Technology investment is a core component of our service delivery model and has allowed us to remain competitive and provide our clients with the quality services they have come to expect from Safeguard,” said Jaffa. “By far, our largest investment has been in technology, and I can confidently say that the field services companies that are investing in technology today are the companies that plan to be in this industry for the long haul.”

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. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow.  Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

Safeguard Properties Named to 2015 InformationWeek Elite 100 List

Posted on by Safeguard

In its first year entering the competition, Safeguard Properties has ranked 17 on the annual list, which showcases top business technology innovators in the U.S.

Safeguard Properties Named to 2015 InformationWeek Elite 100  List of Technology Innovators

Cleveland, April 29, 2015 – Safeguard Properties, the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce that it ranked 17 on this year’s InformationWeek Elite 100 – a list of the top business technology innovators in the U.S. The rankings were announced Tuesday, April 28 during the annual InformationWeek Conference.

Safeguard also was named a finalist for a Business Innovator Award in the category of Workforce Performance, named one of the “Top 20 Great Ideas of 2014”,  and included in Informationweek.com’s list of “20 Great Ideas To Steal in 2015.”

This was Safeguard’s first year entering the competition and the company joins an impressive list of winners.

“It is Safeguard’s mission to provide preservation services and innovative technologies that proactively protect communities across the country on behalf of our mortgage servicing clients. The Mobile Inspections Quality Control suite continues Safeguard’s tradition of investing in technologies that help solve the industry’s most challenging problems while maintaining the highest level of service,” said George Mehok, Safeguard Chief Information Officer.

Safeguard designed and built the industry’s first Mobile Inspections Quality Control suite to reduce risks, expedite results reported from the field and improve the quality of information provided to our clients. This system combines the power of mobility and big data analytics to deliver consistent and expedited results by our network of inspectors. The suite includes a mobile application built on consumer grade devices for the Apple iPhone®, iPad® or Android™ devices.

Safeguard’s Inspections Quality Control suite, which includes INSPI Mobile, INSPI QC and MapAlert®, provides inspectors with the ability to collect property condition data and corresponding photo evidence, AND submit results in real-time from the field. Safeguard’s goal is to drive greater business efficiencies through mobile and data analytics. The Inspections Quality Control suite is a transformative mobile application that has yielded increases in company productivity, vendor productivity and customer satisfaction.
The InformationWeek Elite 100 research tracks the technology-based investments, strategies, and results of some of the best-known organizations in the country. Unique among corporate rankings, the InformationWeek Elite 100 spotlights the power of business technology innovation.

“At InformationWeek, we talk about this as ‘IT Without Borders,’ as we see the best IT leaders tearing down traditional borders to help every department leverage technologies such as data analytics, cloud, and mobility. The 2015 InformationWeek Elite 100 spotlights companies at which IT is not only inseparable from every department, it’s pivotal to every customer experience,” said InformationWeek Editor Chris Murphy.

DS News and MReport share this news.

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 InformationWeek: For more than 30 years, InformationWeek has provided millions of IT executives worldwide with the insight and perspective they need to leverage the business value of technology.  InformationWeek provides CIOs and IT executives with commentary, analysis and research through its thriving online community, digital issues, webcasts, proprietary research and live, in-person events.  InformationWeek’s award-winning editorial coverage can be found at www.informationweek.com.  InformationWeek is produced by UBM Tech.

Safeguard Properties Launches Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center

Posted on by Safeguard

On April 9, Safeguard Properties announced the launch of its new Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center, designed to keep industry professionals current on laws that expedite the foreclosure process for vacant and abandoned properties.

Safeguard Properties Launches Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center
Interactive tool consolidates fast-track legislation and helps industry stay current

Cleveland, April 9, 2015 —As the concept of fast-track legislation for vacant and abandoned properties gains momentum, Safeguard Properties has launched its Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center. The center consolidates various legislation in an easy to navigate, interactive map tool providing industry professionals with a resource to stay abreast of the latest fast-track legislation, along with links to applicable media coverage.

Safeguard Founder and Chairman Robert Klein has long been a leading proponent of the concept of fast-tracking vacant and abandoned properties, bringing the topic to the forefront by fostering meaningful industry dialogue. The Safeguard Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center is another tool to further assist servicers and communities in finding a solution to the vacant and abandoned property issue.

“For 25 years Safeguard has been a leading community advocate within the housing industry. Reducing the foreclosure timeframe for strictly abandoned and vacant properties returns the property to productive use quicker, which benefits neighborhoods and the community as a whole. By making state-by-state fast-track legislative information universally accessible, new doors will open to create even more solution-driven conversations,” said Michael Halpern, Safeguard director of community initiatives, whose department spearheaded the Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center.

The interactive map features states that have enacted, are contemplating enacting, or have expired/inactive fast-track legislation for vacant and abandoned properties.  Information includes a link to the final bill’s text, legislation history, and links to any media coverage of the legislation (if applicable). 

An important component to fast-tracking vacant and abandoned properties is the ability to determine if a property is a candidate for the expedited process. To help with this determination, the center also highlights definitions of “vacancy” or “abandoned” within each piece of legislation.

“We felt it was important for Safeguard to take the lead and invest the time and resources in researching and consolidating fast-track legislation so that it can be easily shared. Lawmakers and business leaders are searching for ways to rebuild communities and our hope is that this tool will be a useful resource to help stabilize at-risk neighborhoods and stem blight,” said Safeguard CEO Alan Jaffa.

Please click here to access the Fast-Track Legislation Resource Center.

Please click the following links for additional media coverage:

HousingWire (4/14/15)
DS News  (4/21/15)
MortgageOrb (4/17/15)

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. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow.  Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

Michael Greenbaum Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

Posted on by Safeguard

Safeguard Properties announced the promotion of Michael Greenbaum to Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Cleveland, April 20, 2015 – Safeguard Properties, the largest mortgage field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce a key executive appointment in the promotion of Michael Greenbaum to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Greenbaum, who had previously served as Vice President of Operations, joined Safeguard in 2010.

As COO, Greenbaum will continue to support Safeguard’s clients and oversee the company’s extensive vendor network. In addition, he will maintain responsibility for operational excellence, driving Safeguard’s internal operations processes and procedures to further increase efficiency, effectiveness and compliance.

“Mike has a proven track record of excellence, partnership and collaboration at Safeguard. He is a valued partner to our clients and has been instrumental in identifying new and innovative operational opportunities and executing on our corporate strategic vision.  We are fortunate to have someone like Mike and I have full confidence in his ability to continue to be a key contributor to the future growth of Safeguard,” said Alan Jaffa, Safeguard CEO.

Before joining Safeguard, Greenbaum held senior management and executive positions with Erico, Accel, Inc., McMaster-Carr and served in the U.S. Army, Ordinance Branch, specializing in supply chain management. He is a distinguished graduate of West Point (U.S. Military Academy) where he majored in quantitative economics.

HousingWire and MortgageOrb share in this news.

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. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow. Learn more at www.safeguardproperties.com.

Safeguard Properties Recognized on HousingWire List of 100 Most Innovative Housing Industry Tech Providers

Posted on by Safeguard

Safeguard Properties Named to 2015 HW TECH100™ List

Company’s MapAlert® solution provides the ability to monitor, manage and protect housing portfolios through visual mapping and analytics

Cleveland, March 11, 2015 — Safeguard Properties, the largest field services company in the U.S., is pleased to announce that it has been named to the  2015 HW TECH100™ list of the 100 most innovative technology providers in the housing industry.

The award, in its second year, received more than 250 entries, with only 40 new companies making the list. This was Safeguard’s first year entering the competition.

“Big data analytics is a natural fit for the mortgage servicing industry. Our clients’ portfolios of residential properties are located in virtually every community in the U.S. It is our mission to provide preservation services and innovative technologies that proactively protect those communities. MapAlert® continues Safeguard’s tradition of investing in technologies that help solve the industry’s most challenging problems,” said George Mehok, Safeguard Chief Information Officer.

MapAlert is a software-as-a-service geographical information system (GIS) designed specifically for residential mortgage companies and real estate asset managers. MapAlert provides the ability to monitor, manage and protect their investments through visual mapping and analytics. In addition, MapAlert’s cloud framework can handle millions of properties and hundreds of analytical variables allowing clients to customize their filters and reports to be as general or as specific as they choose.

“Presenting complex data visually using GIS technology helps our clients’ to make quicker and more effective decisions at the regional, local or community-block level.  By geo- locating millions of properties, and overlaying real-time weather data from the most trusted sources, our clients can immediately assess the impact to their portfolio,” said Amitha Rao, Safeguard AVP of Data Analytics and Client Systems.

Traditionally, it has been very challenging for mortgage servicers to identify properties affected by weather or other types of events that can potentially damage properties. It could take days, weeks or months depending on the scale of the disaster. With MapAlert, the impact of a severe weather event can be assessed within minutes allowing for preservation activities to be dispatched with greater precision.

“This year we were struck by the level of innovation we saw, with 40 new additions to the HW TECH100. That speaks to how much change is taking place in the mortgage industry overall right now; we’re seeing a lot of market disruption, and technology providers are clearly taking advantage of the opportunity that creates,” said Jacob Gaffney, HousingWire Executive Editor.

For more information on MapAlert visit Safeguard’s website.

Please click here to view the full 2015 HW TECH100™ 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 Safeguard Technologies: Safeguard Technologies provides specialized IT services with a focus on field services solutions such as property management, inspections, workforce scheduling, data analytics and workflow routing. Our integrated software platform provides clients with end-to-end automated mobile field data allowing them to turn this data into actionable results, lower their operating costs and ensure regulatory compliance. As an independent technology company of Safeguard Properties, we’ve leveraged our 25 years of experience building field services technologies for the mortgage banking industry to deliver a proven product for companies managing remote assts. At Safeguard Technologies, Information = Results™. www.safeguardtec.com

About HousingWire: HousingWire is the nation’s most influential industry news source covering the U.S. housing economy, spanning residential mortgage lending, servicing, investments and real estate operations. Winner of numerous awards, including a 2012 Eddie Award for national editorial excellence in the B2B Banking/Business/Finance category, HousingWire has been recognized for excellence in journalism by the Society of Business Editors and Writers, the American Society of Business Press Editors, the National Association of Real Estate Editors, and Trade Association Business Publications International. Learn more at http://www.housingwire.com. 

About the HW TECH100™: The HW TECH100™ highlights the housing economy’s 100 most innovative technology companies, along six unique dimensions of innovation. The annual awards program is the only program of its kind to include technology serving both the U.S. residential real estate and U.S. residential mortgage industries.