02/16/2022
Look back, remember where youβve been, how difficult the journey was to get here and drop a gem of kindness and encouragement plus a sprinkle of love & light onto those that come into the field behind you. RIP Carol Ray ππ½ππ
It was 2007 the first time Carol Ray and I would meet. We were both at the NNA Conference in Los Angeles, and NotaryAssist software was making its debut to the world. Up until this point, we had sold a handful of CDβs. Yep, CDβsβremember those? We were newbies, rookies, we were flying by the seats of our pants, completely unsure how this would go!
We met and spoke to so many Notaries that weekend, one of which was Ms. Carol Ray!
A short while after that initial meeting, Carol reached out to me about NotaryAssist.
To our wonderful surprise, this Professional Notary, who taught Notaries was impressed! She had been using it for herself and expressed how much it had helped her, going so far as to say βour community needs this! I BELIEVE in you and the potential you CAN and WILL do with this!β
Well, WOW! Because of that call, Her believing in us, we began to believe in us!
From that day forward, it was Carolβs words and unwavering loyalty that would help carry us throughout the years. She saw something that we could not see. But when she shined her light so brightly upon it, we were able to see it too.
I'll never forget the day of Laura Biewerβs first ever Notary Symposium in Modesto, California where Carol and I spent a fun-filled, exciting day together with Laura and others juggling roles, from room setup, welcome table, name tag issuers and then of course speakers. Attendees were captivated by her energy and absorbed her wise and inspirational words like a sponge. With grace and precision, she carefully conveyed her message to each of us: maintain the utmost professionalism, and never neglect the importance of the transaction, and you will stand out as a Loan Signing Agent professional.
This was Carol.
Carolβs mission as a professional was clear: to provide accurate and quality info so that every student would succeed. She had spent many years specializing in escrow, and she taught her students exactly what was needed to stand out to the officers and their clients. She absolutely loved everything Notary! Her truest passion was to inspire others to maintain a level of service that goes above and beyond. πππ πππ πππ ππππ π ππππππ, she reminded her students. π»ππ ππππ πππ π
π ππ πππππππππ ππππππππ. πππ πππ an intracule πππππ ππ πππππ πππππππππππ. She instilled these fundamentals of the Loan Signing Agent professionalism for her students. This, she said, is the doorway to many opportunities.
Wife. Mother. Advocate. Beacon. Passionate. Pioneer. Teacher. Businesswoman. Supportive Colleague. Friend. Titan. The list of adjectives to describe this woman goes on and on.
Over the years, a beautiful friendship would blossom between us. We spent hours that seemed like minutes on the phone. When she and her students needed help, I did all I could to be there. And she continued to support and endorse our business and services in every way imaginable. Carol was more than a businesswoman and dedicated customerβshe was a true friend. And I am eternally grateful to her. Over the holidays, I received the most heartfelt card from her. I am so grateful to have this keepsake and will cherish it forever.
Carol⦠Words seem so inadequate. Thank you for everything. We could never repay you for all you have done for us. Without the trust you put in us, NotaryAssist would not be where we are today. We were able to grow our grassroots because you helped plant our seeds. Your love, loyalty, and faith was the water that made us bloom.
In honor of our dear friend, letβs do what Carol would do. Please join us in the to pay it forward.
How can you help out a fellow notary?
Consider offering a class. Provide guidance. Take a new notary out for coffee. Support them on social media. Simply ask how you can help.
Every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, leaves such an impact. It is a timeless gift any of us can give. And just like Carol, it can never be forgotten.
Carolβs energy is all around us! Letβs channel it!
Be sure to use on social media. Thank you.
