08/11/2023
Look who is on the August cover of Kent Island Neighbors!
Article:
Michelle Smith of Monarch Makers Mobile Notary Service goes the extra mile for her customers. She meets clients on Kent Island where it is convenient for them – whether going to their homes or in a public place. "That's what sets me apart," said Smith. "When a customer needs a form notarized, I bring my notary service to them. I live on Kent Island and am always nearby and ready to
serve the community.”
A native of North Carolina, Smith moved to Kent Island in 2019 and began planning her mobile notary business. She chose to live in this area because it's a beautiful and serene environment. "I prefer this setting to the hustle and bustle of a noisy big city. I love the small-town feel of Kent Island, and I especially enjoy being near the water. It's the perfect location for my business and lifestyle. The
community has been very welcoming, and there is a high demand for my services. "
With a penchant for the legal industry, Smith is fascinated by the myriad of documents that she carefully reviews and notarizes. "Clients have requested mobile notary services for various document types,” said Smith. “Everything from a bill
of sale for a vehicle or boat and various types of estate documents as well as real estate contracts such as a deed of trust, a quitclaim deed, or a grant deed.”
Smith is quite familiar with the importance of understanding the language in a document. As a United States Department of Veterans Affairs director, she writes policy and is involved with enforcement and compliance. Those skills transfer to
the notary industry. "I serve as an agent for the State of Maryland," said Smith. "The State has thoroughly vetted me, and I am a public official who serves as an official witness to the signing of important documents. I need to fully understand the document's purpose and the required notary service type."
In addition to undergoing a background check, meeting all the training requirements, and becoming certified,
Smith had to seek assistance to market her new venture. “As a first-time business owner, I had to learn all the things that
have to do with setting up a company, from forming an LLC to marketing. I learned how to build a website and promote my
business to potential customers, increasing awareness of what I offer. And I enlisted the services of a business coach who
helped me write a business plan – it’s like a roadmap for my business as it grows. Additionally, I also put together a marketing
plan.” All the necessary prerequisites needed for running a successful business.
More than Deeds & Titles
There is more to being a notary than deeds and titles. While many people have used notary services when selling a car or estate documents, there are other things that a notary can do. Smith works on behalf of different companies to do field inspections. That could mean taking photos of a property or a vehicle to verify
its condition when someone files a claim.
Health-related agencies engage Smith for confirmation that a facility offers the services it promotes. This type of
inspection prevents fraud by verifying that a business has a physical presence and is not simply operating using a Post Office box. "That's how some scammers work – they use a PO Box to collect money, and then they move on to another city without
ever providing the service they advertised."
Employers choose Monarch Makers for employment eligibility verification – the I-9 form that job applicants must complete.
The new employee must present their employer with acceptable documents as evidence of identity and employment authorization. She serves as an employer representative to verify documents and
to determine whether they are genuine and accurate. She is responsible for recording the data on the employee's I-9. She examines the ID – passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate – and certifies that the data is correct.
In her free time, you might find Smith visiting local thrift shops. "I love to patronize small businesses. It's like a treasure hunt: you never know what you might find." She also frequents restaurants
on the island. Seafood is her go-to dish. "I grew up eating fish, oysters, and shrimp. They don't serve crabs much where I
lived in North Carolina. And they certainly don't have any Old Bay! But now that I've learned how to pick crabs, I know how
good the seasoning is. My new favorite is
crab pizza. It's delicious!"
When you need to notarize a document, remember that you don't have to drive across the bridge: Monarch Makers Mobile
Notary Services comes to you.
Contact Michelle Smith at 443-924-6398 or by
email at [email protected].
