Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Dood.
Hi Lori , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, My name is Lori Dood, Yes, pronounced (Dude) lol. I own Lori Dood Mobile Notary. In August, 2019, I lived in Clearwater, Florida. I decided to get my notary commission after I learned that contractors needed documents, like Notice of Commencements (NOC), notarized for their clients. I was dating a roofer at the time, and for the first few months, only did notarizations for his clients, while getting my real estate license. In the beginning, I did not advertise my services to anyone, although I did open a Google Business account with my name and phone number.
In March, 2020, COVID hit the United States and people were on lock-down and stayed inside their homes. It was very difficult for people to drive anywhere. Soon after, I started receiving calls from people crying and begging me to meet them inside hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes to notarize documents for them, such as, Power of Attorney’s, Wills and their Health Surrogates. It was during those times, that I realized how important those Estate Planning documents were to people. I decided to take the risk and was required to put on the whole Hazmat Suit before I could enter the room. Including the suit, gloves, mask, safety glasses and shoe booties. I was covered from head to toe. I remember my glasses were constantly fogging up. Which was a bit comical while signing and stamping documents. It was during those moments, while standing next to someones bedside, and feeling such enthusiastic appreciation from my client and their families, that I discovered this is what I’m supposed to do with my life . My way to give back to my community and help people during their times of need.
My business began to grow quickly and my phone started ringing everyday. Sometimes every hour! During that time I was contacted by a paralegal from an established Estate Planning Law Firm in Pinellas County. She had many clients who were stuck at home or in a medical facility, and asked if I would meet with them in person at their homes. I said absolutely! With my excellent customer service skills, show of compassion, and my 90 plus 5-star Google reviews, I started getting more and more referrals from satisfied clients and I soon started working with other law offices, contractors and medical facilities, helping their clients. I have served thousands of clients with not only their Estate Planning documents, but also their Real estate transactions, after becoming commissioned as a Loan Signing Agent. I have participated in hundreds, possibly thousands, of real estate closings, Vin verifications and my personal favorite, Wedding Officiating!
In January, 2023. I moved to Lakeland, Florida to be closer to family. I now offer my services in several counties in central Florida including, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, and of course, Orange County, which is where I grew up. I recently became a certified Remote Online Notary (RON) and now can conduct notarizations online to people all over the world. Another favorite type of notarizations for me is the (IPEN) In-person Electronic Notarization. This is where I meet you in person to do a Loan closing, with my laptop or tablet. The client signs the documents with a click of the mouse or electronic pen and the whole process takes only a few moments, saving precious time, ink and paper!! Imagine all of the trees that can be saved.
Yes, I did get my real estate license, which I am very proud of and I am a referral agent with a Brokerage in Lakeland, but I absolutely LOVE being a notary. I meet someone new everyday at many different stages of their life. It could be buying a car or house. Getting married or divorced. Adopting a baby or getting ready for your final Journey home. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this moment in your life. It’s exciting for me. Helping people. Contributing to my community. It’s what I feel passion to do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
COVID was my first obstacle. As I mentioned before, I had to wear the whole Hazmat suit in order to meet with people inside a medical facility. Twice, the family had me come to the hospital where the patient was, but the doctors would not allow me to come inside the room at that time, because of COVID restrictions, and then the next day was too late. It was heartbreaking for both the families and myself. The second struggle came when I decided to move to Lakeland. Essentially, I had to start my business over with marketing and advertising myself. I no longer was at the top of a Google search after I moved. 90% of my calls were from referrals in Pinellas county so I have driven the sometimes 2 hour drive through Tampa, to Clearwater or St. Pete, sometimes daily for the past 2 years. Things are beginning to take a shift for the better and with the current option of doing Remote Online Notaries, I can now save on mileage, gas and wear and tear on my vehicle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I really like about being a Notary is you are not pigeon holed into one category. Some notaries specialize in one area such as real estate closings, Wedding Officiate, Apostille, or Estate Planning and they thrive. Some notaries like myself, do a little bit of every thing. I like the variety. I like that every day is different. A new adventure with someone new. It never gets boring!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t Judge! Be kind, caring and empathetic to people’s situations. We don’t always know what people are going through in their private lives. Sometimes they are going through things they don’t want others to know about. Sometimes they are scared. We are all just people trying to survive on this planet on a daily. A smile, gentle touch, a hug or just a quiet understanding, can go a long way in someones life that may be struggling. Everyones journey is different. There are no two paths, exactly the same. Show some kindness, compassion, and a little love, 💞 isn’t that what we all want?
Pricing:
- $10 per notarization
- $30 to Officiate
- Travel fee depends on distance
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.florida-mobilenotarypublic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loridoodmobilenotary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.dood.mobile.notary
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in lori-dood-93a963142
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lori-dood-mobile-notary-lakeland
- Other: https://g.page/Lori-Dood-Mobile-Notary
