Connect
To Top

Community Highlights: Meet Derek Brown of Derek’s Notary Service

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Brown.

Hi Derek, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started at a local The UPS Store location as a Notary Public. The owner of the franchise let me know that the Notary certificate was mine and mine alone and can use it outside of work if I choose to. So after hours, I would go to a friend’s houses to Notarize documents for them for their business. I started advertising on Facebook my services and I slowly grew from their. Once the pandemic hit in 2020, the state of Florida started to allow for remote online notary services. I did my online training for the different platforms and the new laws that went along with it. It also included a training for becoming a signing agent. So being able to remotely notarize documents has grown when more.

With my partner owning his own business, ShutterBooth, an events photo booth company, I also decided to offer a service that not many people think about from a notary perspective. Wedding officiant. In the state of Florida it is also viable for a Notary Public to perform Marriages. And honestly, it is one of the most fun perks to be able to do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There’s always challenges. Starting out can always be intimidating. Where will I find clients? Do I need to get in with a real estate company? Do I have to work at a bank? No you don’t have to do those. It’s nice to team up with them, but you have to find your own niche. Something that makes you stand out from the rest. I found just showing support for my local community had been the best.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Derek’s Notary Service is a Mobile and Remote Online Notary service. I have a full mobile office that I can set up anywhere. I specialize in loan signing and events.

What sets me apart from others is being able to connect with clients in a professional level. And when it comes to weddings, being able to connect on a personal level to make the day that much more special.

I’m proud of how much I’ve grown my brand. What it stands for to me. Over coming obstacles and being in the community to show support.

The biggest take away is I hope that everyone knows there is always support for what ever they need. Wether it’s scanning a document, taking a photo, or closing on your first home. There’s always guidance that can be offered.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Derek’s Notary service is owned and operated by an openly gay Army Veteran.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Some images provided by KyMike Photography, DBA ShutterBooth

Suggest a Story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories

  • Community Highlights:

    The community highlights series is one that our team is very excited about.  We’ve always wanted to foster certain habits within...

    Local StoriesSeptember 8, 2021
  • Heart to Heart with Whitley: Episode 4

    You are going to love our next episode where Whitley interviews the incredibly successful, articulate and inspiring Monica Stockhausen. If you...

    Whitley PorterSeptember 1, 2021
  • Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories: Episode 3

    We are thrilled to present Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories, a show we’ve launched with sales and marketing expert Aleasha Bahr. Aleasha...

    Local StoriesAugust 25, 2021