The Adventure Crashes...Many Casualties :(

It's 4:30 in the morning, but I need to get some of my thoughts down. For those of you reading this for the 1st time, It's kind of a continuation of my last post, so you may wanna read that first. I've written a lot about my journey in the past 4 months, so forgive me if I copy and paste from time to time.

So I got a job at fortified financial on July 19th. Almost 4 months ago to the day. during my short time there, I was able to get terms for 5 families, and it felt dang good. (plus 1 more AFTER the fact..you’ll understand later) 5 is not a lot, I know, but I felt like I was just getting started, and became an addict... addicted to helping families stay in their homes.

My clients weren’t just clients. They were families. MY families. I loved my families (still do) I found out that by the time I got assigned to them most of my families were plain pissed off because they HADN’T been taken care of the way they wanted. I aimed to earn their trust, and I did. Mostly, anyway. I worked most days from 9 am to 9 pm.

I didn’t get half the training I needed (I know now it was because of the state of emergency the company), but I managed to ask the right questions and get kinda semi-good at what I do, and actually learned how to kick lenders’ butts and actually help some families. Best feeling in the world.

But then, I came to understand that the company was in trouble. The banks were taking way too long to approve mods, and the money just ran out. There were also a lot of clients who still owed fortified half or more of what they agreed to pay us, and on top of that, A LOT of our client's checks bounced, and we didn't find until it was too late.

The next 2-3 weeks were very stressful and nerve-racking. You could literally cut the tension with a knife. The numbers of employees at our weekly meetings were dwindling as people realized that they needed a more steady income.  I was one of the last to jump ship, even after the whole management quit. Call me gullible or just plain stupid, but I believed Dave (my boss) and his plans to keep the company going. When it closed its doors fortified left A LOT families without hope, dangling, and completely on their own. The company also owed me over $1000.00, and I realized that I had been working the last 3 months for free.

That was a Wednesday. I spent the next two days going back and forth between bawling and ranting. And yeah, a lot of my anger was towards Dave, my old boss. I also spent that time writing tutorials to send to my families…showing them how to handle their own modifications. Many of these people were my friends, and I had made promises to them that I would fight for them until the end. I looked into representing them myself (couldn’t do this, btw. BIG no-no ). But all that was legal was for me to hold their hands and to coach them.

That Friday, (October 29th) I was told of a meeting on Monday. ALL I was told was that a Law Firm (Patriot Law Firm/ ACIB (American Credit Information Bureau) had moved into Fortified’s old office, and were looking to hire.

I researched the heck out of these firms. They’re a 9 year old company with an A- rating with the BBB. I found out that they not only do loan mods, but about a thousand other things to keep people in their homes and/or walk people through the process of facing harsh reality. I was sufficiently impressed. I showed up at the meeting, nervous and hopeful, and you can imagine my shock when I found that Dave was there. I think every one of us was staring daggers at him. But read on…here’s where it get’s interesting:

My new boss stood up and introduced himself and his management, and what they do, blew us all away. [text removed by idiot author]

[more text removed by idiot author]

 My new boss resisted. ACIB have such a great reputation, and the idea of taking on 1000 angry clients was risky. [text removed by idiot author]

The firm agreed to take on Fortified’s clients for basically the cost it takes to pay us, the processors. Yeah I’d say this is a big risk. [text removed by idiot author]

And oh yeah, they needed processors right away.

But little did I know what was to come. Our task? Salespeople and Processors alike would call all 1000 families and give them this other solution. The conversation would go a bit like this:

"Hi...I'm calling from fortified financial transition team, and I'm calling to tell you what's happened to fortified, and some other solutions that we have put in place for you." It was here that those around us callers would hear a pause. Anywhere from 2 minutes to 45 minutes, MOST of these people would go into a huge angry rant. And most WERE justified. They gave fortified their hard earned money, and didn't receive the outcome that they wanted/needed.

I heard everything in the next few weeks. From threats of lawsuits to press conferences, to smearing nasty stuff all over the net, to cuss words I'd never even heard before, to being told "you better hide your money young lady cuz I'm comin' after it!". There were threats to go find Dave at his home and do who knows what to him. Yup some were death threats to him. There were personal threats to me and my integrity, and some are trying to name me in their lawsuit.

The sad ... very very sad part, was they were sooo angry that a good 80%-90% of the people couldn't see past that anger to recognize the opportunity we were giving them to save their home. ACIB was waiving their fee of $3500 and just charging the cost to pay us processors. $250/month with the goal of us getting them finished in 2-3 months. But all they thought they heard was Dave was really the evil genius masquerading as ACIB, and was scamming them out of more money. Wow. I had no idea how deep anger and hate, pure HATE, could go.

I came home emotionally exhausted every night, some nights bawling...not because of the things that were said to me, but that these people were letting their hate stop them from getting the help they so desperately needed. Here are some excerpts of one of the emails I had sent:

"Thanks so much for talking to me today. I know you didn't have to. I really appreciate it. I know you don't trust Fortified, and don't know me from Adam. I understand your anger, and encourage you to do what you need to do to get justice.

"But after the anger, after the ranting and raving (believe me, I did that too) you STILL need some sort of solution out of your hardship. That's where I want to help.

T"he company I'm working for is..." yadda yadda yadda...

"They have NOTHING to do with Fortified. I’m a kick-ass processor that could’ve had my pick of any other company out there. (ok, so I exaggerated a tiny bit...sue me) I chose ACIB because they were willing to take on Fortified’s clients. It makes me so sad that people can’t separate the two companies.

"So, yeah do your research, and even if you choose NOT to take this offer, please PLEASE get someone else to help. I don’t even care who. The banks are brutal. Honestly, after calling angry people for two weeks, I just want you to be able to take back control, any way that you can. Please don’t let your anger for a sunken company detour you from saving your home."

Side note here...there were only a handful of us left by the end, and we all got to know each other very well. [text removed by idiot author]

[even text removed by idiot author]

Brings us to yesterday. Silly me, took my first day off like, EVER, on Tuesday, and apparently I missed all the fireworks. The D.R.E (Division of Real Estate...AKA The rule-makers in this business...their motto states on their website, "The mission of the Utah Division of Real Estate is to protect the public and promote responsible business practices through education, licensure, and regulation of real estate, mortgage, and appraisal professionals.") Anyway, they came in with a Cease and Desist order and took all the files and shut everything down. Even though we had cleared everything through them first, got the go-ahead, kept them in the loop, everything.

[text removed by idiot author]

So I'm sitting there, in a meeting, hearing all of this for the 1st time (while everyone else had already known for a day...typical Jeni) and I was very emotional. I sat there with my "don't cry...don't cry" face the whole time (for those that don't know me, it's not a pretty site). Then they told me that the D.R.E. SPECIFICALLY asked for/about me. Nice.

So one of the people I talked to or emailed used what I said to help the DRE shut us down. That about did it. I excused myself, went back to my little cubby and sobbed.

[text removed by idiot author]

But right then all that was going through my head were names. April. Danny. Trent. Kip. Jenn. Tonya. Shawna. Chris. Darleen. Chris. Patty. Luis. (yup I've changed the names on here...I'm paranoid about the DRE now) On and on. People I had made promises to that I'd fight like hell to help them however I can. Again. Déjà vu. Knowing I can't keep that promise yet again, is killing me.

That's pretty much it. Tired of writing about it. Tomorrow I'll go get this other job, thanks to [text removed by idiot author]

How I got my job

Lots of people have been asking about my new job, and I thought it'd make a heck of a story, so here goes:

A few weeks ago I saw a job opportunity that looked promising. Because they were needing to hire several people, my future boss was doing a couple of  big group interview/job overview meetings. So I got dressed up in my best "hire me" outfit, and went to the meeting. 

Right away I did a headcount. 22 of us. The ad said he needed 15-20 people and this was just 1 of 3 group interviews. Uh oh. 


So the company is Fortified Financial in Lehi. They/we help people who have had hardships modify their loans so they're able to keep their homes. My boss needed processors--people who would take on families, take care of them, "hold their hands" through the process, call lenders, work the system, keep the ball rolling, and get these families the peace of mind knowing that they can keep their home. And...once we were trained, we could choose to work from home.


I knew I wanted this job. In a way I had been training for it for years, with all my failed attempts at MLM's. I knew how to talk to people, how to make them feel at ease; I knew about red tape, and about what it takes to get through it. Except...these were ALREADY paying customers! They were already "sold" on our product. It would be my job to take care of them from there. I could sooo do this!


After the overview, they took us back individually for interviews. This is where things took a turn for the worst. For some reason, I either forgot how to breath, or was hyperventilating, or a combination of both...and I stuttered and gulped a lot. None of these bode very well for a candidate who would be spending 90% of the job talking on the phone. I tried to explain to my interviewer, Becka, that I was EXTREMELY nervous, and that my speech was much better normally. I thanked her and made my escape before I could do any more damage. 


On the way home, telling my hubby about it just confirmed my desire I had. I had applied for countless other jobs, but THIS was the one I wanted.

When we got home, my hubby suggested we pray as a family. We did so, and as we finished, Kyler my 10 year old gave me a hug and said, "Mom...I KNOW you're gonna get this job...because I have faith." And he did.
 
I then felt impressed to email my would-be boss. This is what I wrote:

Hi David,

 

Thanks so much for meeting with all of us today. You and your conpany do great things, and I can tell that you really care about the families that you serve.

 

By the way, I'm Jeni, I sat closest to you in the 11:00 meeting. (you may remember me because of my wiggles) Just a FYI: I have Cerebral Palsy, and because of this, I get judged a lot by first appearances, which in turn, doesn't bode very well for me when I'm looking for a job.

 

That said, I never have let my disability get in the way of what I want. I want to express to you my desire to be part of your company. I have had extensive experience working at home and with a miryad of different clients.I will learn very quickly, work very hard, and do whatever it takes to help these families keep their homes.

 

Thanks so much for your consideration,

Jeni Roper

As the days went by, I felt anxious and nervous. I think I lost 10 pounds for lack of eating. But my Kyler kept me strong by asking every few hours, "did they call yet?" Then with a smile, "They will, and they will hire you because of my faith."

I knew that they were starting training on the next Monday, so I'd have my answer soon. Then, I did. 

"We're sorry, but the position has been filled."

WHAT? Oh jeez! I was crushed. But it was when I thought about having to face my Kyler...that's when I fell apart. I fell to my knees and pleaded with my Heavenly Father for understanding. I got up, went to my computer and typed out another email:

Hi Dave,

 

I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to meet with me. I understand your decision, but I stand by my guns that we could have made a good fit.

 

I honestly thought I was getting this job, that's how connected I felt to it. (I've never written an "after rejection" email) No one would have worked harder for you....but more importantly for your families.

 

I would have made it work. I would have built rapport. I would have taken care of my families. I wouldn't have given up. I would have closed files. And your record holder would have competition.

 

I wish you the best,

Jeni Roper

This was Friday. For some reason I felt like I shouldn't give up. It could have been denial, I suppose, but honestly I couldn't tell my son yet.


So Monday morning, I got up, showered, got dressed for work, and composed another email:

Hi again Dave,

 

Okay, okay, I'll give you one more chance to hire me. If you're still afraid of me, I'm fine with starting with less files than everyone else to prove to you I can do this. Seriously, what do you have to lose? (I think I've proven to you that I'm relentless...*grin*)

 

But you better hurry up and call me...doesn't training start today? I'm ready to go...just waiting on you!

 

Good luck!

Jeni Roper

 About an hour later, I receive this in my email...it was just one line:

Jeni-If you still want the job, come in ASAP.

Holy Cow! I ran and grabbed Kyler and told him 1st. Then I told the rest of my family, and we knelt in a prayer of thanks. I know it was because of the faith of my Ky that I got this job.

I hurried to work, and when there was a break, I thanked Dave for giving me a chance. His response? 

"Well I had to. I admire your tenacity."

So that's how I got my job. And three weeks later, I'm still lovin' it...I still know that this is where I'm supposed to be.
 

Long Time Blank

Hi guys! Miss Sporadic here. New goal: write everyday. 'Nuff said there.

So I just read Michael McLean's book (and CD) M2B:) (Mission to Be Happy) Blew me away! It hit me dead-center. I had no idea that he has clinical depression. Wow. And he shares this with us so openly and freely, as he turns it into a strength. Lot to think about.

The happiness thing...gotta work on that. Weeee! Thus the writing everyday, because writing used to make me happy. But I'm rusty, so don't judge. Or, go ahead and judge.

Oh yeah...I'm grateful for my wonderful, eternal family. I really really am.