Michael Greenbaum is the chief operating officer for Safeguard and a seven year member and active contributor of the Property Preservation Executive Forum. He has spent the last 13 years with Safeguard understanding and leading change within the Property Preservation sector, becoming a valued partner to clients by driving innovation and excellence within the industry.
When asked what drives his commitment to his craft and industry, Michael replied:
I like to problem solve. And being a leader of process change in a very disjointed industry. And I love the people that make up the industry. Contractors especially, and thought leaders in the investor shops (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, USDA, VA, and FHA).
What are some insights or at least one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you first started in the industry?
Be patient at times. People want to do what is right, and many entities have separate self-interest and goals, it takes many conversations to understand the different drivers and how to suggest change that has a chance of being implemented.
What is top of mind for you in your business right now? (topic, industry trend, or idea)
A lot. The field force is changing. The environment for local independent contractors is red hot. The expectations for an easy, intuitive software experience is an absolute requirement. This makes us market differently, and has change our communication approach to our field network tremendously. We understand we are 100% of service to vendors or they will go to the next best opportunity. The rest of the industry stays fairly consistent in my opinion. The fundamentals of preserving and protecting homes has remained consistent for the last 30 years.
How has being a member of a trade association resulted in business growth for you?
Being able to participate on panels and providing solutions to clients has lead to many new clients approaching me after the session and let’s me develop a meaningful career long relationship.
What legacy industry impact would you most desire to be known for?
I just want to continue to help the industry by redefining approaches that are sub-optimal—lead to book loss, loss of property, or introduce audit risk to our clients’ shops. At Safeguard, we have developed many programs that get used across the industry: 60 Day to Sale, NYDFS Property Review, FHA Post Sale Impediment Management, Open Order Marketplace for Vendors, Washington and Maine State best practices, etc. We have a couple more ideas in the lab that I’m also very excited about.
What was your favorite experience from this year’s Five Star Conference?
I truly enjoyed the PPEF forum. A bunch of passionate people wanting to be better. That’s my favorite environment.
