21 - From Serving Strippers in California to Expanding his Business to Oregon Mr. Santos tells his story.

Process Server Daily

Michael Santos is a career process server that knows how to tell a good story. He started as a young man in California and has recently expanded to Salem, Oregon where he is pounding the pavement and building the empire similar to what he has accomplished in California. Michael tells of his sad moments when the job can seem too difficult and how he wishes he didn't have to serve a person that was having a hard time but with a sense of duty he gets the job done. Every time. Michael Goes on to tell about his experience trying to get by the bouncer and how he ended up serving a headline stripper using some tough guy tactics that you have to hear for yourself. He tells us about the difference between California and Oregon for building a business and his plans for getting it done. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. You can reach Michael at his information below.

You can read the show notes below:

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started in this industry?

My oldest sister was a process server then ended up starting her own company. When I was 16 or so, I would go out regularly with my brother in law who also was a process server more so just to get out of the house and as such, he taught me the documents, what could be served in what manner, most importantly he taught me my navigational skills, this is back in the day before GPS where Thomas Bros. mapbooks were your co-pilot. So once I turned 18, I was quite able to hit the ground running. So in effect, I have more or less being in this industry my entire adult life and for a bit before becoming an adult.

Tell me about your WORST experience working in the field?

I went to serve a wage garnishment to this travel agency, and when I went in, I served the owner, who also happened to be the sister of the garnishee. I get that quite often and didn't think twice about it. What made this one odd, was the owner asked if she paid the sheriff's office the full judgment amount, would she have to still inform the garnishee of this order. I told her I can't give any legal advice, the law requires you to as it is stated on the order, but if the judgment is satisfied in full, I can't see anyone having any grounds to do anything and then I asked her why would she do that other than if for helping her sister. The owner stated that their mother had just passed away the week prior, and after the services, they were all back at the mortuary, and her father sat down...and died. It was as if his will to live after his wife died only lasted long enough to make sure she was taken care of and then gave up. At the time of service, she had just returned from her father's funeral. It could have been a story, but the look on her face, the tone of voice and body language gave it the ring of truth. I couldn't work anymore that day and wished I could have just shredded that order.

Tell me about your GREATEST experience working in the field?

Every day is a ticket to a new show. The freedom of schedule mostly is what I like most. As to an actual serving experience. I wouldn't call it the greatest experience, but it was without a doubt the funniest. I had the subpoena to serve on a stripper at a strip club. Basically, there had been a fight where big guy beat the snot out of little guy, and she witnessed it and was being called to testify at the civil trial that ensued from the little guy getting mud stomped. I had no desire to go in there, more so I had no desire to go back and back over and over again attempting service which was personal only. So I arrive at the location, I park down the block and I call the club. A man answers and I asked if she was working tonight, being "she's my favorite." The man answer yes, she's on stage right now. I'm like "Awesome" and ended the call. I then go up to the door and the guy taking the entrance fee and I start to talk when I asked for her by name, he notices my clipboard, and answers, she's off tonight. I told him, I know she's here. He responds, she isn't. I said I know she's here, because I just talked to you on the phone, I recognize your voice, and "she's my favorite". The look on his face was a hallmark moment. So he starts with that I have to deal with her on her own time. I tell him, look, we can do this one of two ways. The easy way or the hard way, but one way or another we will be doing it. He asks what the easy way, I said she comes up here dressed in something that would at least be suitable for the beach, I take 30 seconds of her time, and I am gone. He asks what the hard way means. I said I go back to my vehicle, put in a call for a civil stand by from the sheriff's office, being it's Wednesday night about 6pm, probably not much going on and considering where this is, entertainment is where you find it and I wouldn't be surprised if 3-4 units roll here. Do you want the front of your place looking like a first responder's convention? Imagine your customers coming here, pull up, see that, they are going to keep on trucking and how much do you charge per person? Well comprehension struck him finally and he had her come up, I served her, and left. Absolutely priceless.

What are you working on right now that has you most excited?

Recently I have relocated to Salem Oregon and have recently started the process of building a business here in Salem. The differences in the serving industry between California where I had served for 26 years and the 2 years I have been in Oregon are night and day different. I never thought I would say I miss the California court system, but I do. At least the code sections in California are pretty cut and dry, the code sections here in Oregon are exceptionally vague and open to interpretation. That said, I am glad I moved here and wish on hind sight moved here a very long time ago.

___________ Sponsor ____________ Rapid Fire Round What is your favorite skip trace tactic?

I use IRB Search for online skip tracing, for in the field, I talk to neighbors, co-residents, etc.

What is your favorite tool for defense?

Sig-Sauer or H&K, whichever I decide to bring with me. Thankfully I have never had need to use it.

How do you track your Serves? Favorite software?

I have used a variety of different server databases, the one I use right now is WinservePlus from Tristar. The software is a little bit more expensive than others software packages, but like anything, you get what you pay for and the service support has been excellent. I am quite pleased so far.

What book would you recommend? I like Tom Clancy, R.A. Salvatore, and pretty much anything that has to do with history, mostly WWII history. To pick a specific book, I would say "Without Remorse" by Tom Clancy.

What is the greatest advice you've ever received?

Be honest. First time and everytime. If you screw up, own it.

What would you do if you woke up tomorrow, with all of the same skills and knowledge but you didn't know anybody and only had $100, a smart phone, and a car. How would you re-grow your business?

Print some business cards at home, and start canvassing the local law firms, collection agencies, property management companies, and call all the other process serving companies in the area to see who needed a subcontractor. In a way, other than the $100 part, I have done that by my relocation to a new state.

What is your parting piece of advice?

The two biggest skills a server needs to to first, know your navigational skills, how to get from point a to point b, etc as well as know the area you operate in. Next would be learn how to talk with people and not at them. Treat them the way you would want to be treated and that will solve alot of your problems before they escalate.

What is the best way that we can connect with you, and then we can say goodbye?

Our website is www.superiorprocessservers.net which lists our services and contact information.