Books and Publishing, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Taxes and Accounting

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Shares How to Avoid Living in Your Kid’s Basement When You Retire

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In his compact new book, "The Mindset of Retirement Success: 7 Winning Strategies to Change Your Life" (ISBN: 978-0999641408), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Rodger Alan Friedman, delivers blunt advice to anyone who has been putting off retirement planning.

Friedman's new book is meant to provide the attitude change recalcitrant savers need to start saving now so they won't get caught short when their paychecks inevitably stop coming.

"There is a staggering amount of information available on preparing for retirement, so a lack of information is not the problem. Rather, it is putting that information to good use, and that is all about what you are willing to do and your mindset. This is what the book is all about," says Friedman.

"The Mindset of Retirement Success" consists of seven chapters each containing action steps. Chapters include: Retirement Issues You Will Face; Are You Willing To Do What Is Necessary?; Visualize Your Ideal Retirement; Hold Yourself Accountable; Don't Go It Alone, Assemble a Team; Set Higher Goals and Get Started Now.

In his book, Friedman writes: "Becoming aware of the potentially severe consequences if you do not make planning and investing for retirement a priority is a great first step. I doubt you would look forward to being a greeter at a big box store in your golden years. ... Most definitely, you do not want to end up in your sister's basement, or worse, your kids' basements because you failed to plan and then ran out of money. Explaining to your future granddaughter why you live in her basement is not a conversation you will eagerly anticipate. You will either have a plan for your future, or you will reluctantly be part of someone else's plans for you."

Friedman can talk about:
* Five major risks you face, as you get closer to retirement.
* The importance of paying yourself before you pay your credit card debt, bills or car loans.
* The advantages of having an accountability buddy and a team to have your back.
* Five actions to take to get started now.

The book is available at all major book sellers, including Amazon at: http://a.co/ecVzExo

About The Author:

Rodger Alan Friedman is a chartered retirement planning counselor and financial advisor with more than 30 years' experience in the industry. Friedman is a former senior vice president-wealth management and senior investment management consultant with Morgan Stanley. He is also the author of "Forging Bonds Of Steel: How to Build a Successful and Lasting Relationship with Your Financial Advisor" and "Fire Your Retirement Planner You: Concise Advice on How to Join the $100,000 Retirement Club."

Learn more at: http://www.rodgeronretirement.com/.

Praise for The Book:

"Rodger does a fabulous job pointing out that we, ultimately, are the ones who have to push ourselves to plan for our future or we only have ourselves to blame." - Mel Robbins, CNN commentator and internationally bestselling author.

"This practical book gives you a step-by-step process to help achieve financial independence and organize your life so you can enjoy your dream retirement." - Brian Tracy, bestselling author

Disclaimer: Raymond James, the book author's broker/dealer, is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the opinions of Mel Robbins or Brian Tracy.

The book is published by Rodger on Retirement Publishing, a division of Forging Bonds of Steel, LLC.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rodger Alan Friedman
(844) 3MY-PLAN
Rodger@RodgeronRetirement.com

AVAILABILITY: Washington, D.C. metro area, nationwide by arrangement and via telephone.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0118s2p-mrsbook-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Front cover, "The Mindset of Retirement Success: 7 Winning Strategies to Change Your Life" by Rodger Alan Friedman.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles

Whiteflash adds bridal designer A.JAFFE

HOUSTON, Texas -- Whiteflash Inc., international retailer of ideal diamonds and designer engagement rings, announced today that they have been chosen to become authorized resellers for A.Jaffe, the iconic American bridal designer with a 125 year heritage.

A.Jaffe has a rich history as one of the most celebrated designer brands, dating back to Abraham Jaffe's founding of the company in 1892. Through the Jazz Age and Art Deco period, through two world wars and into a new millennium, A.Jaffe has maintained a position in the upper echelon of bridal design. Such staying power is only possible by dedication to quality, service, innovation, and a keen design sensibility that evolves with the times.

Whiteflash welcomes the opportunity to introduce their discriminating diamond clients to another fine option in their select portfolio of the finest bridal brands in America. Customers for A CUT ABOVE(R) super ideal diamonds will now be able to select styles from A.Jaffe, in addition to those of Tacori, Verragio, Simon G, Ritani, Vatche, Danhov, and Benchmark Rings.

Each A.Jaffe engagement ring requires up to 80 hours to create including extra burnishing, six polishing steps, and construction of each prong by hand. The combination of Whiteflash precision cut diamonds with a finished product of immaculate quality presents consumers an opportunity to create wedding rings of extraordinary quality and beauty.

Whiteflash CEO Debi Wexler had this to say about carrying the line: "Designers like A.Jaffe that have such a long and distinguished reputation in the industry are few and far between. As a relatively young company, Whiteflash is truly honored to be representing the venerable A.Jaffe."

Added Eliezer Eber, company COO, "We are delighted to be able to provide A.Jaffe quality and styling. The clients who find Whiteflash in their quest for the finest precision cut diamonds naturally want the engagement ring to be of elite quality. A.Jaffe delivers that synergy brilliantly."

A.Jaffe designs are now available for purchase in the Whiteflash store and on their-state-of-the-art website serving customers across America and around the world. Any item from A.Jaffe's extensive catalogue can be now be ordered through Whiteflash.

About Whiteflash:

Whiteflash is a top tier retail jeweler specializing in Ideal Diamonds, Designer Engagement Rings and Fine Bridal Jewelry. Whiteflash is developer and sole distributor of A CUT ABOVE(R) Super Ideal Diamonds, considered by trade experts and diamond connoisseurs to be among the finest in the world. They are in-stock, fully vetted with light performance images and video, and available for immediate delivery.

The award winning Whiteflash.com website, described by Kiplinger's Magazine as the "Lord of the Online Rings" enables shoppers the world over to view, compare and purchase top quality diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry in a convenient, secure and information rich environment.

Whiteflash is the first jewelry retailer in the world to attain ISO 9001 certification for total quality management and welcome visitors to their Houston jewelry store located in Sugar Land Town Square.

Whiteflash is a member of the American Gem Society and recipient of the Better Business Bureau 2017 Winner of Distinction Award.

For more information, log onto https://www.whiteflash.com/ or call toll free 877-612-6770.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0117s2p-Whiteflash-A-Jaffe-300dpi.jpg

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Legal and Law

Continuing Its Growth, VLP Law Group Welcomes Partner Debra B. Vernon to the Firm’s Corporate Practice Group

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- VLP Law Group LLP is pleased to announce that Debra B. Vernon has joined the firm's Corporate Practice Group as a partner based in the San Francisco Bay area.

An experienced corporate and securities attorney, Ms. Vernon advises founders, companies and investors on legal issues faced throughout all stages of growth. She specializes in startup formation and capitalization, financings, corporate venture, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and corporate governance. Ms. Vernon also serves as a strategic advisor to executives and corporate boards. She has successfully negotiated, documented and closed hundreds of transactions, including numerous cross-border investments.

Ms. Vernon is a mentor at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and for the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship - Caribbean. She is also a founding board member of two nonprofit organizations focused on gender equity, the Athena Alliance, whose mission is to increase the number of women serving on corporate boards, and LabGirls STEM Initiative, which hosts events that foster girls' interest in science and technology.

"Debra is an outstanding corporate and securities practitioner and we are thrilled to welcome her to VLP," said Christopher La Chance, Chair of the firm's Corporate, Emerging Growth Companies & Venture Capital, Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities & Capital Raising Practice Groups.

"VLP's highly-regarded Corporate Practice Group continues to thrive and expand, and the addition of an attorney of Debra's caliber brings yet further distinction and breadth to the service capabilities of our firm," added Mr. La Chance.

"I am excited to join VLP, which has a rich history and legacy in the legal community in Silicon Valley," said Ms. Vernon. "The firm's work with startups and emerging growth companies has been central to technology development for years and I look forward to continuing my work with entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology."

Prior to joining VLP, Ms. Vernon was a corporate lawyer at global law firm DLA Piper LLP. She began her career in the corporate group at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

About VLP:

Founded in 2008, VLP is a business and transactional law firm that delivers top quality legal services from experienced attorneys through an efficient platform. The firm has a broad practice, reaching across many industry sectors, including high tech, life sciences, clean tech, retail, consumer products, edtech, and real estate. VLP has continued its strong growth, and is made up of noted attorneys with significant experience who believe VLP's unique, client-oriented model is the best platform for their practice. Our partners are regularly recognized by their peers as outstanding attorneys, and the firm has been recognized as a top company for its promotion of quality of life in the workplace.

VLP partners represent clients that vary in size from individual executives and early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies. Our clients include public and private corporations, venture capital investors, private equity funds, educational institutions and companies, nonprofits and individuals. We provide general corporate, licensing, contract, intellectual property protection and counseling, securities regulation, financing, merger and acquisition, real estate, commercial lending, tax, employment and other legal services.

More information: https://www.vlplawgroup.com/.

*PHOTO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/18-0117s2p-Debra-Vernon-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Debra B. Vernon has joined the VLP's Corporate Practice Group.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Education and Schools, Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Sports and Activities

Nation’s Best Track Stars Head to Semi-Finals of 44th Annual Colgate Women’s Games

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- From an initial field of thousands, some 445 girls and young women from elementary school through college and beyond, have scored points to earn a spot in the semi-finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games Track and Field Series. From Georgia to Massachusetts, these gifted young competitors include some of the nation's top-ranked athletes in their events and divisions.

In the High School Division Friday:
- Sprint sensation Iantha Wright of Queen's Collegiate won the 55M, setting her own personal record in a fast 7.02.
- Hurdles champion Sophia Meyers of Queens High School of Teaching, finished undefeated with a win in 8.08, her fastest time of the series.
- In the 200M, Maya Cheatham of Queen's Young Women's Leadership School, won in 25.41. Chatham climbed all the way from 8th place at the first prelim to win with her personal best and the fastest time by anyone in the series so far.
- In the 400M, Jasmine Douglas Grant of Stroudsburg, PA crossed the tape in 58.37, with Brooklyn's Daniella Griffith of Medgar Evers College Prep, a close second in 58.75.
- New Jersey Junior Olympic Champion Athing Mu of Trenton High School scored another double win, with victories in the 800M (2:16.48) and the1500M (4:50.01).
- New York's Mariam Cisse of Promise Academy II, won the shot put with her season's best toss (11.79M).
- Brooklyn's My'Khiyah Williams of Benjamin Banneker cleared the high jump bar at 5'4" for the win.

In the Mid School Division Saturday:
- In the 55M and 200M, four-time record holder Avery Lewis of Wesstown School, PA finished another perfect season with another double win in (7.13) and (25.58).
- Hurdles champion Peyton Rollins of Andrews MS in Medford, MA finished undefeated with another personal best (8.25).
- In the 400M, Simone Kelly of Wissahickon MS in Ambler, PA remained undefeated with her win in 59.48, also a personal record. Eyota Bey of Cedarbrook MS in Wyncote, PA finished a close second in 59.68.
- In the 800M, New Jersey's Maameyaa Nyinah of Woodbridge MS scored an upset victory over last season's reigning champion Alina LaForest with a victory in 2:19.18. LaForest of Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester, PA finished a very close second in 2:19.41.
- Brooklyn's Rainn Sheppard of MS 313 heads to the semi-finals undefeated after her first place in 4:46.95.
- Rowan Houston of Rye Country Day School cleared the High Jump at 5'2"
- New Jersey's Melissa Aymil of Mendham, MS, remained undefeated in the shot put with a personal best toss of 11.34M.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint thanked all parents and coaches for their dedication, and encouragement throughout the preliminary meets. "We're so thankful to share in the privilege of helping your children discover and develop their abilities. To all those who are not semi-finalists, please know that each of you share in the success of our entire series, and we hope you've had a positive experience and will continue to pursue your academic and athletic goals," she said.

While the Colgate Women's Games have produced hundreds of national champions and boast 26 Olympians as alumnae, Toussaint says the Colgate Women's Games were founded to reach and impact the many thousands who don't draw the spotlight at the finish line.

"Countless participants who aren't making sports headlines are enjoying individual achievements that build self-esteem that will continue to have a positive impact throughout their lives," Toussaint said.

On Saturday, event officials paused to recognize one such special student that represents the thousands who are encouraged by a teacher, coach or parent to participate simply to learn to challenge themselves an atmosphere of friendly competition.

Eleven year-old Isabel Slippen of Pierre Van Cortlandt MS, Croton-on-the-Hudson, NY, first joined as an Elementary A competitor, and despite never earning points to move ahead to the semi-finals continued to return each week every year through mid school, where she still competes in the 800M and 1500M races. Officials noticed long ago how after her race, Isabel found her way to other competitors in her heats to offer congratulations with a handshake, high five or friendly hug and words of encouragement.

While many were brought to tears by the impromptu honor, Slippen herself seemed stunned. Toussaint said, "Isabel's kind spirit comes so naturally, and her friendly ritual is so genuine; her selfless encouragement and happiness for others' success is truly what we strive for at the Colgate Women's Games."

Saturday's emotional highlight was even more special with a surprise visit by founder Fred Thompson, who was pleased to watch his 44-year legacy still breeding this kind of success.

Results for all other divisions are available at colgategames.com, where a complete list of semi-finalists will appear on the home page on January 19, 2018.

Semi-finalist will compete on Saturday, January 27, 2018 to determine finalists who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday, February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at http://www.colgategames.com/. Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at colgategames.com or via email colgategamestix@gmail.com

*PHOTO 1: Send2press.com/300dpi/ 18-0116s2p-Isabel-Maria-300dpi.jpg
Photo 1 Caption - Mid school student Isabel Slippen of Hudson, NY shown with her mom Maria, was recognized for exemplary sportsmanship as officials noticed a long standing friendly ritual of encouragement of others after each race since joining as an elementary A competitor, at the final preliminary meet of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games held at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY this weekend.

*PHOTO 2: Send2press.com/300dpi/18-0108s2p-wright-white-300dpi.jpg
Photo 2 Caption - Sprint champion Iantha Wright of Queens Collegiate wins the High School 55M In 7.02; her personal best; at the final preliminary meet of the 44th annual Colgate Women's Games this weekend at Pratt institute, Brooklyn, NY.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles

Mortgage Capital Trading COO Phil Rasori Scheduled to Speak at the Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT), a leading mortgage hedge advisory and secondary marketing software firm, announced that its COO, Phil Rasori, will be speaking on a panel session at the MBA's 2018 Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 being held at the Ritz-Carlton in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Session Title:
FINRA 4210: Developing Strategies and Finding Opportunities

About the Session:
The deadline for implementation of new FINRA margin requirements on mortgage bankers is fast approaching. And while there are numerous operational and legal hurdles to ensuring compliance, there also exist opportunities to improve efficiency and cash flow. In this session, participants can explore how the new margin rules will interact with their pipeline and MSR hedging strategies, as well as develop innovative responses to the rules that also improve their bottom line.

Time:
Wednesday, January 24
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location:
Talbot Ballroom D
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Speakers:
Philip Rasori
COO and Principal
Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT).

Phil Rasori is the Chief Operating Officer and a Principal at Mortgage Capital Trading. Mr. Rasori has over fifteen years of experience in capital markets operations serving lenders in the residential mortgage banking industry. At MCT, he manages the company's day-to-day operations and a team of over 100 employees dedicated to providing hands on support and coaching to clients. Mr. Rasori is the principal architect and developer of MCT live, MCT's online capital markets platform which has been recognized as Mortgage Technology's Release of the Year and one of Housing Wire's Top 100 technology platforms.

Al Qureshi
Managing Director, Analytics
Incenter, LLC

Al Qureshi as Incenter's Managing Director of Analytics, Al Qureshi leads our MSR, securities and whole loan analytics and risk management platform. Al has broad and deep technical expertise including the design of sophisticated valuation, hedging and risk modeling to support client risk management and compliance objectives, capital commitment and enhanced economic outcomes. Al brings almost 20 years of experience in mortgage and capital markets to the Incenter senior management team. Immediately prior to joining the company he served as Head of Mortgage Servicing Hedging and Hedging Analytics at U.S. Bank. He has also held MSR, Analytic Hedging appointments at JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, and Diamondback Capital.

An archived webinar on MCT's along with additional information on MCT's website breaks down what the FINRA 4210 mark to market rule means for lenders. Visit: https://mct-trading.com/what-finra-4210-mark-to-market-rule-means-for-lenders/. The company will be holding meetings with interested companies at the conference. Contact MCT to arrange a discussion time at (619) 543-5111.

About MCT:
Founded in 2001, Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT) has grown from a boutique mortgage pipeline hedging firm into the industry's leading provider of fully-integrated capital markets services and technology. MCT offers an array of best-in-class services and software covering mortgage pipeline hedging, best execution loan sales, outsourced lock desk solutions, MSR portfolio valuations, business intelligence analytics, mark to market services, and an award-winning comprehensive capital markets software platform called MCTlive! MCT supports independent mortgage bankers, depositories, credit unions, warehouse lenders, and correspondent investors of all sizes.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, MCT also has offices in Philadelphia, Santa Rosa, Los Angeles and Dallas. MCT is well known for its team of capital markets experts and senior traders who continue to provide the boutique-style hands-on engagement clients love. For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Joe Bowerbank
Profundity Communications, Inc.
949-378-9685
jbowerbank@profunditymarketing.com

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Advertising and Marketing, Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Electronics, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

MAG Instrument and Maschmedt and Associates collaborate on marketing of MAGLITE products in Western US

ONTARIO, Calif. -- MAG Instrument Inc. has inked a manufacturer's representative agreement with Maschmedt Group, a full service sales and marketing firm, to greatly increase its reach in the critical retail sectors of sporting goods and hardware. The deal is expected to boost sales of MAGLITE(R) products in these sectors especially in the Western United States where Maschmedt & Associates concentrates its efforts.

The strategic timing of this alliance is ideal, given the impending introduction of new MAGLITE(R)-branded products that are well suited to drive increased market share in the flashlight and accessories sections of the sporting goods and hardware retail sectors.

"This is a great opportunity for Maschmedt & Associates to represent a globally recognized brand - MAGLITE - and increase the success of both organizations," said Tony Maglica, founder, president and CEO of MAG Instrument, Inc.

Maschmedt & Associates has decades of experience in increasing sales for an A-List of companies in the hardware and sporting goods sectors and prides itself on the dedication of its salesforce to the goals of its clients. Maschmedt focuses on the Western United States and is active in 17 states including: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming

"We are really pleased to have forged this strategic alliance with the iconic MAGLITE(R) brand - an alliance that will help a great American company to reach its goals," said Don Maschmedt, CEO, Maschmedt & Associates.

About Mag Instrument:
Mag Instrument is the epitome of the American dream and is dedicated to the highest standards of integrity. Each Mag Instrument flashlight represents a culmination of decades of research, development and continuous state-of-the-art refinement in every precision feature.

Mag Instrument is proud to be a U.S.A. manufacturer. Each flashlight is a result of an obsession with fine engineering, craftsmanship and a commitment to perfection. Founder, owner and president Anthony Maglica has guided his company's growth from a one-man machine shop in 1955 to an enterprise that has proudly employed thousands of American workers since it produced its first flashlight in 1979. Mag Instrument is committed to a performance and a reputation reflecting the very best we can achieve.

For more on Mag Instruments go to: http://maglite.com/

# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lou Desmond
for Mag Instrument, Inc.
+1-951-258-6466
lou@dandlpr.com

*LOGO for Media (MAGLITE): Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0907s2p-maglite-logo-300dpi.jpg

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Software

Record Year for Cloudvirga Closes with Customers of Its Digital Mortgage Platform Producing Over $100B in Loan Volume

IRVINE, Calif. -- Cloudvirga(TM) CEO Michael Schreck is on a mission to help mortgage lenders reinvent the mortgage factory. A developer of intelligent mortgage point-of-sale platforms, Cloudvirga gives consumers and loan officers a digital mortgage experience and helps lenders grow market share by automating the mortgage back office, saving them up to $1,500 a loan.

2017 was a banner year for Cloudvirga. In November, the company announced the addition of five top-30 lender customers to its digital mortgage platform, and it added a sixth top-30 lender in December. Together, these customers produced over $100B in loan volume in 2017.

"We are proud to have earned the support of the industry's leading lenders," said Schreck. "We believe their trust is indicative of Cloudvirga's unique mission to offer customers a response to Rocket Mortgage while also attacking the serious cost problems involved in producing a loan."

Also in 2017, Cloudvirga raised a $20M Series B led by Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX) portfolio company Incenter. To date, the firm has raised over $27M in total funding to scale its enterprise-class technology and invest in vendor partnerships, including a recently announced integration with Docutech, the industry's leading provider of document and compliance technology.

Cloudvirga hired Schreck, a veteran tech entrepreneur and former Altisource (NASDAQ: ASPS) senior executive, as its new CEO in June. The firm's previous CEO, co-founder Bill Dallas, continues to advise Cloudvirga as chairman of its board of directors.

Since then, Schreck has overseen several high-profile additions to Cloudvirga's leadership team, including the appointment of former ShiftPixy (NASDAQ: PIXY) CFO Stephen DeSantis as chief financial officer; former Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU) and First American (NYSE: FAF) executive Jim Portner as chief product officer; and former Dell (NYSE: DVMT) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) executive Sean McEvoy as chief customer officer.

In December, Cloudvirga co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Kyle Kamrooz received top industry honors as one of HousingWire magazine's 2017 Vanguard Award winners. He was also recognized by National Mortgage Professional magazine as one of the mortgage industry's most influential professionals under 40.

About Cloudvirga(TM):

Cloudvirga's intelligent mortgage point-of-sale (POS) platforms uniquely combine a world-class borrower experience with a truly digital lender platform that radically cuts overall loan costs, increases transparency and reduces the time to close a loan. Founded by top fintech veterans with a track record of building successful mortgage technologies, Cloudvirga's initial customer roster includes nine of the top 40 non-bank mortgage originators. To date, Cloudvirga has raised over $27 million from some of the country's top lenders and venture capital firms.

For more information, visit http://www.cloudvirga.com/ or follow Cloudvirga on LinkedIn.

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Insurance, Real Estate

Smaller Originators Will Follow Top Lenders’ Lead in Making Homeowner’s Insurance Part of the Digital Mortgage, Says Matic CEO

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. -- Integrating homeowner's insurance into the mortgage origination process is a relatively new idea - and one Matic CEO Aaron Schiff anticipates will gain traction in 2018. His firm expects small and mid-sized mortgage operations will follow the lead of several marquee lenders that added homeowner's insurance to their origination workflows last year. Wider availability of cutting-edge digital capabilities like online bind will also make integrated homeowner's insurance more attractive for lenders, Schiff says.

"Large lenders often set the pace for mortgage industry transformation, and 2017 saw several top players integrate homeowner's insurance into their digital mortgage strategy," said Schiff. "We expect to see lender adoption increase as originators of all sizes ask themselves what their digital mortgage experience should look like - and what tasks they could and should automate."

Matic's award-winning technology enables mortgage lenders to provide homebuyers with real-time homeowner's insurance quotes from top-rated national carriers as part of their mortgage origination process. Matic also works with mortgage servicers to help existing homeowners lower their escrow payments by switching homeowner's insurance. Because Matic technology pulls borrower and property data directly from the mortgage lender or servicer, home-buying consumers can avoid manually entering data or guessing how much coverage they need.

"Once shopping for homeowner's insurance has been embedded into the mortgage process, the next step is to offer online bind," Schiff said. "Until recently, binding a homeowner's policy required a phone call between the borrower and the carrier. Now, carriers are supporting online bind through API, allowing lenders to offer this value-add as part of their digital mortgage experience."

"Another key benefit of integrated homeowner's insurance is automated quote comparison between multiple carriers," Schiff added. "This lets borrowers come to the table with lower premiums and better debt-to-income ratios - which means lenders can close more loans. By creating both a distinctive borrower experience and a fuller book of business for loan officers, Matic delivers a competitive differentiator for lenders."

Matic's 2017 milestones included earning the business of major mortgage lenders and servicers such as Freedom Mortgage and Mr. Cooper (formerly Nationstar) and establishing partnerships with more than a dozen of the nation's top-rated insurance carriers, including Nationwide, Progressive and Safeco. Matic also completed significant integrations with premier providers of loan origination software (LOS) and self-service mortgage platforms like LendingQB, PCLender, Maxwell and Roostify.

The company's momentum also helped it attract considerable investor interest in 2017. In September, Matic was one of just six companies to advance to the final round of TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield, the world's pre-eminent startup showcase. Three months later, Matic closed a $7 million Series A funding round.

Matic enters its fourth year of operation as the market leader in lender and servicer distribution of homeowner's insurance. According to Schiff, the company will introduce new products in Q2 that will help lenders close more loans. Internally, Matic has set its sights on workplace inclusivity and is continuing to diversify its leadership team.

About Matic:
Matic is a technology-driven insurance agency focused on helping lenders and loan officers better integrate homeowner's insurance into the lending process. By using loan application information and first-of-its-kind technology, Matic provides homebuyers multiple policy options within seconds, helping loan officers close their loans faster. Matic delivers the most trusted, affordable insurance policies available thanks to its partnerships with a diverse network of insurance carriers. Today's borrowers expect a digital home-buying experience, and Matic gives them the digital insurance experience to match. For more information, visit http://matic.com or follow Matic on LinkedIn.

*LOGO for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0921s2p-matic-insurance-300dpi.jpg

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Software, Sports and Activities

TeamSnap Kicks Off the 2018 Registration Season After Expansion and Record Engagement in 2017

BOULDER, Colo. -- TeamSnap Tournaments debuted with major acquisition of FanApp Events platform

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 16, 2018 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- TeamSnap, the household name in integrated sports management, officially kicks off the 2018 registration season this month following a record year of overwhelming growth across all of its business units.

"After an exceptional 2017 for our team, we are thrilled that more sports clubs, leagues and teams are using TeamSnap than ever before," said TeamSnap CEO Dave Dupont. "With registration for the spring sports season in North America traditionally opening this month, we are looking forward to another amazing year of making sports organization easier for athletes, coaches, administrators and parents."

TeamSnap highlights from 2017 include:

TeamSnap Club and Leagues:
* The TeamSnap Club and League platform grew 69 percent in 2017 - highlighted by 100 percent growth in Q4.
* Overall, there are more than 4,000 clubs and leagues using TeamSnap for their registration, rostering and communications needs.

TeamSnap Teams:
* TeamSnap's leading team management platform grew by 36 percent in 2017 and is now used by more than 1.8 million teams.
* More than 15 million users were registered with TeamSnap in 2017.
* Overall, more than 14 million events were scheduled through TeamSnap in 2017.
* Active users interacted with their team, group or club through TeamSnap an average of once a day in 2017.

TeamSnap Tournament:
* TeamSnap Tournament debuted in June 2017 following the acquisition of the industry-leading FanApp Events platform.
* Hundreds of tournament organizers are already using the turnkey platform to manage registration and scheduling logistics for premier events such as Gus Macker, NCAS Powerade State Games and Triple Play Tournaments.

Additional highlights for TeamSnap in 2017 include raising $25 million in financing led by the Foundry Group in January, the iOS TeamSnap app scoring its highest approval ranking on App Annie's annual list, and the company once again being listed as one of Outside Magazine's Top Places to work.

About TeamSnap:
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, TeamSnap has taken the organization of youth, recreational and competitive sports into the 21st century. Over 15 million coaches, administrators, players and parents use TeamSnap to sign up, schedule, communicate and coordinate everything for the team, the club and the season. TeamSnap makes organizing sports as simple as click, tap and go. For more information, visit: https://www.teamsnap.com/.

###
For additional information, please contact
Greg McIsaac Communications
For TeamSnap
gregmcisaac@yahoo.ca
416-458-3591

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, Insurance

JenCap Holdings LLC to Acquire Genesee General, a Specialty Insurance Business

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- JenCap Holdings LLC (JCH), a specialty insurance business, announced today that it has agreed to acquire privately-held Genesee General, a managing general agency, program administrator and wholesale insurance broker based in Alpharetta, Georgia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2018. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Genesee President Roger Ware has created a leading organization within our industry and we expect it to become a strategic part for our organization as we build a best-in-class distribution platform," said John F. Jennings, President and Chief Executive Officer of JCH. "Genesee and JenCap share a commitment to product development and superb client service."

Genesee General was founded in 1982 and has been led by Roger Ware since 1998.

JenCap Holdings (JCH) was formed in March 2016 by global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group and JCH management to consolidate specialty insurance distribution businesses, including managing general agents, program managers and transactional wholesale brokers. The acquisition of Genesee General is the seventh transaction by JCH since its founding, and places the company among the largest wholesale brokers in the U.S.

Roger Ware, President of Genesee, said, "We wanted a partner who felt the same way about our commitment to clients, employees and carriers and we realized early on that JenCap was the right fit. We are very enthusiastic about the JenCap partnership."

About JenCap Holdings Inc.:
JenCap Holdings is a premier national specialty insurance distribution platform that includes program management businesses, managing general agencies, specialty program underwriters and transactional wholesale brokers. JenCap Holdings has assembled a management team with the sector insight and experience to drive organic growth and strategic acquisitions leveraging technology and advanced data analytics. JenCap Holdings is headquartered in New York.

About Genesee General:
Founded in 1982, Genesee General is a full-service managing general agency and wholesale broker that specializes in commercial insurance products for the excess and surplus lines industry as well as servicing the catastrophe and program business markets.

For more information on JenCap, visit: http://jencapholdings.com/

*LOGO for media: Send2Press.com/wire/images/16-1207s2p-jencap-300dpi.jpg

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.