Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Bergloff.
Hi Sheila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Throughout the years, I’ve always found myself intrigued by entrepreneurs and frequently daydreamed about becoming one myself. Unfortunately, I never had a clear vision of what that looked like because I didn’t know what I could, or wanted, to do. I just knew I had the desire to be my own boss and a desire to be free from the desk I was sitting at. This feeling intensified after I had my children, as I realized others were essentially raising my kids since I only saw them for a short time each day.
I was working at a big bank and had been in the financial and mortgage industry for nearly a decade. During that time, I obtained my notarial commission and gained experience as a notary. However, I was on the path to becoming a financial advisor and was only performing notaries because it was part of the job. As life does, a curveball came, and things changed for me and my family. Although I was grateful for my position at the bank, my husband and I made the decision for me to step away. Surprisingly, I felt a deep sense of peace about it, even though I had no plan. Since I had been envisioning this freedom from the desk, controlling my own time, and starting a business for years, I was truly excited for the change my life was about to take.
On my very last day of work, with no plan in sight, a man walked into the bank right before I was about to leave forever. He was visibly frustrated, saying it had taken him three hours to find a notary. That moment completely changed my life. I felt my ears perk up, and the wheels in my brain started turning. It felt like a God-sent moment, and I couldn’t stop thinking about something my husband had always told me,“When you hear a need and have the skill, fill it.” I realized there was a need in my community, and I actually had this skill.
I didn’t overthink it; I went right to work building my new notary business. Within 48 hours of being listed on Google, I got my first call and have been getting calls ever since.
Now, three years later, I’ve built a business that not only meets a real need in my community but also allows me to contribute to my family while being present for my kids. What started as an unexpected opportunity has turned into a successful, purpose-driven business..
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If you’re not struggling at times while running a business, then you’re not doing something right. Being humble enough to say, “I don’t know,” and having the perseverance to work through challenges is what determines whether you’re in it for the short or the long haul.
When I first started my business, I honestly thought, “This will be easy.” But the reality is, without the background and experiences I gained in the financial and mortgage industries, I don’t think I’d be where I am today; in fact, I know I wouldn’t be. For me, running this business has required me to be so appreciative of the people, skills, and opportunities that came my way in the past; that is what really framed the business owner I am today. I could have walked away from past jobs when things got difficult, but I chose to push through, ask for help, and refine my skills. That ability to keep going, even when things aren’t easy or when you don’t want to, is absolutely crucial to running a business.
Some of my biggest struggles came in the first year and a half of my business. I didn’t know my value, I didn’t realize what all people expected from me, and I learned quickly that I had to shift my mindset from “this is so easy” to “What can I do to learn more?” I wasn’t just signing and stamping documents. I needed to truly listen to my clients and understand what they were looking for from me as a full-service mobile notary service. That’s when my business really started to grow. I took additional trainings, invested in more supplies, asked for reviews and feedback, and pushed through even when I was exhausted.
We’ve been impressed with Notary Pro LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Notary Pro LLC is a mobile notary, specializing in general notary work and real estate signings. I’ve built a strong reputation in my community, earning Best New Business and runner-up for Best Legal Services in 2023, along with consistent five-star reviews.
What sets me apart is my background in the financial and mortgage industries, which allows me to create a smooth, stress-free experience for my clients. I’m able to simplify what can feel like a complicated process while staying efficient and respectful of my clients’ time.
My brand is built around the idea that “getting a notary just got easier.” I offer mobile services that provide a convenient solution for clients with time constraints, mobility challenges, or anyone who simply prefers having a notary come to them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
There’s truly nothing that brings me more joy than watching my kids play together and hearing them laugh. Being able to be present for those moments is everything to me.
Having the freedom and control over my own time has also been life-changing. Not having to ask for permission to take care of my family—whether it’s for a sick day, a doctor’s appointment, or even taking a trip—has brought me tremendous happiness.
I’m also incredibly grateful to God for opening this door for me and my family. When I look back, I can see how my past experiences have prepared me for where I am today, and that perspective gives me a deep sense of appreciation and happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://notarypro.llc
