Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Castillo Marshall.
Judy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Carlsbad graduating from Carlsbad High in 1978. During my senior year, I landed a part-time job as a courier for a local Escrow Company. One day, not too much after I started working at the escrow company, the owner asked me for help covering the phones as they were shorthanded. That’s where my lengthy career in the real estate industry began. I worked in escrow for approximately 17 years and then, decided to pursue my Broker’s license. Once licensed, I jumped right in and opened a Real Estate Office in addition to a Mortgage Company. After 17 years of selling, I decided I wanted to do something ‘different’ and decided to retire from real estate.
I returned to school to pursue a law degree (which I had done repeatedly throughout my career) but absolutely hated it. One day, a colleague called me and said she had found herself ‘in a pinch’ and requested my help. Then a client called me and used this same phrase ‘in a pinch’. The third time I heard ‘in a pinch,’ I knew it was a sign.
I decided to open a Company called IN A PINCH. At the time, I did not know what I wanted to do with IN A PINCH but quickly realized what I know is real estate so I looked for something along the lines of real estate and law, I now have an LDA (Legal Document Assistant) license which allows me to assist clients with real estate matters and was considerably different than sales. I now assist Estate Planning Attorneys, Escrow Companies, Lenders AND the general public in preparing real estate documents. IN A PINCH is a low-cost self help legal service which provides a much-needed service in our industry and I am loving every minute of it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a relatively smooth road but it has been a lot of hard work and perseverance. The real estate market/industry is cyclical and there are definitely busy times and also slow times. You need to adjust and learn how to plan for those slow times. Being self-employed has its perks but it also requires discipline and
self-motivation which has probably been my biggest struggle.
Please tell us about IN A PINCH Business Services – what should we know?
IN A PINCH is a self-help legal service specializing in real estate. We are known for our in-depth knowledge of how the industry works. This allows us to provide accurate, effective and enforceable documents in the shortest time possible and for an affordable price.
I am proud to say that we are supported by our peers. Title Companies, Escrow Companies, Real Estate Agents, Lenders & Attorneys! They confidently and repeatedly refer to us. We just celebrated our 10 YEAR Anniversary!!
I believe we have created a unique Company that sets us apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost are the title company representatives, escrow officers, real estate colleagues and people I have worked within the industry over the past 43 years. Without these people, referring to us daily, there would be no company. We do not solicit our services to the general public and our clients typically only require a one-time service so every day we work is because of these people who trust us with their clients on a daily basis.
My husband and my family who have supported, encouraged, tolerated and carried me through all the rough and stressful times while building the business. All of my employees (past and present) who have committed to the business and have implemented new procedures to keep us running smoothly and efficiently. Vista Unified School District Internship Program who has provided us with Interns helping us through the growing stages and now providing us with Interns that are converting into employees!
Contact Info:
- Address: 217 Civic Center Drive, Suite #9
Vista, CA 92084 - Website: www.inapinchonline.com
- Phone: 760.967.1867
- Email: team@inapinchonline.com
- Instagram: inapinchonline
- Facebook: facebook.com/InAPinchBusinessServices/
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/in-a-pinch-business-services-vista-3
Image Credit:
Clarke Surrey Photography
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