Spotlight Feature: Rhonda DePalma's Journey
- March 17, 2010
- by ServeNow.com Staff
Process Serving is a tough business, but where business is difficult, it can be equally as rewarding. Join us as we examine the life and businesses of fellow process servers. Rhonda DePalma of DePalma Process talked with the ServeNow.com staff about her business, outlook on life and her most interesting stories.
How did you get started in the process serving business?
I worked with my mother’s company as a server, office manager and partner for 10+ years, until she semi-retired. My husband and I formed our own agency about 6 years ago.
What is the size of your agency/company?
We’re a small, family-owned business. My husband and I operate the business along with my former husband as our full-time server. It makes for a unique dynamic.
What associations do you belong to?
FAPPS, NJPSSA, IPSA, ServeNow.com
What are the conferences/trade shows you frequent?
We attend the annual FAPPS convention and meetings.
What is the most exciting/interesting thing that has happened to you when you served someone?
One time I was able to help a father get protective custody of his children when serving the mother with an Emergency Notice of Hearing. When I went to serve the mother, she did not answer the door. As it turns out, she was passed out in the bedroom, with someone else in her bed (under the influence of drugs/alcohol). The children were inside without any supervision and were very scared. Ultimately it was a very dangerous situation for them. I was able to get the assistance of law enforcement. When the Sheriff’s Department arrived, they found reason to breach the door in an attempt to make sure the children were safe. The deputies’ report of their findings helped the father prove to the judge that the mother was unfit to care for the children or provide them a safe, stable home environment.
Have you ever served anyone famous?
Yes, local rock stars/musicians; even a multi-billionaire who was very evasive.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
The flexibility to be with my children and to work alongside my husband.
What other types of services do you offer?
Document retrieval, skip tracing, courier services, and notary services.
Do you have any tricks to make sure someone will open the door when serving them papers, such as using disguises or carrying a box of flowers?
I have successfully served evasive subjects by delivering gourmet cupcakes with the legal documents in the same box.
What initially drew you to advertise with ServeNow.com?
The format, presentation and good exposure on the Internet.
What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning in the process serving industry?
To keep the clients’ needs and requests as a top priority at all times. Not to take the job personally when the people being served are angry or unhappy to be served.
What is the most exciting thing that has happened while serving papers?
I rescued a homeless dog from the middle of traffic and brought him home to become a forever member of our family.
Where do you see your business and the process serving industry going in the future?
I see our business steadily growing, as it does every year. The process serving industry will become more reliant upon electronic services, and E-Filing with clerks will be utilized more.
Are you a glass-half-full or half-empty kind of person?
I am a glass is half-full type of person. New opportunities present themselves every day.
What do you do outside of work?
I enjoy live music and spend quality time with my two sons and family. I’m also very interested in photography and travel.
What is your favorite quote?
“Money is only paper & ink. The value comes from how you earn it. “