Consumer Bankruptcy Journal Fall 2014 | Page 21

Featured Member Benefit:

Certificate of Service

Jay S. Jump: I think that is exactly it. NACBA’s existence allowed us to grow and create this incredible business. Our target audience was originally only intended to be debtor’s attorneys, but that has mushroomed over the years into panel trustees and Chapter 13 Trustees. We now represent over 2000 law firms across the country who trust us to handle their mailings each and every day. But, the fact remains, without NACBA, we probably never would have gotten off the ground.

Dan LaBert: Why do you think NACBA created that kind of success?

Jay S. Jump: I think it is part of the infusion of a value system that NACBA imparts. When I go to the annual conventions or the workshops, I feel like I am attending a religious revival. I come away with inspiration and energy to get out there and be a better attorney. I think NACBA creates a comraderie among their members that few other organizations can. We are all committed to a common cause and that unifies us in more ways than just belonging to a club. When I see someone achieve a great victory, I am happy for that person. I also sympathize with members as we continue to hit our head against the wall on certain issues that the Court won’t address or fix. I used to practice criminal defense as well and for a few months I dabbled in family law. Only the bankruptcy bar had that sense of camaraderie. It’s interesting that we’re most committed to winning the battles in bankruptcy court, and yet, it is also the most collegiate court I’ve ever been in.

Kathryn Jump: To add to that, I think NACBA did make Jay a better attorney and that translated to a better practice, more referrals, and more business. Having the connection with NACBA gave a lot of credibility and we were sure to make sure that NACBA membership was noted whenever Jay was interviewed by the Seattle local media.

Jay S. Jump: NACBA also allowed us to flourish by having thousands of debtors attorneys in one place. That gave us easy marketing grounds for the mailing service and it is why we started going to the shows as exhibitors in 2008. I don’t think we have missed a single annual convention.

Dan LaBert: Were the annual conventions and workshops a good marketing venue for you?

Kathryn Jump: Without a doubt it was the NACBA conventions that put us on the map. When we first exhibited at the Hilton Head Fall Workshop, we went from just a few dozen users to over a hundred in about a month. After that word of mouth and continued appearances at the conventions cemented our market position. Before the 2008 Hilton Head convention, we were only advertising by word of mouth. It was a delicate balance to try and market your company on the listserv while not being overreaching about it. Going to the shows as an exhibitor gave us a clear voice that allowed us to promote www.certificateofservice.com.

Jay S. Jump: So you can see why doing the member benefit project with you was such a great idea. We’re here because of NACBA, we know it, we haven’t forgotten it, and I think this is a great way for us to give back. Our philosophy is that if you are successful, we will be successful.

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Member Benefits