Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Colston.
Hi Brenda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I worked and went to school until I married and moved to Minnesota in 1982. 1985, I was hired as a temp at a national title company in Edina. I was hired full-time within a few weeks. That led me to downtown Minneapolis, where I learned everything I could regarding the business. I worked my way into management in a short time. I outgrew that space and continued my career with several other large title companies. In 1998, I helped another business open a full-service title company. From there, I could hire 10 employees and run my title company—Minnesota’s first African American Title Company. Over the years, I have helped several start-up companies. I also helped charter schools with administrative projects.
I was gifted with project management as one of my skills. I have been on the Board and a lead director in a local ministry for over 40 years. I have served on the Governers Board and several Boards in the City of Brooklyn Park. Today, I run several businesses. I am an Online Distance Instructor certified by ARELLO. I have an Academy that trains Notaries, Loan Signers, and Real Estate Closers. I own a Real Estate Escrow Service. I am a 50 State Mortgage Loan Originator and Credit Specialist. I serve my community and my family. I wish to retire on a beach in the next 5 years.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It has not been smooth, but it has been manageable. Finding small business funding has been an issue. As a minority woman, I have faced the challenge of doors being shut in my face for those reasons. I have been treated differently than other employees in companies. I have been denied opportunities for those same reasons. But I have always risen above them. When one door shuts, I go to another. I will not be broken. That is what led me to go out and start my own business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Minnesota Closing Academy. For our readers who might need to become more familiar with the brand, what can you tell them about it?
This is one of many. This business has had the most impactful impact because I have had the opportunity to change the lives of many individuals. This is the only school of its type in Minnesota. I provide hands-on training and mentoring for those who want to learn the art of Real Estate Closing, Loan Signing, and General Notary services. Most people get their Notary Certification and need to realize many revenue streams can be tapped into with a few additional certifications. I am proud of my students who have used this knowledge to make viable incomes. Some have made $6000.00 – $8,000.00 in their first month. I have a current student who has opened the field as the only person in her city providing escrow/closing services. Watching students transform has been a joy – building confidence and learning networking skills. I have provided moments of self-awareness and introspection by taking my students on retreats where they can dive into what might be holding them back from success. Secondly, my closing/escrow services are second to none. I have a long-standing history of knowing how to fix title-related issues. I get the job done. I go above and beyond in processing and serving the clients.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My heart is to serve and care about my students and clients. I genuinely care. I will give my last to assist with their success. I have sacrificed so much to ensure everyone else is good. I am a servant at heart, leading me to care for each person, treat them well, and give them the best experience possible. I find myself unconsciously rescuing people, even without them asking. I have learned along the way that it is essential to surround myself with people and systems that help me to refill and refuel so that I am not operating from a deficit.
Pricing:
- Pricing is customized based on services needed
- 500.00 to 2500.00
Contact Info:
- Website: Brendajcolstonenterprises.com
- Instagram: Brenda J Colston
- Facebook: Brenda Colston
- Linkedin: Brenda J Colston
- Youtube: Brenda j Colston
- Other: linktr.ee/brendacolston
Image Credits
Personal shots – Ashley Barton, Full body shot – downtown scene
