Jennifer Garland is the founder, President, and CEO of Prestige Inc., a leading legal support services company for corporations and law firms. Her journey began in 2015 when she founded Prestige after gaining invaluable experience as a paralegal at the Washington State Attorney General’s office. Her work with the Complex Litigation unit there focused on consumer rights, introducing her to high-profile cases, including a significant multi-state agreement with major mortgage servicers. Beyond her legal expertise, Jennifer Garland also managed a mortgage company, where she identified unmet needs for streamlined processes and exceptional client service, leading to the establishment of Prestige. Today, her company boasts over 257,000 field agents nationwide and has secured substantial mass tort victim settlements. Jennifer Garland, a multi-business entrepreneur and mentor, uses her platform to empower entrepreneurs with clarity, structure, and the mindset needed to build real businesses and design purposeful lives.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being human, being transparent, being available. These are the core values I adhere to and they’ve been pivotal in the growth of my business.
What are some of the keys to effective decision-making?
I always look at the possibilities, both positive and negative. It’s about weighing these outcomes to determine if the decision will ultimately have a positive or negative impact.
How do you build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues and mentors?
The key is to be real. Don’t ask someone how they are doing unless you genuinely care to hear their response. It’s also about being there to listen when they need you, not just saying you will.
What continuing education or training initiatives are you currently involved with to stay ahead?
I am always exploring other business opportunities. Whether it’s starting a new venture or finding ways to enhance my existing businesses, continuous learning is crucial.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
I utilize Microsoft Planner to keep track of projects. Most of my tasks might be small and simple, but they are numerous, and organizing them is essential.
How do you handle difficult customers or clients?
Once again, it’s about being real. Be kind, professional, listen without interruption, and repeat back what you understand. It’s important not to take the blame unless it’s warranted, but always aim to fix the issue if possible.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
Providing feedback constructively is important. Beyond that, honesty, transparency, and authenticity are qualities I strive to embody in my leadership style.
Can you share a specific example of how you helped a colleague or coworker overcome a significant challenge or obstacle?
I have a knack for counseling and provide solid advice. While I don’t keep track of specifics enough to share detailed examples, the advice I give is often life-changing.
How do you decide what to do yourself and what to delegate to others?
I delegate tasks that are menial or time-consuming. Although I dislike delegating, my team encourages it because I tend to work excessively.
How do you motivate your team for outstanding results?
Leading by example and being a true leader is how I motivate my team. It’s a nuanced process that’s hard to explain precisely.
What has been the most challenging aspect of leading a company like Prestige, and how have you managed to overcome it?
The most challenging aspect has undoubtedly been managing growth while maintaining the quality of service that Prestige is known for. The key to overcoming this challenge has been investing in technology and continuous training for our field agents, ensuring that they are equipped to handle our clients’ needs efficiently.
Can you describe a moment when your leadership was pivotal for a successful outcome in a particular project or initiative?
There was a time when we were involved in a large-scale mass tort case, and the coordination of our field agents was critical. My leadership was pivotal in strategizing the deployment of resources and maintaining clear communication channels, which led to the successful outcome of the project.
Prestige has accomplished impressive feats in the legal services industry. What do you attribute this success to?
Our success is attributed primarily to our team, our technology, and the trust that our clients place in us. We have built a reputation for delivering reliable and consistent results, and that has been crucial in maintaining and expanding our client base.
What are some of the most significant trends in legal support services that you believe will shape the future?
The future of legal support services is undoubtedly leaning towards more automation and AI-driven solutions. However, the human touch in legal matters cannot be completely replaced. Balancing technological advancements with personalized service will be key.
How do you foresee the role of your company evolving in the next five years?
I see Prestige continuing to lead in innovation within the legal services sector. We plan to expand our service offerings and incorporate more advanced AI solutions to improve our efficiency and accuracy. Our goal is to maintain our position as a top-tier provider while exploring new markets.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the legal services field?
My advice would be to understand the industry’s needs deeply and to innovate around those needs. It’s crucial to build a solid team and leverage technology to streamline processes. Never underestimate the power of networking and building relationships within the industry.
Reflecting on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
In hindsight, there are always small things that could have been approached differently. However, I believe each experience, whether successful or a failure, has shaped the company and myself into what we are today. It’s all part of the learning curve.
Could you share your vision of success and what it means to you both personally and professionally?
Success, to me, is about creating a positive impact in the industry and the lives of those we serve. Personally, it is about setting an example for my family and being able to contribute meaningfully to society. Professionally, it is about achieving goals that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
In conclusion, Jennifer Garland remains a formidable figure in the legal support services industry, continually pushing the envelope with her innovative approach and strong leadership. Her dedication to quality and service excellence positions Prestige Inc. as a leader in the field, and her vision for the future promises continued success and growth.