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SoftPro, Raleigh, NC

How to EnterCompany: SoftPro, Raleigh, NC
Company Description: SoftPro is the nation's leading provider of closing, title and escrow software, with more than 14,000 customer sites and over 60,000 users nationwide. Offering an award-winning suite of products designed to increase volume and revenue, SoftPro delivers innovative technologies to streamline the closing process.
Nomination Category: Sales Awards Team Categories
Nomination Sub Category: National Sales Team of the Year

Nomination Title: SoftPro Exceeds Sales Goals by 130%

Tell the story about what this nominated team achieved since the beginning of July 2012 (up to 525 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

As the nation’s leading provider of technology solutions for the real estate closing and title insurance industry, SoftPro is no stranger to substantial year-over-year sales growth — In 2014 SoftPro not only added 30% more new customers than in 2013 but also exceeded sales goals by 130%.

Thanks to the unstinting efforts of SoftPro’s nationwide team of sales, marketing and support professionals, SoftPro was able to:

• Increase license fee revenue by more than $1 million, growing from $1.9 million in 2012 to $3 million in 2013.

• More than doubled the number of customers using SoftPro Select, the company’s most advanced software platform. From April 2008, when Select was launched, to 2012, the company had signed a total of 138 Select customers. In 2013 alone, the sales team brought in 77 new multiple site organization Select customers — an increase of 55%.

• Increase the number of hosted customers by 190% over year 2013.

• Increase the total number of hosted end users (versus large hosted customers) by 177%

The sales force was supported by ongoing marketing initiatives that included:

• User Group Conferences: Input from SoftPro software users has been critical to product development throughout SoftPro’s 30-year history. The company’s 14th Annual User Group Conference was among its most successful.

• Revised Marketing Materials: SoftPro refreshed the look and content of its collateral and website in addition to creating a new sales video, trade show booths and several high-impact advertising campaigns.

• The SoftPro Current Blog: SoftPro now hosts a blog providing up-to-date information on everything from industry trends to regulatory changes and the effect proposed changes will have on SoftPro customers.

• Presence at 150+ Trade Shows: The SoftPro Sales and Marketing staff hit the road in 2013, attending more than 150 different trade shows, all over the nation. Presence at the industry’s largest events proved to be extremely beneficial in spreading the word.

• A Stevie Award: Word of mouth is terrific, but winning the 2013 Stevie Award for Best Support Department opened many doors for SoftPro sales staff and pre-sold many customers.

In August of 2013, Patrick Hempen joined SoftPro as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and had a positive impact on year-end results. “SoftPro's core value of superior customer service, and its focus on innovation and new technology, made my decision to come to SoftPro an easy one,” says Hempen.

SoftPro’s growth also had a significant impact on sales for the network of vendors offering products and services through the SoftPro 360 business exchange platform. This free service for SoftPro users allows them to order and pay for third-party products. SoftPro 360 just completed its one millionth transaction in 2013.

“With its win/win/win dynamic, SoftPro 360 is a bonus for SoftPro customers and trading partners alike,” notes Hempen. “We’re known for providing innovative technologies and solutions designed to keep our customers working to their maximum potential. In a competitive market, that’s how we stay on top.”

 

Provide a brief (up to 125 words) biography about the leader(s) of the nominated team:

Patrick Hempen joined SoftPro in 2013 as the company’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Prior to joining SoftPro, Hempen was with Fidelity National Title Group as the Agency Area Manager for the territories of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois. Before entering the title industry, Hempen worked for a Fortune 500 lending institution where his functions included secondary market analysis and sales, recruiting and managing a sales staff, and underwriting consumer loans.