In 2020, I made a decision that would quietly set the course for a brand-new chapter in my life. I got commissioned as a notary public in New Jersey, inspired by watching my older cousin succeed in New York. But even after receiving my certificate and ordering all the right materials, fear crept in. What if I got something wrong? What if this wasn’t for me? Those tools collected dust for nearly a year…until one day, I had enough of my own hesitation. I owed it to myself to try.
With some support from my father, I finally said, “Enough is enough. Let’s work” That push turned into momentum. I officially started working as a notary in November 2021 and haven’t looked back since. Two years later, I became dual-commissioned in both New York and New Jersey to expand the ways I serve others.
But it didn’t stop there.
What many people don’t realize is that most of the services I offer today weren’t part of the original plan. Apostilles? I didn’t know what those were at first. Courier services? Process serving? I-9 verifications? All of that came later. Much of it came from showing up to networking events, listening to others, and paying attention to what clients needed. I even started offering wedding officiating under Wed By Norm after someone asked me if I could — and I figured, “Why not?”
One of the most pivotal shifts in my journey came from becoming a student of the industry. I wasn’t afraid to learn on the go. I watched YouTube tutorials, asked questions, took referrals, and invested time in listening more than talking. I also learned that people don’t always need you to be perfect — they need you to be honest, professional, and willing to help.
I wanted to go beyond just building my own business — I wanted to create opportunities for others too. That’s how Graham Family Signing Service came to life. It’s a nationwide notary signing service that connects dependable notaries to clients across various industries: real estate, legal, medical, estate planning, auto sales, and more. But it’s also about mentorship. Through Graham Family Signing Service, I’ve helped newer and seasoned notaries alike build their brand, expand their services, and generate income — even when they thought their journey had stalled.
Through it all, I’ve learned that business isn’t just about what you sell — it’s about how you serve. My greatest reward is being trusted during some of the most important moments in people’s lives — finalizing a will, closing on a home, saying “I do,” or adopting a child. I don’t take that lightly.
If you’re new to the industry or feel like you’re behind, let this serve as your reminder: you’re not late. You’re just getting started. You don’t have to have every answer or every service — you just need the willingness to grow and the courage to ask questions. One of my favorite reminders to share is:
“Purpose doesn’t always show up fully formed. But if you stay consistent, it will introduce itself over time.”
This journey taught me that success isn’t always flashy. Sometimes, it’s quiet at first. But when you stay committed to your craft, your clients, and your community — growth becomes inevitable.
Norman I. Graham
Notarize With Norm
