RSDS Appraisal Diversity
Training Network
RSDS Appraisal Diversity
Training Network
May 23, 2024
“99 ZEROS, AND ONE YES”
Insurance Analyst Billy Saunders recalls the challenge like it was yesterday. Having heard about real estate appraising from a friend in the industry, Saunders decided to make the jump in 2021. He had no idea how daunting that leap would be. “I messaged 100 people on LinkedIn, and Jordan Chapman (RSDS Regional VP, San Diego) was the only one that messaged me back. Of all the appraisers that I messaged, I got 99 zeros, and one ‘Yes’.”
While Saunders’ struggle sounds remarkable, it’s also remarkably common. With the average U.S. appraisal organization employing 2.2 people, the challenges of hiring, training and compensating trainees have blocked the path of young people interested in the profession. Where many appraisal operations see a barrier, Chapman says RSDS Appraisal Diversity sees a door. “I saw an opportunity to make a difference to both him and RSDS by recruiting a motivated professional. RSDS believes in empowering aspiring appraisers, and offering an opportunity to Billy was a way to embody that commitment to opening doors for others in the industry.”
THE FOUNDERS’ VISION FOR CHANGE
Saunders’ struggle to join the appraisal industry is exactly why RSDS Co-Founders Rich Downs and Scott Siegman aim to change it. Focused on solving long turn times for order delivery, poor communication throughout the process, and a “have to know somebody” path to enter the profession, Downs believes a culture of inclusion, education and growth are key to the industry’s future. “Scott and I set out with a mission to create a university-style training program, and to build a professional organization where we established learning centers.” In just three years, RSDS has opened eight training centers, currently staffing more than 275 people and serving 72 markets across the country.
BRINGING IN THE BEST
RSDS employs 19 Certified Trainers nationwide, each with as many as three trainees under their guidance. Operations President Dr. Randy Flowers says trainers and trainees work one-on-one, executing all aspects of completing and delivering reports. “This is a 365-day comprehensive training program including different property types, report types, client types. The experience is robust, to make a future certified appraiser.”
In total, Dr. Flowers says RSDS is staffed with 2400 combined years of appraising experience. Tatianna Wheat represents 26 of those years, and leads the company’s Austin, Texas training center. “I want to help them, and I want to be here as a mentor. I’ve had some good mentors in my career, and I want to pay that forward.” Part of that responsibility, says Phoenix-based trainer Ricilee Faller, is providing every possible hands-on opportunity to trainees. “We’re not going to let anybody fail. We’re going to make sure everyone is happy, and succeeding, and where they need to be.
SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS
To date, RSDS Trainers have seen 57 or their trainees achieve certification. But Downs says it’s much more than developing licensed appraisers. “That’s one piece. But really, ‘How do you build a successful appraisal career?’ To me, that was the ultimate goal.”
As one of those 57 graduates, Certified Appraiser Billy Saunders is realizing that goal. He credits the training he received, and ongoing support of the entire team. “RSDS was a family feeling from the start. It meant the world. I was doing something I didn’t like, so the opportunity here is almost indescribable. It was like hitting the career lottery for me.”
Interested in joining the RSDS Appraiser Training Team? Openings currently exist in Dallas, with other opportunities to come. Visit rsdsllc.com/careers for more information. RSDS Appraisal is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Want to learn more about RSDS, and opportunities to join its growing team? Visit rsdsllc.com/careers for more information. RSDS Appraisal is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
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