Marissa Berends
Licensed Abstractor
We’re excited to feature Marissa in our July Employee Spotlight!
Years at Capitol Lien: Almost 3 years (Sept 1)
- What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? You’re not going to always know the answer, but you can learn! I have been through several career changes, and each time I needed to learn a new set of skills for the workplace. This taught me that asking questions & asking for help is not to be looked down upon – it can lead to growth. I’ve also learned that mistakes will happen – it’s not the end-all-be-all to make a mistake here or there!
- Share a professional success story that you’re proud of. In my previous life, I was a closing assistant at a title company. We saw many complicated files come through, but I specifically remember a transaction involving probate, a persnickety real estate agent, an infuriating mortgage company, impatient buyers & the world’s kindest estate representative. It was not a fun time for me leading up to the closing, but after the file closed, the PR for the sell-side mailed me a letter of gratitude and a bookmark saying “You are appreciated.” Sure, it sounds corny, but that gesture made me feel good about my role at the title company. It makes me feel most rewarded when I know I have helped someone.
- How do you think your role continues to shape your team’s culture? I consider myself somewhat of a “yes man” – I like to say yes when any opportunity arises (also, I love Jim Carey’s Yes Man movie). I have a passion for knowledge in this industry, and I generally love connecting with people. In 2023, I obtained my abstractor’s license in Minnesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota (it was a tough 8 months). I appreciate the growth and development that Capitol Lien has gone through since I have been aboard. I have been fortunate to work closely with Rachel since I started at CL, and she has been the best mentor. The evolution of the National Real Estate Department that I am a part of (which started off as a skeleton crew) has gained momentum, yielding an impressive amount of sales for its size.
- What do you love most about your job and why? This job helps me play to my strengths. Some days, I am quietly abstracting in my office at home, while others, I am at a convention, networking, and connecting with peers. This balance keeps me feeling valued and fosters a lot of my positivity. The other great thing is that I work alongside Joel, my partner of nearly 4 years. Being in this unique position has taught us both a lot about relationships and each other.
- What techniques help you stay organized and productive? I have learned that using my own system for organization fits me best. I don’t have the neurotypical brain, so my systems are a little unorthodox—but they work for me! I always like to be busy, so I enjoy offering help to my teammates or offering to help take on additional tasks. I find myself the most productive when my work queue is plumb-full because I tend to thrive under pressure.
- What do you love to do in your free time? My free time is mostly spent hanging out with Joel & our animals, binge-watching true crime, or playing video games – otherwise, if we feel like going out, we’d be attending a comedy show or concert.
- What’s a cause that you are passionate about? I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2010, and I have been living gluten-free since then. My dad & brother also have Celiac, as well as several of my cousins – it is a hereditary disease. Celiac is estimated to affect 1% of the world’s population. I consider myself a resource for friends and family who are going through similar struggles with food allergies. If anyone needs any tips, feel free to reach out!
- What’s something most people don’t know about you? My sophomore year at UW-Oshkosh, I transferred to UW-River Falls to join the Wisconsin in Scotland program. I spent a semester abroad, living just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland. I would love to return to the UK & to visit Ireland someday.
- What is your favorite band or genre of music? Joel and I love live music – especially folk, Americana & bluegrass music – we have attended Eau Claire’s Blue Ox Festival for the past 4 years. We’ve probably attended 40 concerts together. Some favorites include Charlie Parr, Nathaniel Rateliff & Tyler Childers.
- Do you have any pets? I have 3 special girls – 2 loving pitbull/lab mixes named Scout & Blossom, and a sassy long-haired cat named Twyla (who is a total daddy’s girl)