Daniel Frazee, MAI recently caught up with Patrick Brown, SRA.

Where do you work, what do you do, and how long have you been there?

I work for Valutrust Solutions, LLC a national appraisal management company as Chief Appraiser. I have been with Valutrust Solutions for nearly four years. I get the privilege of leading the quality control department, which consists of appraisers, QA analysts and a supervisor. Daily, I get to work on escalated challenges with clients and vendors. On a larger scale, I work with our management team to look for ways in which to fine-tune our systems and processes to better meet the demands of our clients and needs of our vendors.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married for just over 15 years to my wife, Hilary; have three children (Mallory 12, Simon 10, and Spencer 7) as well as two foster children (Ijaz [ee-hoz] 10 months and Ka’Rie 11 months). Mallory is in 6th grade and loves playing fast pitch softball, Simon is in 4th grade and is quite the little piano player, and Spencer is in 1st grade, plays baseball, and is the family comedian. Ijaz and Ka’Rie have been with us for 10 months. Ka’Rie will be going home to his mom, very soon (that’s a good thing), and Ijaz and his four siblings are up for adoption.

Where did you grow up and how did you come to live in the Kansas City area?

While I was born north of the river, I spent most of my formative years in Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas. I have been back in Kansas City for 23 years and live in the southern part of Overland Park.

When not working, what hobbies do you enjoy?

When I am not working, helping to shuttle kids to activities, changing diapers, or washing bottles… I like to read, run, work out, deer hunt, head to the archery/shooting range, and, of course, spend time with my family.

Who introduced you to the Appraisal Institute and how long have you been a member?

I learned of AI, I think, about 6 years ago. I had the pleasure of working with an SRA who had more depth of residential real estate appraisal knowledge than any other appraiser I had been around, which is one of the reasons I began working with him. He attributed his knowledge to what he had learned pursuing his SRA designation, which subsequently wet my appetite to be designated. I have been a member for five years and designated for about 6 months.

What did you do before your Real Estate career began?

Prior to appraising, I sold payroll processing services and HR software to small and mid-sized companies throughout the Midwest.

Tell us about your most difficult appraisal project.

My answer may be a bit unorthodox. While I currently do not complete appraisal assignments, I frequently work with appraisers who are completing assignments and who may be struggling with solving the problem, whether it is highest and best use, reconciliation, supporting an adjustment, etc. My most challenging “project”, which I truly enjoy, is working with appraisers who might have gaps in their knowledge or who are struggling to get from point A to point B with the appraisal assignment. I get the pleasure of helping them “map” out the course. I can’t tell you how many times, since getting designated, I have pulled on the knowledge I gained during my SRA coursework to assist appraisers. I get to equip them the way I was equipped and I get to help them get to that moment of revelation, where they can tighten up the analysis and work toward having a well-developed, and defendable, “how” and “why”.

When you were a little what did you want to be when you grew up?

I don’t recall, to be honest! I am pretty sure that being an appraiser, though, was not in the mix!

If you had to spend 2 years on a deserted island, what book, CD and movie would you bring?

Book: Bible

CD : Mumford & Sons (at Red Rocks)

Movie: Band of Brothers

If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want to represent you?

Bruce Willis

If you have been previously involved with the Appraisal Institute. Why did you become involved and what would you recommend for members who may not be aware of the opportunities that the Kansas City Appraisal Institute offers?

AI’s education, especially the classroom education, is second to none. I learned more in my designation course work then I learned in all of my QE classes (not through AI). The quality of appraisal professionals who attend the courses and meetings is tough to beat. Attend the meetings and classes, ask many questions, and do a lot of listening.

How have you benefitted from the Appraisal Institute?

Aside from the top notch education, I have met some fantastic appraisers, who are not only focused on their businesses, but they are also focused on making our industry better and more accessible.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the appraisal profession?

Take the time and spend the money to get designated. Invest in yourself and your profession. View yourself as a professional and make your career about bettering yourself, your industry, and your peers.