Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Hocker.
Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I never set out to build a nonprofit or become an advocate for notaries. Like many entrepreneurs, I simply saw problems that needed to be solved and couldn’t ignore them.
My career has always centered around building businesses, creating systems, and helping people. Over the years, I’ve scaled multiple businesses and learned that lasting success comes from understanding what people truly need, not just what they’re asking for.
That mindset eventually led me into the notary profession. What began as a mobile notary business grew into a storefront, The Notary Stop, because I wanted to make notary services more accessible for people who couldn’t leave their homes or needed a reliable place to go. As I worked with more notaries and more clients, I realized there was a much bigger issue.
In Michigan, becoming a notary requires no education, yet notaries are entrusted with protecting some of the most important documents people will ever sign. I saw good people making mistakes simply because no one had ever taught them the law or explained why the details matter. I knew that had to change.
In 2023, my business partner, Deborah Lowery, and I co-founded Michigan Notary Association™ with a simple mission: provide Michigan-specific education, advocate for notaries, and help protect the public through better training. Since then, we’ve educated hundreds of notaries, built resources that didn’t previously exist in our state, worked with legislators and state officials on notary issues, and continue to advocate for higher professional standards.
Today, I still own and operate both my notary businesses while serving as President of Michigan Notary Association™. Every day is different. One day I may be helping a family complete important documents, the next I may be teaching a class, speaking with lawmakers, writing grants, or developing new educational programs. It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding because every improvement we make helps not only notaries, but also the people who rely on them during some of life’s most important moments.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think most worthwhile things are.
One of the biggest challenges has been building something that didn’t really exist before. Michigan Notary Association™ isn’t modeled after another organization. We’ve had to create our own path, often educating people about why our mission matters before we could even ask them to support it.
Starting and growing a nonprofit has also come with the same hurdles many entrepreneurs face: limited resources, wearing multiple hats, and making difficult decisions about where to invest time and money. There have been plenty of long days, setbacks, and moments where it would have been easier to scale back our vision.
Advocating for change can be challenging as well. Anytime you’re trying to improve standards or encourage people to rethink the way things have always been done, you’re bound to face resistance. I’ve learned that not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay. If the mission is worthwhile, you stay focused on serving the people you’re trying to help.
Looking back, every obstacle has taught me something. They’ve made me a better leader, a better educator, and a better listener. I wouldn’t say I’m grateful for every challenge in the moment, but I am grateful for what they’ve taught me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Michigan Notary Association?
Michigan Notary Association™ is a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing notary education, professional standards, and public protection.
Most people are surprised to learn that Michigan does not require notaries to complete any education before receiving a commission. Yet notaries are responsible for helping prevent fraud and protecting the integrity of legal, financial, healthcare, and real estate transactions. We exist to help bridge that gap.
Our focus is on practical, Michigan-specific education that notaries can immediately apply in the real world. We also provide resources for businesses, government agencies, attorneys, and the public so they can better understand the notarization process and recognize the value of a properly trained notary.
In addition to education, we’re actively involved in advocacy, working with legislators and state officials to strengthen the notary profession and improve consumer protections throughout Michigan.
What sets us apart is that everything we do starts with one question: “Will this better protect the public?” If the answer is yes, it’s worth pursuing. That philosophy guides our education, our advocacy, and the resources we create.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of is seeing Michigan notaries become more confident, more knowledgeable, and more committed to doing things the right way. Every well-trained notary helps protect countless individuals and families, and that’s the impact we’re striving to make every day.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One of the things I love most about our community is that people genuinely want to help one another. I’ve met so many small business owners, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers who are willing to share their time, make introductions, and support causes that improve the lives of others. That spirit of collaboration has been invaluable as we’ve grown Michigan Notary Association™ and our local businesses.
If I could change one thing, it would be making people more aware of the incredible organizations and small businesses that already exist here. There are so many people doing meaningful work, but they often don’t get the visibility they deserve. I think our community becomes even stronger when we intentionally support local businesses, nonprofits, and the people who are working every day to make a difference.
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