INTERMOUNTAIN PI | 1/7/2020 | BILL FLANAGAN AND THE CAL HARRIS ACQUITTAL

 Private investigator Bill Flanagan talks wrongful convictions and the Cal Harris acquittal with Intermountain PI Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer.

Until next time, this is Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS THE PRINCIPAL AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, THE MOST TRUSTED PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM IN THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST. HE IS AUTHOR OF THE MEMOIR, CONFESSIONS OF A PRIVATE EYE, AND HAS BEEN A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR 30 YEARS.  HE HAS A DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND IS A DECORATED COMBAT VETERAN OF THE 1991 GULF WAR.  FULMER LIVES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS NEAR THE CROSSROADS OF THE WEST IN HISTORIC SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.  

COPYRIGHT © 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  NO PART MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  YOU MAY SHARE THE COMPLETE POST. YOU MUST INCLUDE A LINK TO THE ORIGINAL POST AND GIVE FULL CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR, SCOTT FULMER. INTERMOUNTAIN PI IS A SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS.

INTERMOUNTAIN PI | 1/14/2020 | PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS MARK AND WENDY MURNAN

 Private investigators Mark and Wendy Murnan of Florida, talk criminal defense (and their Youtube videos, investigators in cars drinking coffee)  with Intermountain PI Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer.

Until next time, this is Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS THE PRINCIPAL AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, THE MOST TRUSTED PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM IN THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST. HE IS AUTHOR OF THE MEMOIR, CONFESSIONS OF A PRIVATE EYE, AND HAS BEEN A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR 30 YEARS.  HE HAS A DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND IS A DECORATED COMBAT VETERAN OF THE 1991 GULF WAR.  FULMER LIVES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS NEAR THE CROSSROADS OF THE WEST IN HISTORIC SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.  

COPYRIGHT © 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.   NO PART MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  YOU MAY SHARE THE COMPLETE POST. YOU MUST INCLUDE A LINK TO THE ORIGINAL POST AND GIVE FULL CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR, SCOTT FULMER. INTERMOUNTAIN PI IS A SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS.

INTERMOUNTAIN PI | 1/28/2020 | PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR HAL HUMPHREYS

Private investigator Hal Humphreys, the purveyor of PI Education, speaks with Intermountain PI Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer about continuing education.

Until next time, this is Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS THE PRINCIPAL AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, THE MOST TRUSTED PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM IN THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST. HE IS AUTHOR OF THE MEMOIR, CONFESSIONS OF A PRIVATE EYE, AND HAS BEEN A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR FOR 30 YEARS.  HE HAS A DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND IS A DECORATED COMBAT VETERAN OF THE 1991 GULF WAR.  FULMER LIVES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS NEAR THE CROSSROADS OF THE WEST IN HISTORIC SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.  

COPYRIGHT © 2020 INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.   NO PART MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF INTERMOUNTAIN PI.  YOU MAY SHARE THE COMPLETE POST. YOU MUST INCLUDE A LINK TO THE ORIGINAL POST AND GIVE FULL CREDIT TO THE AUTHOR, SCOTT FULMER. INTERMOUNTAIN PI IS A SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS.

INTERMOUNTAIN PI | EP. 31 | 1/28/2020 | PI EDUCATION AND TENNESSEE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR HAL HUMPHREYS

As a private investigator it’s easy to get stuck in the endless cycle of work.  In particular, the daily minutiae of phone calls and reports.  Or dealing with difficult clients. You can spend so much time working on your business, that you fail to work on yourself.  In other words, reading books and watching webinars. As well as listening to podcasts or becoming a CFE or CLI. Jim Rohn said, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”  This week on the Intermountain PI: continuing education for private investigators.  With Hal Humphreys.  The one guy that’s made it his mission in life.

My topic this week is PI Education and Tennessee private investigator Hal Humphreys of Nashville.  To begin with, Hal and I talk about continuing education for private investigators.  Aside from operating Find Investigations, Hal has a passion for helping private investigators. Specifically, in helping them become more skilled and professional. 

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

But first, using Trackops will increase your professionalism. Trackops is a powerful investigation management platform.  In fact, it’s used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. Likewise, with features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency.  Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice.  For example, with Trackops your clients can stream video and view reports 24/7. So, make 2020 the year you become more professional with Trackops.  Get Trackops free, right now, for 15 days by signing up at Trackops.com.  Also, mention you heard about it on the Intermountain PI and get an additional 10% off of your base subscription price.  Trackops is case management made easy.

PI EDUCATION AND TENNESSEE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR HAL HUMPHREYS

To begin with, Hal Humphreys is the executive editor of Pursuit Magazine.  To quote the website, it’s an “…online community of professional sleuths…”  It’s also a “…platform for sharing innovative ideas…” and “…old-school gumshoe know-how.”

In fact, Pursuit Magazine is the nexus for all things continuing education in the PI world.  Including book reviews, free articles and marketing tips.  You should be checking out its content monthly.    

In addition, Hal Humphreys is the host of the Sound of Pursuit podcast.  Probably one the best private investigator podcasts.  In the first place, it’s the official podcast of Pursuit Magazine. The podcast covers random stories from investigators.  Plus, interesting topics and best practices.  Find it at PursuitMag.com, Soundcloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Check out one of the episodes here.

PI EDUCATION AND TENNESSEE PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR HAL HUMPHREYS

Hal is also owner and educational director at

INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST | EP. 30 | 1/21/2020 | 5 WAYS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ACCEPT CLIENT PAYMENTS

Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer with 5 ways private investigators accept client payments. Business magnate and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson said, “Never take your eyes off the cash flow because it’s the lifeblood of business.”  In fact, businesses fail for one reason and one reason only: Lack of cash.  Cash is king. To rephrase a quote made popular in the City of the Big Shoulders: Get paid early and get paid often.  

Let’s talk about the 5 ways private investigators accept client payments.  Obviously, there are more than five ways.  But the goal is to give your client plenty of ways to put their money in your pocket.

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

Speaking of getting paid, Trackops has ways to keep your cash flow, well…flowing. Trackops is a powerful investigation management platform.  In fact, it’s used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency, Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice.  With Trackops you can see at a glance how much budget remains on a particular file.  So, make 2020 the year you become more profitable with Trackops.  You can get Trackops free, right now, for 15 days by signing up at Trackops.com.  Also, mention that you heard about it on the Intermountain PI Podcast and you’ll get an additional 10% off of your base subscription price.  Trackops is case management made easy.

5 WAYS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ACCEPT CLIENT PAYMENTS

First, accounting software programs such as Quickbooks and Freshbooks allow you to accept credit card payments.  Plus, they seamlessly integrate a client’s payment right into your accounting.  Furthermore, you can send invoices by email or use a credit card reader.  For example, Quickbooks’ GoPayment app.  This is my go-to option.  Check the show notes for their specific rates and fees.  

Second, a bank cashier’s check.  A cashier’s check is essentially a check from the bank. In other words it is guaranteed certified funds.  You can feel comfortable accepting a cashier’s check because it won’t bounce.  On the other hand, there is such a thing as fraudulent cashier’s checks.  If there’s any question as to the authenticity of the cashier’s check just take it to your bank and have them review it.    

The third of the 5 ways private investigators accept client payments is through mobile payment services.  For example, apps such as Venmo, PayPal and Facebook Payments. On the plus side, domestic clients are already familiar with these types of apps.  Again, the idea is to make it easy for clients to pay you. 

5 WAYS PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS ACCEPT CLIENT PAYMENTS

Fourth, credit cards.  For one thing, the credit card industry has changed dramatically. As a matter of fact, the days of leasing an expensive credit card terminal and pay...

INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST | EP. 29 | 1/14/2020 | FLORIDA PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS MARK AND WENDY MURNAN

Utah private investigator Scott Fulmer interviews Mark and Wendy Murnan.  Mark jokingly says his job involves sitting in a car, drinking coffee and asking stupid questions.  As it turns out, it requires a lot more than that. Along with his wife Wendy, they own Complete Legal Investigations.  

But you probably recognize the Murnan’s from their Youtube channel, Investigators in Cars Drinking Coffee.  They produce short videos about the private investigation industry.  Plus, videos of them drinking coffee, celebrating Cinco de Mayo and dressing up as pirates.  Really.    

MARK J. MURNAN, CFE, CLI, PRESIDENT OF COMPLETE LEGAL INVESTIGATIONS.

Mark is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  Not to mention a former staff investigator for the Federal Public Defender in Florida.  As a matter of fact, he has over 35 years investigative experience in the public and private sectors.  In fact he’s assisted attorneys in a variety of cases.  For example, securities and wire fraud and drug trafficking.  As well as murder, sexual battery and gang-related crimes.  Furthermore, Mark is a past president of the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators (FALI).

INVESTIGATORS IN CARS DRINKING COFFEE

WENDY E. MURNAN, LPI, CP, FRP, VICE-PRESIDENT OF COMPLETE LEGAL INVESTIGATIONS.

Additionally, Wendy is also a private investigator and a certified paralegal.  She has over 40 years experience in the legal community.  In the first place, she worked for nationally renowned attorney Robert M. Montgomery, Jr.  She assisted Montgomery in numerous high profile cases, including Kimberly Bergalis v. David Acer, DDS.  This case involved a dentist that infected five patients with AIDS.  As a result, her experience includes complex background and asset investigations.  As well as making sense out of complex litigation.

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

Speaking of making sense of things, Trackops can help.  It’s a powerful investigation management platform.  As a matter of fact, it’s used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency.  To clarify, Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice. Now you can try Trackops free for 15 days. Sign up at Trackops.com.  In fact, mention you heard about it on the podcast.  And get an additional 10% off your base subscription price.  Simply put, Trackops is case management made easy.

To begin with, the Murnan’s talk about the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI).  As well as Mark’s certification as a Certified Legal Investigator (CLI).  With this in mind, let’s get to know Florida Private Investigators Mark and Wendy Murnan.

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

SOURCES

Complete Legal Investigations. 6231 PGA Blvd., Suite 104-254, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418. Tel (561) 687-8381, Fax (561) 687-8389, [email protected].

WEBSITE: Complete Legal Investigations.

INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST | EP. 28 | JANUARY 7, 2020 | BILL FLANAGAN, WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS AND THE CAL HARRIS ACQUITTAL

On the morning of September 11, 2001, the Islamic terrorist group, al-Qaeda struck several targets in the U.S., including New York City.  As a result, it was the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history.  Later that very same night, about 224 miles away in upstate New York, 35-year-old, Michelle Harris, finished her shift at Lefty’s, a popular burger and beer joint.  Michelle was a petite, blond mother of four going through a divorce with her husband, Cal Harris.  Later, on the morning of September 12th, the Harris’ nanny discovered Michelle’s van.  It was parked at the bottom of the driveway, a short distance from the Harris’ home.  Additionally, it was unlocked and the keys were still in the ignition.  That was 19 years ago.  Since that time, the body of Michelle Harris has never been found.

BILL FLANAGAN, WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS AND THE ACQUITTAL OF CAL HARRIS

My guest this week is 29-year veteran police officer turned private investigator, Bill Flanagan.  To begin with, Bill is the former second deputy commissioner of the Nassau County, New York Police Department.  In fact, in a career spanning almost three decades he’s done just about everything.  For starters, he was the commanding officer of the asset forfeiture and intelligence bureau.  Furthermore, he served in several supervisory roles.  First, the patrol division.  Second, the detective division. Finally, the hostage negotiation team and the narcotics bureau.  Bill retired in 2012.  Since that time, he has worked as a private investigator and consultant for NB Investigations Corp.  It’s a boutique firm specializing in providing investigative services and subject matter experts.

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

Speaking of investigative services, make 2020 the year you take your profitability to the next level.  You can do so with Trackops.  It’s a powerful investigation management platform used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency.  Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice. As a matter of fact, you can get Trackops free, right now, for 15 days.  You can sign up at Trackops.com. Mention that you heard about it on the Intermountain PI podcast and get an additional 10% off your base subscription price.  Trackops.  Case management made easy!

BILL FLANAGAN, WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS AND THE CAL HARRIS ACQUITTAL

In brief, we’ll talk to Bill about wrongful convictions.  Specifically, a case that he worked, the Cal Harris acquittal.  To summarize, Cal was the husband of Michelle Harris.  He was tried four times over the course of 15 years for Michelle’s murder. Listen and find out how Bill helped in the acquittal of Cal Harris.

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot!

REFERENCES

William “Bill” Flanagan provides consulting to high net worth individuals and families, primarily personal and corporate due diligence, as well as security and personal services.  You may contact Bill at (516) 983-0325 or by email at [email protected].

NBC News:

Intermountain PI Podcast | Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer | Ep. 27 | December 10, 2019 | 35 of the Best Marketing Tips for Private Investigators

The late poet Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Ms. Angelou could’ve taught a masters class on marketing.  Everything is marketing.  Everything.  From how you answer the telephone to what you wear to meet a client.  You’re sending a message.

I know it’s the slow season for private investigators.  Clients are on vacation, budgets are all but expended.  People are happy and putting off that divorce until next year. Rather than face the inevitable feast or famine common from Thanksgiving through New Years day, you should get busy marketing.  Never accept this time of year as ‘the slow season.’  Speaking of marketing, Trackops can help you keep your clients organized which will also help with your marketing. 

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

Trackops is a powerful investigation management platform.  In fact, it’s used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency, Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice.

A new year is around the corner.  Make 2020 the year you become more profitable. Trackops can help.  You can get Trackops free, right now, for 15 days by signing up at Trackops.com. Also, mention that you heard about it on the Intermountain PI podcast and you’ll get 10% off your base subscription price.  Trackops.  Case management made easy!

INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST | UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER

Todays’ episode is an encore presentation: 35 of the best marketing tips for private investigators.  How many have you implemented in your business?  Take a listen and make 2020 the year your business is off the charts!

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot

UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER IS HOST OF THE TOP RATED PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR PODCAST, THE INTERMOUNTAIN PI. HE IS THE PRINCIPAL AND LEAD INVESTIGATOR AT INTERMOUNTAIN PI, THE TOP PRIVATE INVESTIGATION FIRM IN UTAH.  SCOTT HAS WORKED AS AN INVESTIGATOR FOR STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS.

THE OLDEST OF NINE CHILDREN AND THE ONLY BOY, SCOTT WAS RAISED IN TEXAS. HIS LOVE OF MYSTERIES BEGAN AT AN EARLY AGE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE STORIES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES IN HIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY. LATER, SCOTT JOINED THE U.S. ARMY TO EARN MONEY FOR COLLEGE.  HE SERVED WITH THE FAMOUS 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (SCREAMING EAGLES) AND THE EQUALLY FAMOUS 2ND ARMORED DIVISION (HELL ON WHEELS).  HE IS A DECORATED COMBAT VETERAN OF THE 1990-91 GULF WAR.  AFTER LEAVING THE SERVICE HE EARNED A DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO.  YOU MAY CONTACT SCOTT BY TELEPHONE AT 801.830.1474 OR BY EMAIL AT [email protected].

THE REAL-LIFE EXPLOITS, INVESTIGATIVE TIPS AND INSIGHTFUL ADVICE OF UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER

Intermountain PI Podcast | Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer | Ep. 26 | December 3, 2019 | Arizona Private Investigators Emilio and Rianne Maldonado

He was a U.S. Navy veteran before becoming a police officer in a small town in Southern California.  She worked in the mortgage industry and was a paralegal.  Throughout the years he expressed to her an interest in starting a private investigation company.  When he brought it up she would smile and nod.  However, after he retired from the police department it eventually became a reality.  In fact, on the day he told her he was ready to do it, she actually laughed.  Her only exposure to the mysterious and shadowy world of private eyes was what she saw on television or in the movies.  Visions of Burberry trench coats, soft wool felt fedoras and hanging out in smoky bars late into the night filled her imagination.  Yet, that’s exactly what came to pass.  Eventually it became a family affair.  Meet Arizona Private Investigators Emilio and Rianne Maldonado.

Together, Arizona Private Investigators Emilio and Rianne Maldonado formed Blackhorse Investigations in Tucson, Arizona several years ago.  Indeed, if the Maldonado’s sound familiar, it’s because they were featured in a recent issue of PI Magazine. They were able to match a Purple Heart medal mistakenly donated to Goodwill with the family of the sailor.  By the way, the Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration awarded to those wounded or killed in action.  I’m going to ask the Maldonado’s about his, but first…

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

It’s hard to believe but I started in the PI business before the popularity of cell phones, email and even the internet.  Each day I had to call my boss on a landline or at a payphone to communicate.  In fact, I would struggle to take copious notes as he relayed all the case information to me.  Of course, with Trackops assigning work to an investigator is very simple.  To explain, you simply click on the assign tab and add an investigator to the case.  It’s that easy.  The investigator can even print out a PDF document containing all the case information.  Clearly, Trackops is a powerful investigation management platform.  In fact, it’s used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency, Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice.  

At least give Trackops a try.  You can do so free, right now, for 15 days by signing up at Trackops.com. Also, mention that you heard about it on the Intermountain PI Podcast.  Trackops will give you 10% off of your base subscription price. Trackops. Case management made easy!

INTERMOUNTAIN PI PODCAST | UTAH PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR SCOTT FULMER

At Blackhorse Investigations, the Maldonado’s specialize in Workplace Investigations.  Including wrongful termination litigation support, internal investigations, employee misconduct interviews and retaliation investigations.  So take a listen to the podcast and get to know the Maldonados.  And when you need a private investigator in Utah, call  Intermountain PI.  

Until next time, this is Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer reminding you the game…is afoot! 

Intermountain PI Podcast | Utah Private Investigator Scott Fulmer | Ep. 25 | November 26, 2019 | The Downfall of Private Investigator Christopher Butler

Like any profession, the private investigation industry has its share of bad eggs.    And he was no exception. According to the radio program, This American Life, the police accused him of selling crystal meth and marijuana seized from police evidence lockers. Although the state would go on to drop the charges, he eventually pled guilty to federal charges of robbery, extortion and conspiracy.  He was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.  This week…a morality tale of drugs, dirty D.U.I’s, sexy soccer moms and Chris Butler; a California private investigator gone bad.

In 2010 Chris Butler invited a journalist from Diablo Magazine, to accompany him on a surveillance ride along.  In the hopes that the journalist would do a story about Butler’s Concord, California private investigation firm. A firm, by the way, staffed solely by sexy soccer moms.  The company had been featured on Dr. Phil, The Today Show and the local Bay Area news.  In addition, a reality television show with Lifetime was in the early planning stages.

TRACKOPS: CASE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY!

Speaking of planning stages, are you still keeping track of your case load on a spreadsheet, or worse, on the back of a manilla folder?  If so, consider using Trackops. It’s a powerful investigation management platform used by companies of all sizes and in countries all around the world. With features designed for managing every aspect of a PI agency, Trackops has the tools to streamline your operation from intake to invoice.  One of the features I like about Trackops is the ability to send invoice reminders.  Let’s face it.  Client don’t always pay in a timely manner.  Enter Trackops. You can customize up to three separate reminders to go out on specific dates that you choose.

Right now you can try Trackops free for 15 days by signing up at Trackops.com. Also, mention that you heard about it on the Intermountain PI Podcast.  Trackops will give you 10% off of your base subscription price. Trackops. Case management made easy!

Pete Crooks was the Bay area journalist for Diablo Magazine that accompanied Butler on the surveillance ride along.  In due time his short article would became the basis for Crooks’ 2015 book, The Setup: A True Story of Dirty Cops, Soccer Moms and Reality TV.  You can find it on Amazon in hardback, Kindle and