Show Notes:

In this episode of Process Server Daily, host Mighty Mike Reid interviews veteran process server Michael Kern, who shares stories from decades in the field — including a violent assault early in his career that left him hospitalized. He discusses essential safety tactics, professionalism, knowing your area, and why servers should never enter a subject’s home. Michael also shares memorable celebrity serves, strategies for serving difficult individuals, and insights into growing a successful process serving business. He explains why e-filing and foreign deposition subpoenas are the future and offers practical advice for new and struggling servers looking to build credibility, charge fairly, and expand into auxiliary services.

TIMESTAMPED OUTLINE

00:00 Introduction to Process Server Daily
00:20 Michael’s worst field experience — a 1988 assault that left him hospitalized
02:10 Lessons learned: never turn your back, always be aware of surroundings
03:05 Safety tactics — never stand directly in front of a door
03:45 Professionalism and communication: staying calm to reduce conflict
04:30 Knowing your area: dangerous neighborhoods, timing, and common-sense precautions
05:25 Greatest positive field experiences — helping a victim freeze assets, grateful clients
06:15 Emotional challenges of serving divorce papers
07:05 Celebrity serves — encounters with Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and others
08:10 Challenges of serving in Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and celebrity estates
09:00 The importance of coordinating with local police during stakeouts
09:40 What Michael is focused on now: the rise of e-filing and foreign deposition subpoenas
11:00 Why auxiliary services offer higher income and less competition
12:05 Advice for struggling servers — charge fair prices, avoid undercutting competitors
13:20 Understanding client motivations: price shoppers, quality seekers, and mid-range clients
14:05 “Inspect what you expect” — ensuring accountability
14:40 Best advice Michael ever received: Never enter someone’s home
15:35 Story reinforcing that rule — a man retrieving a gun after receiving papers
16:10 Serving disabled individuals legally and safely
17:00 Handling evasive recipients, including doctors and attorneys
17:50 Advice for new servers with $500 — build a website and professional email
18:30 Closing remarks & contact information for Michael Kern