My primary function at Martin + Wood Appraisal Group is to assist in managing the residential appraisal department and serve as our Chief residential review appraiser. My top two goals initially will be to (1) work with the residential appraisers to improve productivity and quality; and (2) implement technological changes to improve our current file processing, office efficiency, and technology.As of October 2013, Martin - Wood Appraisal Group implemented a new appraisal fulfillment platform which has greatly improved our work flow time, efficiency and accuracy. Technology combined with a second set of certified appraiser eyes to ensure quality and soundness of each report, we are prepared for continued growth and success in new markets. Our clients, appraisers and processors immediately realized the benefit of this cutting edge platform implementation, and we are very pleased to be operating at a higher level throughout all steps of the valuation process. We are now open in the Detroit area and surrounding suburbs, offering all valuation services, commercial, residential and right of way. We are always looking to hire qualified appraisers who are looking to join a well established firm with many benefits to being a staff appraiser. We will continue to expand our footprint as we establish ourselves as the elite in the appraisal industry. Offering superior customer service leveraging our technology, relationships and reputation of providing high quality appraisals and valuation products to many happy customers.

As of December 9th, 2013 I have been sworn in as the incumbent President, after serving as Vice President for one year and the gavel has officially been passed. This is a benchmark and a highlight in my professional career. To be elected as leader leaves me very humbled as I feel honored to be selected by my esteemed colleagues and peers to represent my constituents of OCAP. I plan to pour my passion for this industry into the thought leadership and evolution of our industry. With an open mind and heart, and a new platform to reach appraisers all over Ohio, my hope is that we will inspire other fellow Real Estate Appraisers to join or form their own coalition within their state and elevate the voice of the appraiser and assist in directing the future of our industry through collaboration with their local peers and fellow appraisers . The Ohio Coalition of Appraiser Professionals is a strong group of highly respected OH appraisers who are committed to ensuring our great profession continues to improve and become garner more respect and understanding in the eyes of our clients, the government and the general public. We are committed to making sure appraiser professionals everywhere command the professional respect and trust they have earned. This group provides a fertile ground in which to educate and mentor appraisers, which is something that I am very passionate about. Please look into becoming a member by clicking the link below or reaching out to me personally. I am happy to speak with anyone who has a desire to reap the benefits of collaborating and elevating the voice of the Real Estate Appraiser with respect to legislation, both state and federal, and to become an active participant in the decision making that will shape the future of our industry in every way. http://www.ocapweb.org/

Charles Gress joined the Metro-West family in 1995. He became a State Licensed Appraiser in 1997. Soon after, he was promoted to Branch Manager of our Grand Blanc, Michigan office where he remained for the next 7 years, spending the majority of his time educating incoming appraisers on valuation principles and methodology. By 2004, he was the first Metro-West Appraiser to receive his Veterans Affairs (VA) approval.Charles was offered an opportunity to open and manage the Orlando, Florida branch office in 2007 where he subsequently obtained his State Certification and further honed his management acumen. During the summer of 2009, Charles was offered an opportunity to become the Vice President of Quality Control. After accepting the position, he relocated to Michigan and began operating from the company’s Northville, Michigan home office. Specializing in internal review and procedural protocol enforcement, Charles has been integral in an effort to improve product consistency while increasing productivity. Charles has also been instrumental in the development of our Collateral Risk Analysis and Reconciliation Divisions; providing singular tolerance assumptions derived from multiple value conclusions.Charles is available to clients and personnel alike, being driven to meet or exceed all predetermined expectations.