Safeguard Properties CEO Robert Klein Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year ® 2009 National Winner in the Servicing category

Valley View, Ohio, November 17, 2009 – Robert Klein, the founder and CEO of Safeguard Properties, was named the national winner of the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award in the Servicing category.   Ernst & Young’s program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who have built and lead dynamic, high-growth businesses on a regional, national and global level.  Klein was selected as a national winner from more than 300 regional Entrepreneur Of The Year® winners in over 25 US cities.

“Receiving this national award is an honor, and I am proud to receive it on behalf of our clients and our nearly 800 employees who have contributed to our growth and success.  We also are proud that the award helps to spotlight our industry and the Northeast Ohio community in which Safeguard has operated since our founding in 1990.”

The national award winners were announced at an awards gala, hosted by Jay Leno, on November 14 in Palm Springs, California. The gala is the culminating event of the Ernst & Young 2009 Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.  This group of outstanding entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of business, community and academic leaders.

“The Entrepreneur Of The Year® award recognizes the importance of entrepreneurs,” said Larry Haynes, Americas Director, Entrepreneur Of The Year®, Ernst & Young LLP.   “Our economy depends on these entrepreneurs.  They build businesses, support their local communities and drive innovation and development in the economy at large.”

This year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year® awards program celebrates its 23rd anniversary. Since 1986, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world.  Awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

About Safeguard  

Safeguard Properties is the largest privately held mortgage field services company in the U.S.  Founded in 1990 by the company’s CEO Robert Klein, Safeguard conducts more than one million property inspections and maintenance orders per month on defaulted and foreclosed properties nationally for mortgage service companies, banks, financial institutions and major investors.  The company is headquartered in Valley View, Ohio and employs nearly 800 people, in addition to a network of thousands of contractors.  Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year®

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries. For more information about the winners and the award, please visit www.ey.com/us/eoy.

Media contact:
Diane Roman Fusco
Director of Public Relations
Safeguard Properties
diane.fusco@safeguardproperties.com
800-852-8306, ext. 1213