Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Krachey.
Hi Betty, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I never set out thinking I’d become a notary, let alone build multiple businesses around it—but life has a way of steering you where you’re needed. Over a decade ago, I started as a traditional Tennessee notary, helping a few friends in the real estate industry and local attorneys. As the years went on, I saw firsthand how much impact a notary can have—whether it’s a family finalizing an adoption, a couple closing on their first home, or someone abroad needing critical documents signed.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I became one of the first notaries in Tennessee to embrace Remote Online Notarization. What began as a necessity quickly became a passion for innovation. I realized I could serve people anywhere in the world from my desk in Knoxville—and that opened the door to scaling my business far beyond state lines.
Since then, I’ve grown Smoky Mountain Notary into a multi-faceted company: mobile and online notarizations, loan signings, apostille facilitation, fingerprinting, and even quick “Sign & Go” weddings. Alongside notary work, I’ve leaned into another passion—flying drones. As an FAA Part 107 pilot, I provide aerial photos, inspections, and construction progression shots for clients in Knoxville and the surrounding areas.
At the core, my story is about spotting opportunities where others see roadblocks. I’ve been a business owner most of my working life—turning two failing convenience stores into thriving million-dollar operations before expanding into the notary world. Along the way, I’ve continued growing into new fields while staying grounded in professionalism and service. I’m someone who believes there’s always a next step forward.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I became a Tennessee Remote Online Notary, the biggest obstacle was trust. Clients didn’t understand how it worked, some title companies were hesitant, and even fellow notaries thought it was a passing trend. It took patience, education, and proving myself one signing at a time to show that RON was not only legitimate, but often a better option.
Over time, a big part of my business has grown to be Remote Online Notarizations. I’ve helped U.S. citizens all over the world get their documents signed and notarized virtually. Once someone uses my online notary services, they usually keep coming back—the convenience, security, and cost-efficiency simply can’t be beat by most traditional notarizations.
But every challenge forced me to get sharper, more resourceful, and more determined. Those roadblocks became the very reasons I’ve built such a diverse business model today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Smoky Mountain Notary isn’t your average notary service—it’s a full-scale, modern solution for clients who value professionalism and convenience. We’re best known for Remote Online Notarization (RON), helping clients across the globe securely notarize real estate closings, powers of attorney, adoption dossiers, and other critical documents. Locally, we offer mobile notary services throughout Knoxville and nearby counties, along with apostille facilitation, ink fingerprinting, and “Sign & Go” weddings.
What sets us apart is flexibility and trust. We meet people where they are—whether that’s online, at home, in a hospital, or even at the jail—and deliver services with experience and care. On top of that, as an FAA Part 107 drone pilot, I provide aerial photography, inspections, and construction progression shots, giving our brand a unique edge.
At Smoky Mountain Notary, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built: reliable, innovative, and client-focused. Behind every notarization is a real story—and we make sure it’s handled right.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about numbers or growth—it’s about impact. If a client leaves feeling relieved, supported, and confident that their documents were handled with care, that’s success. I measure it in those small wins: helping a family finalize an adoption, guiding someone abroad through a notarization they didn’t think was possible, or even making a jail visit less stressful for a loved one who just needs paperwork done.
On the business side, success also means building something sustainable and adaptable. I’ve weathered changes in laws, technology, and even public perception of what notaries do, and each time I’ve come out stronger. Expanding into drones, mentoring other notaries, and building a trusted brand all came from redefining success as progress, not perfection.
At the end of the day, success to me is simple: leaving people better off than when they found me, while continuing to grow in new directions myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smokymtnnotary.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokymtnnotary/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainNotary/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettykrachey/
