(With a Little Help from AI and a Lot of Passion)
I didn’t start out as an expert.
In fact, when I first stepped into the world of private investigation, skip tracing, and deep-dive research analysis, I had no prior experience. What I did have was an intense sense of curiosity and a relentless work ethic—and the good fortune of finding a mentor who believed in me.
That mentor was, I’m proud to also call my friend, Matthew Spaier, Owner and President of Satellite Investigations. He didn’t just bring me into the field—he gave me something far more valuable than just training: trust. With his support and industry insight, I was given the space to experiment, develop my own systems, and hone my instincts. That freedom allowed me to evolve into someone who can now independently conduct complex investigations, write detailed reports, and support field investigators in ways that can streamline their work.
Like any investigation, my journey has been filled with rabbit holes, revelations, and hard-earned lessons. But it’s also been incredibly rewarding—and thanks to AI, I’ve taken my efficiency and reporting skills to a whole new level.
—
Getting Started: From No Experience to Becoming the Research Backbone
My career began with one clear objective: help personal injury law firms with a variety of needs.
Satellite Investigations partners with some of the top firms in the field. That meant I was immediately thrust into high-level skip tracing—piecing together digital breadcrumbs to find requested information through fragmented records, public, as well as, proprietary databases and online footprints.
Soon, my responsibilities expanded. I had to quickly learn how to conduct and report on to name a few:
● Detailed asset searches
● Criminal background checks
● Witness location efforts
● Police report acquisition
● FOIL/FOIA submissions (for accident evidence, EMS trip records, body cam footage, and officer notes, etc.)
Each task required navigating a maze of national state and local agencies, proprietary databases, and conflicting information. I learned to cross-reference sources, build timelines, and leverage OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools—including social media—to verify identities, business information and uncover new leads.
One case in particular stands out. Traditional searches hit a dead end. But while reviewing a subject’s Facebook profile, I spotted a photo where he was holding up his business card—his full name, phone number, email address, business name, and even his address were all in plain sight. That single image broke the case wide open.
—
Mentorship and the Power of Community
A major turning point came when Matthew introduced me to investigative industry conferences. There, I met seasoned professionals who generously shared techniques and insights that now form the backbone of how I approach my work.
Matthew’s leadership has always been hands-off in the best way—he gave me the room to grow, test methods, and build my own system. That kind of support is rare, allowing me to gain confidence in my work, and that I don’t take for granted.
The Satellite field investigators I work with also played a crucial role in shaping my process. They taught me what they need to do their jobs efficiently: confirmed locations, relevant contacts, pulled deeds, precinct records, and any other document that might move the case forward. Also, they provided me with valuable insights that I had no awareness of. Now, I’ve become a person they can count on to prepare the groundwork before they head out when needed.
—
Ethics, Pretexting, and the Fine Art of Discretion
As my role evolved, I had to master a subtle but vital skill: pretexting.
This involves making discreet inquiries to verify addresses, confirm employment, or uncover critical relationship connections—without alerting the subject or compromising the case.
Learning the fine line between strategy and legality was key. Every move has to comply with ethical standards and state laws. Done properly, pretexting isn’t deception—it’s investigative finesse. It’s about confirming facts without tipping your hand.
Sometimes a simple question can reveal family dynamics, a secondary address, or a phone number that opens an entirely new lead. But it must always be done with integrity.
—
The Personal Side: From Sleepless Nights to Unexpected Joy
Not all investigations are procedural. Some involve emotionally heavy stories—fraud, loss, or violence and fatalities—that stick with you long after you’ve closed the file.
But there have also been moments of deep personal joy.
I once helped reconnect two college friends who hadn’t spoken in years. Ten months later, they called me on the day of their engagement to thank me. I never imagined this line of work would allow me to change lives in such a personal way, but those moments are reminders of why I keep going.
—
Crafting Reports and the Power of AI
As my casework became more complex, I had to learn how to write investigative reports that clearly communicated my findings to clients and attorneys.
At first, my writing felt rigid, disjointed, and overly technical. But then I realized that every investigative report is, at its core, a story—one that guides the reader through the evidence, connects the dots, and brings clarity to complexity.
That’s where AI became a game-changer.
AI now helps me:
● Organize my thoughts more clearly
● Refine tone and structure
● Improve narrative flow
● Spot inconsistencies
● Save time on formatting and revisions
AI hasn’t replaced my work—it’s enhanced it. It’s not as simple as pasting in notes and hitting “rewrite.” AI still needs human oversight. But used thoughtfully, it helps me produce professional, high-impact reports that hold up in legal environments.
—
Building a System and Staying Adaptable
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is creating my own case management system that logs every step of an investigation—from initial intake to the final report.
Some cases wrap up in a day. Others stretch on for weeks or even months, requiring creativity and relentless persistence. I’ve found that kindness, clear communication, strategic follow-up—and sometimes a firm approach—can open doors that might otherwise have remained closed.
I’ve also created a personal reference archive—a mix of digital notes and an old-school binder filled with tips, trusted sources, and proven methods I’ve gathered over time. It’s my backup plan in case the digital fails, and an invaluable resource when I’m facing a tough case or an unfamiliar challenge.
—
Never Stop Learning: The Field Keeps Evolving
My academic background in communication and sociology never pointed me toward private investigation—but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense.
Every case involves understanding people, reading subtext, and communicating effectively. And the field itself is constantly evolving.
AI is advancing. People are getting harder to track. Scammers are more sophisticated. Which is why I make it a priority to stay connected, keep learning, and ask questions. Saying “I don’t know—what do you think?” has opened up some of the most valuable conversations in my career.
—
Final Thoughts
This career took me from outsider to insider—from someone with no formal background to someone who now supports field investigators, partners with top law firms, and confidently writes detailed investigative reports.
Every piece of data is part of a bigger puzzle. Every unanswered question could be the key. And those “lightbulb” moments—when everything falls into place—are what make the long hours and late nights worth it.
I’m still learning. I always will be. And that’s the beauty of it.
Because in this field, evolution is survival—and growth is power.
