Feature Spotlight #37 - Misty Poole

Women of Title Spotlight: Misty Poole.

We’re honored to shine the spotlight today on a powerhouse professional who brings authenticity, heart, and grit to everything she does. Meet Misty Poole, a seasoned leader at Florida Agency Network, whose journey in the title industry is rooted in family, driven by purpose, and fueled by a passion for building others up.

A Career Built on Purpose.

Misty Poole has been in the title industry for over 16 years, currently serving as a Regional Manager at Florida Agency Network. Before joining FAN, she worked with Sunbelt Title, gaining the experience and resilience that continues to shape her leadership style today. Based in Mulberry, Florida, Misty’s work spans Central Florida, where she’s constantly on the move—coaching, mentoring, and empowering teams across the region.

Misty is passionate about investing in people, believing that staying relatable and authentic is key to helping others grow. Her leadership philosophy centers on supporting her team in reaching their goals, while creating a culture of connection and trust.

Getting into the Biz.

Like many women in the industry, Misty’s journey into title was inspired by a strong female role model—her aunt, a successful career woman who encouraged her to join the field. That spark of inspiration became a lifelong passion. “I really looked up to my aunt because she was a career woman—and that’s something I always strived to be.”

Mentorship & Influence.

Misty credits Amy Gregory as a major influence in her professional journey, someone whose leadership left a lasting imprint on her own path. “She has been an inspiration and guiding light for me.”

Amy’s example taught Misty the power of mentorship, the importance of leading with empathy, and how to remain strong yet approachable in even the most demanding situations. Through Amy’s guidance, Misty discovered what it truly means to be a servant leader—one who listens first, supports others unconditionally, and creates space for growth and success.

With role models like Amy, Misty hasn’t just learned how to lead—she’s learned how to lift others as she climbs, ensuring that each step forward includes room for others to rise alongside her.

Advice for Women in Title.

Her message to women coming up in the industry? Practice self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Its advice born from experience, and it’s helped her navigate tough conversations, mentor rising talent, and face industry challenges with grace.

“Stay composed and remember—it’s not about you. You can assert yourself clearly while still being respectful.”

What Fuels Her Fire.

What drives Misty forward every day is simple: her family and her desire to lead with integrity. “My parents taught me the value of hard work, and I’ve always wanted to make them proud. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that girls can do anything.”

As her daughter prepares to graduate high school, Misty reflects on the life they've built—a peaceful, rural home full of love, chickens, and country charm. It’s where she finds balance and renewal.

The Many Sides of Misty.

Outside the office, Misty’s a true blend of contrasts: a self-proclaimed girly girl who loves makeup, fragrance, and fashion, but also a tough-as-nails tomboy who’s not afraid to bait her own hook or wrangle her flock of chickens. She has a few beautiful tattoos (usually hidden during work and events), and—fun fact—you’ll never catch her in heels!

Her Soundtrack.

Music is a huge part of Misty’s life. She’s a diehard fan of 90s grunge, and has seen Third Eye Blind live more than any other band. Her first concert experience left a lasting impression, and live music remains one of her favorite escapes.

Words to Live By & Legacy Impact.

One of her most-used guiding quotes is this:

“Do you want to be successful, or do you want to be right?”

This phrase helps her team shift perspectives during conflict and focus on progress over pride.

Misty hopes her legacy will be defined by the people she’s helped rise. “I want to be remembered as a mentor—someone who was fair, kind, and genuinely invested in their success.”

Final Thoughts for the Women of Her.Collective.

“Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. I believe we need more women in this industry who lead with character and kindness. Let’s keep lifting each other up—we’re all stronger together.”

Misty Poole, thank you for being a classy, courageous, and compassionate Woman of Title! Your voice matters, your leadership inspires, and your legacy is already being built—one empowered team member at a time.

**Connect with Misty here: misty.poole@flagency.net I LinkedIn I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #36 - Cheryl Finney

Women of Title Spotlight: A Legacy of Leadership, Grit, and Grace.

Her. the title collective – Friday Feature

This week, we are proud to shine the spotlight on Cheryl Finney—a powerhouse in the title industry whose career spans over four decades. As Executive Vice President of Trinity Title of Texas, Cheryl’s remarkable rise from escrow assistant to respected industry leader reflects a journey built on grit, grace, and unwavering dedication.

With over 40 years in the title industry, she has seen it all—and helped shape it. Since joining Trinity Title of Texas in 2017, she has served as both President and now Executive Vice President, overseeing recruiting, sales, and operations across Austin and Bastrop. Trinity Title spans major markets across Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

A serendipitous beginning.

Her start in title came unexpectedly—she was working in the closing department of a savings and loan company when her curiosity was piqued by the work of title companies. That curiosity led her to Stewart Title, where she began as an escrow assistant on the Fox & Jacobs account. Under the guidance of mentor Peggy Shindler, she was challenged, championed, and encouraged to grow. Peggy’s influence left an indelible mark, teaching her the power of mentorship and the importance of holding high standards with heart.

Finding her voice in title.

In the early years of her career, women in leadership were few and far between. She credits her development to a series of male mentors who helped her navigate the challenges while staying true to herself. Through trial, error, prayer, and perseverance, she honed a leadership style rooted in authenticity and courage. Once she embraced her own voice, there was no limit to what she could accomplish.

Throughout her career, she has been a fierce advocate for developing talent—both men and women. Her no-nonsense, honest approach has earned the respect of peers and colleagues alike. “You can be kind and still be a straight shooter,” she says. “People appreciate the truth.”

Thriving in Mentorship & Leadership.

Now, as the industry welcomes a new wave of dynamic, forward-thinking professionals, she finds renewed energy and fulfillment in mentoring the next generation. With decades of insight and experience under her belt, she sees it not just as a responsibility, but as a privilege to help others navigate their own paths in title insurance.

Her heart especially lies in empowering women—those just beginning to find their footing, as well as those on the cusp of leadership. She believes in meeting people where they are, offering guidance that is both compassionate and honest. Whether it’s helping someone discover their strengths, navigate challenges with confidence, or simply reminding them of their value, her mentorship is rooted in authenticity.

She beams with pride when speaking about the talented women now making their mark in the industry. “There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a woman step into her potential,” she says. “They come in with such bold ideas, fierce determination, and a real hunger to learn. Watching them rise—knowing you had a hand in that journey—is one of the greatest rewards of my career.”

She encourages women to be unapologetically themselves, to embrace their voices, and to understand that leadership is not a mold to fit into—it’s something they can shape on their own terms. To her, mentorship isn’t about creating replicas of herself; it’s about equipping others to become the best version of who they are meant to be.

As she continues to invest in others, she’s helping build an industry that reflects more diversity, strength, and collaboration than ever before—one leader at a time.

Life Outside the Title Lines.

Beyond the boardroom, she’s embraced the role of grandmother with uncontainable joy. From baseball and horseback riding to golf and fishing, her grandsons keep her active and inspired. Though she once found freedom riding motorcycles herself, today she lives out that spirit of adventure through their eyes.

She and her husband cherish quiet weekends at their place in Central Texas, soaking in nature, riding ATVs, and recharging in the peace of the countryside.

Guided by Grace, Grounded in Values.

At the heart of her leadership is a simple, timeless philosophy: treat others the way you want to be treated. It's a principle she's carried with her through every role, every relationship, and every challenge throughout her career. Her leadership style is defined by authenticity, humility, and unwavering integrity—always striving to do right by others, even when it’s difficult.

She believes in being honest, direct, and kind—qualities that have earned her the respect of colleagues, the trust of her teams, and the admiration of countless professionals across the industry. Her reputation is that of a straight shooter with a soft heart, someone who holds people accountable while genuinely rooting for their success.

But beyond her professional impact, her life is anchored in something deeper: her faith. It’s the foundation upon which she’s built her values, guided her decisions, and found strength in the most pivotal moments. Through every high and low, she has remained grounded in her belief in servant leadership—lifting others as she climbs, always with grace, empathy, and a purpose greater than herself.

Her legacy is not just the titles she's held or the markets she's helped grow—it's the lives she's touched, the careers she's shaped, and the example she’s set for future generations of women in title. A leader, a mentor, a believer—her influence extends far beyond the boardroom.

Final Reflections: A Message to the Women of Title.

"As I look back on the path I've walked, I don’t measure success by numbers or titles—I measure it by the people I’ve helped along the way. I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors, meaningful opportunities, and the strength to rise through every setback. Now, it’s my joy to pass that forward.

To the women rising in this industry: know your worth. Stand tall in your strength and never forget that grace and grit together make you unstoppable. Lead with heart. Be bold in your truth. And don’t wait for someone to hand you a seat at the table—build your own.

If you stay grounded in your values, keep your faith close, and lead with purpose, there is truly no ceiling to what you can achieve."

Her journey is a powerful testament to leadership, faith, and perseverance. Thank you, Cheryl, for inspiring us and sharing your remarkable story with Her. the title collective.

**Connect with Cheryl here: cfinney@trinitytitletx.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #35 - April Gentry

Women of Title Spotlight: April Gentry.

Where Authenticity, Resilience, and Relationships Lead the Way. Her.the title collective – Friday Feature

In a world where business often feels transactional, April Gentry reminds us that the true magic happens when we build with heart. A seasoned professional whose career spans real estate, design, and title, April has spent over 20 years weaving creativity, strategy, and human connection into everything she touches. Today, as the Director of Strategic Partnerships based in vibrant Austin, Texas, she brings a fresh, authentic energy to the title industry—one built on trust, innovation, and deep-rooted passion.

A Journey Written by Serendipity and Strength.

April’s path into title insurance wasn’t a straight line—it was a winding, serendipitous journey shaped by resilience and unexpected opportunities. After leading business development for a New York-based interior design and renovation company, April found herself at a crossroads when poor leadership forced the company’s collapse. It could have been an ending, but instead, it sparked a remarkable new beginning.

Through a chance connection—a colleague’s husband who had once attended summer camp with a woman at Qualia—April was introduced to her future mentor and boss. That open house meeting led her into the world of title insurance, and she’s never looked back. "The rest," she says with a smile, "is history."

Today, April’s unique background in sales, design, and human-centric strategy gives her an edge in a fast-evolving title industry that desperately needs innovation and connection.

 Leading with Purpose, Building with Heart.

At her core, April is a connector. As Director of Strategic Partnerships, she specializes in building meaningful relationships—ones grounded not just in opportunity, but in trust, empathy, and mutual growth. "The strongest partnerships," she believes, "are built when you lead with understanding, not just ambition."

But leading in a historically slow-to-innovate industry hasn’t come without challenges. Standing at the intersection of title and technology, April is no stranger to navigating spaces where female leadership remains rare. She sees this as an opportunity to advocate for change, carving a path not only for herself but for the women who will follow.

Learning to Own Her Voice.

One of the pivotal moments in April’s career came through her work with Dr. Cindy McGovern, who challenged her to speak more boldly about her achievements. Like many women, April once believed that hard work would speak for itself. "We assume people will naturally recognize the value we bring," she reflects, "but that’s rarely the case."

The book How Women Rise further opened her eyes to the systemic barrier’s women face—and the personal growth needed to rise above them. It wasn’t just about confidence; it was about permission. Permission to be proud. Permission to take up space.

Her advice for younger women entering title? “Be curious. Find your confidence. Own your power. You belong here.”

And when in doubt, she recalls advice from her acting mentor: "Feel your feet on the floor." A simple reminder to stay grounded, present, and unwavering—no matter how unfamiliar the room may feel.

Rooted in Gratitude, Fueled by Growth.

April’s resilience isn’t fueled by sheer grit alone—it’s anchored in gratitude, a lesson she credits to her father. "He’s constantly reminding me,

‘How lucky are we?’ she shares. It’s a mindset that blends hustle with humility, drive with deep appreciation for the opportunities each day brings.

 Her confidence, she admits, is not a fixed destination but a moving, evolving thing. "Some days it’s strong, some days fleeting. But that’s the point—growth is found in the learning, in the stretching, and yes, even in the struggle."

A Life Beyond the Title Desk.

There’s more to April than her impressive career. In a delightful twist, she spent a decade in New York City as an actor, even performing improv at the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade. "Improv taught me invaluable lessons about deep listening, collaboration, and embracing spontaneity," she says. It’s no surprise that those same skills now fuel her success in business.

Outside of work, April’s musical taste reveals her timeless soul: from rocking out to Led Zeppelin to being moved to tears by Florence and The Machine’s ethereal power, music remains a constant wellspring of inspiration.

And while she thrives in leadership, she remains a devoted member of her “village”—a tight-knit family and circle of supportive friends she likens to the tribal communities of old. "We’re not meant to navigate life alone," she reminds us.

Living by Authenticity, Leaving a Legacy of Courage.

If there’s one philosophy that guides April’s life and work, it’s authenticity. "You are the only you that will ever be," she says. And it’s that truth—leading with honesty, vulnerability, and passion—that she hopes defines her legacy.

"I want to be remembered as someone who created, who stayed open to the extraordinary journey of life, and who wasn’t afraid to see the world through a different lens."

A Message to the Women of Her.collective.

April’s final words for the women of Her.collective are filled with gratitude and encouragement: "Thank you for giving space to women. Thank you for sharing our stories."

Stories like hers remind us that title insurance isn’t just about transactions—it’s about transformation. About finding your voice, owning your space, and building something beautiful with authenticity, courage, and heart.

Thank you, April Gentry, for being a powerful voice, a fearless creator, and an inspiring Woman of Title. We are honored to share your story.

**Connect with April here: april@closinglock.com I LinkedIn