Feature Spotlight #12 - Monica Schroeder

A Conversation with Monica Schroeder.

In the competitive and ever-evolving world of title insurance, Monica Schroeder, President of Verus Title, Inc., stands out as a beacon of leadership, resilience, and grace. With 21 years in the industry, Monica has not only honed her expertise but also built a career defined by fostering strong relationships and uplifting others.

From SoCal to Sarasota.

Originally from Southern California, Monica now calls Sarasota, Florida home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her career began humbly, as a receptionist in an escrow company, but her drive quickly propelled her through roles as an escrow assistant and officer. "I loved learning every step of the process," she recalls, reflecting on her hands-on growth in the industry.

Leadership with Purpose.

As a leader, Monica emphasizes equipping her team with the tools to succeed. "My primary responsibility is ensuring that our team can confidently execute their roles and adapt to the

changing demands of our industry," she explains. Her leadership philosophy, inspired by Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, focuses on creating environments where talent thrives organically.

The Power of Mentorship.

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Monica’s journey. She credits Michele Baldwin, who guided her transition to leading a national title agency, with instilling confidence and teaching her to plan for the future. "Her enthusiasm and grace showed me the power of looking several steps ahead," Monica shares. Now, she pays it forward by mentoring others, helping them find their voices and excel in the industry.

Challenges and Triumphs.

While Monica acknowledges her own positive workplace experiences, she recognizes the barriers many women face in the title industry. "I’ve been fortunate to experience respect,

but I’ve seen women not given a seat at the table due to their gender," she notes. Her mission is to support and empower women who deserve recognition. She attributes her professional grit and inner strength to her mother and grandmother, whose influence shaped her ability to overcome life’s challenges and achieve triumphs.

Advice for Rising Leaders.

Monica encourages younger women in the industry to trust their instincts, build strong professional networks, and seek out mentorship opportunities. "Your observations are valuable—don’t downplay them," she advises. She also underscores the importance of resilience, organization, and attention to detail in navigating the high-pressure environment of title and settlement work.

Strength, Kindness, and Legacy.

What fuels Monica’s drive? Her "why" is rooted in growing strong female leaders and creating spaces where empathy and authenticity are strengths.  In her words, she believes that,

“Modeling empathy and grace have allowed me to get through difficult challenges, and by sharing those experiences with others, I hope to inspire resilience and compassionate leadership in our industry. My desire is to build a community where vulnerability is seen as a strength, not a weakness, and to foster an environment where authenticity and mutual support thrive.” 

Her guiding mantra, "Kindness is Free," serves as a reminder to lead with grace, even in challenging situations.

Beyond her career life.

Beyond work, Monica’s passions include being a devoted soccer mom, attending over 25 Dave Matthews Band concerts, and indulging her inner Star Wars enthusiast—all fun she shares with her young sons.

As for her legacy, Monica hopes to inspire others to dream big and embrace diverse perspectives. "The intersection of diverse thinking and shared purpose can lead to meaningful impacts—not just in business but in life," she reflects.

To the Women of Title community, Monica offers this parting thought: "Never be afraid to ask questions. Admitting you don’t know something fosters trust and builds stronger relationships. Together, we can continue shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for our industry."

Thank you, Monica, for allowing us to share your story with the Women of Title community!

**Connect with Monica here: monica@verustitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #11 - Renee Hicks

Renee Hicks: An Inspiring Journey of Leadership in Title Insurance.

 We are thrilled to highlight the highly professional and dynamic, Renee Hicks, Vice President at Texas Secure Title Company, in our Women of Title community. Since her career launch into the title industry with Texas Secure Title in February 2017, Renee’s impact in the industry has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From State Government to Title: A Leap of Faith.

Renee’s path into title insurance was anything but conventional. The common theme often heard when asking "how you got into title" you will hear, "I fell into title. . ." definitely applies here for Renee also. Having honed her skills managing business operations in the Texas State Government, she transitioned to leadership consulting with People Biz. It was during a collaboration with Texas Secure Title that her professional journey took an unexpected turn. After developing an organizational strategy with the ownership team at Texas Secure Title and deeply resonating with their mission and values, Renee found herself drawn to their vision. Just months later, she left behind her life in Austin to take on a new challenge as Service Center Manager. This leap would ultimately lead to her current role, overseeing business operations, financial management, and much more, serving as the right-hand partner to her mentor, Gretchen Wright.

Guided by a Visionary Mentor.

Gretchen Wright, the President and Founding Owner of Texas Secure Title Company, stands as a pivotal figure in Renee’s success. “Gretchen’s unwavering belief in me, even on my toughest days, has been a source of strength. Her lessons and shared experiences have been invaluable,” Renee shares. Their collaboration demonstrates the true power of women lifting and supporting one another.

Navigating Challenges and Finding Balance.

One of Renee’s biggest challenges in the industry? Work-life balance. As a natural planner and licensed Project Management Professional, she thrives on strategy and execution, but title insurance often brings unpredictability. Renee has learned the importance of “letting go” and prioritizing self-care. She reminds us that while work is important, moments with loved ones matter more—a poignant lesson learned after the passing of her own father.

Her father’s passing reminded her of life’s fleeting moments, and she emphasizes the importance of making time for family amongst the chaos of life. “My dad was my source of strength and perseverance,” Renee shares. “His belief in my potential continues to push me forward, inspiring me to show my children and grandchildren that no challenge is insurmountable.”

 Advice for the Next Generation.

Renee encourages younger women entering the title industry to build a strong support network and continually strive for growth. “Perform to the level you want to achieve, not where you are now,” she advises. With a passion for uplifting others, she emphasizes the importance of learning, staying true to oneself, and seizing every opportunity for personal and professional development. Title insurance is definitely growing and evolving, and building a high-level professional career with depth and pride is truly attainable here.

Her Drive & Building Character.

For Renee, family remains her ultimate motivation. As a young mother, she pushed herself to achieve her goals, knowing failure wasn’t an option. “My children and grandchildren are my motivation. One of my proudest moments was receiving my degree with them in the audience,” she reflects.

Renee believes that high character and a focus on building others are crucial in the title industry. Juggling work, family, and life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with a strong support system, it’s possible to have it all. She calls for more positive women to uplift each other, providing a foundation for shared success and understanding.

A Love for Karaoke and the Great Outdoors.

While Renee’s colleagues might know about her family-oriented travels, they may be surprised by her newfound passion for the outdoors. Long walks, beach strolls, and even

snow skiing has become cherished moments of peace and reflection. And when it comes to karaoke? She’s always ready to hit the stage, even if just for laughs. So, are you ready for some Guns-N-Roses ladies?

Legacy and Words to Live By.

Renee’s philosophy centers around the power of choice: “No matter what life throws at us, we have the power to choose how we respond.” She hopes her legacy in the title industry will be one that celebrates innovation, improved processes, and the development of upcoming leaders. Her final thoughts for our community? “Be authentic, approach everything with integrity, and stay willing to learn.”

Thank you, Renee, for allowing us to share your journey and wisdom with us. You truly embody the spirit of a powerhouse Woman of Title—leading with passion, purpose, and elegance.

**Connect with Renee here: Rhicks@texassecuretitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #10 - Genae Horton

A Conversation with Genae M. Horton, CEO of

Closing Connection Title.

In today’s competitive real estate market, title insurance professionals are the unsung heroes, ensuring smooth and secure transactions. We had the pleasure of speaking with Genae M. Horton, a 27-year veteran in the title insurance industry and the CEO of Closing Connection Title. Based in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Genae shared her journey, challenges, and insights, offering a wealth of wisdom for the next generation of women in the field.

The Beginnings of a Title Journey.

Genae’s path into the title industry began somewhat unexpectedly. "I fell into title through a temp agency," she recalls. After purchasing her first home, she was placed at Transnation Title as an escrow receptionist. It didn’t take long for her talent to shine. Within 90 days, she was hired permanently, promoted to processor after six months, and within nine months, she advanced to an escrow closer. “I never imagined it would turn into a career, but here I am, 27 years later!”

Leading with Vision.

As the CEO and Escrow Manager of Closing Connection Title, Genae's role is multifaceted, but what sets her apart is her ability to "think outside the box" and her unwavering commitment to the client experience. Her office, located at the end of the Denver Tech Center, serves as the headquarters where she leads her team by example. Genae emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where both staff and clients feel valued and heard. (Her very first closing is locked in memory below.)

Challenges Faced and Overcome.

Being a woman in a demanding business can present its own set of challenges. Add to that the experience of being the only Black woman in the room, and the obstacles become even more pronounced. “One of the main challenges I’ve faced is being valued for the contribution I make, and the isolation that comes with often being the only Black woman in the room," she says. But Genae has never let this slow her down. Instead, it has fueled her drive to succeed and pave the way for others to follow. Her business partners have said they are inspired by how positive she is and constantly “has a smile on her face,” despite her challenges.

Mentorship & Inspiration.

Behind every great leader is someone who believed in them, and for Genae, that person was Galen Anderson. “She was the best manager I ever had. She laid the foundation for my career,” Genae says with gratitude. It’s this support that has inspired Genae to give back and mentor others. For young women just starting in the industry, Genae offers a powerful piece of advice: "This is a tough industry, but if you can handle the pressure that will create diamonds, you can do this!" She highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Building Wealth and Breaking Barriers.

When asked what keeps her going, Genae's answer is deeply personal. "My why are my two children," she explains. Genae is driven by the desire to break generational cycles and create generational wealth. "Where I come from, very few people have careers. This is my chance to change that for my children and for others in my community." And that she is already achieving, by inspiring and advocating for her 16-yr old son to start his own fashion line business, that he recently launched.

Strength in Community.

Genae is a firm believer in the power of women supporting women. She’s observed how often competition between women in the workplace leads to unnecessary conflict, but she chooses a different path. “I grew up with five sisters, so I learned early on that fighting isn’t worth it. I prefer to engage and encourage the women around me. It’s hard to fight someone who’s always encouraging you!”

This philosophy extends to her approach with competitors. Rather than seeing them as adversaries, Genae believes in collaboration. “We’ve got it all wrong. We should be building relationships with our competitors. Everyone has weaknesses, and sometimes someone else’s strengths can complement yours without taking away from your success. There’s power in numbers!”

A Spiritual Center and a Strong Support System.

Genae credits her faith as the source of her strength. "God is my center," she says. "Starting my company was a faith walk, and I wouldn’t be here without the blessings I’ve received." Her children also play a pivotal role in keeping her motivated. “They are so wise for their age and give me perspectives I sometimes miss,” which keeps her grounded in her goals.

Passion Beyond the Office.

Outside of her professional life, Genae has a deep passion for helping others, particularly young women facing adversity. “I have a dream to open a group home for pregnant runaway teens. Teen pregnancy is something I witnessed firsthand in my family, and I’ve seen too many girls end up in bad situations because of it. I want to be there to help them.”

Her Legacy, Philosophy, and Encouragement.

As she looks to the future, Genae hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the title industry. "I want people to realize that, while we’re all here to make money, we’re dealing with people’s homes—the most precious thing in their lives outside of their loved ones. It’s not just a transaction; it’s their life. We have to do our best to get the deal to the finish line smoothly," as it’s a paramount moment for most people, and we get to be a part of that. Her guiding philosophy? “Teamwork makes the dream work. No one gets to the top alone. We all need a strong team around us.”

Final Thoughts.

Genae leaves us with a final message to the women in the title industry: “Encouragement goes a long way, and it costs nothing. Let’s normalize fixing each other’s crowns instead of trying to knock them off.” Genae M. Horton’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and community. She’s not only breaking barriers in the title industry but is also lifting others as she climbs in all aspects of her life. It’s no wonder she’s a shining example for the Women of Title community.

Thank you, Genae, for your dedication and inspiration to reach beyond yourself to lift others, that is who we aim to be in the Women of Title Community!

*To Connect with Genae: genae@closingconnectiontitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook