Feature Spotlight #9 - Jamie Chadwick

Championing Success in Title Insurance: A Conversation with Jamie Chadwick.

In our Women of Title series, we shine a spotlight on inspiring women in the title insurance industry, exploring their journeys, insights, and advice. This edition features Jamie Chadwick, an Agency Business Consultant based in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with a deep commitment to empowering others and advancing the industry. Here’s a look into Jamie's incredible journey.

A Career Built from the Ground Up.

Jamie Chadwick’s career in title insurance began like many success stories: through an unexpected opportunity. While studying for her bachelor’s degree, Jamie sought a full-time position and was hired by Olde City Abstract, a company eager to train someone new to the field. It was a perfect match. Jamie stayed with Olde City for 16 years, learning the intricacies of the title business from the ground up. This strong foundation led her to roles at TSS, Settlement Management Solutions (a division of First American), TitleBox / TitleEQ, and now Fidelity National Title.

As a skilled Agency Business Consultant for Pennsylvania, Jamie has become a respected expert on agency operations. She’s proud to be considered an authority in the field, with her wealth of experience and "find a way to YES" philosophy serving her well. For Jamie, any obstacle can be overcome with creativity and resilience.

The Mentors and Challenges That Shaped Her.

When asked about the women who influenced her, Jamie credits Toni Carroll as a powerful inspiration, mentoring her to strive for excellence.

While she acknowledges facing challenges specific to being a young woman in the industry—such as having to navigate difficult interactions during transactions—she has always remained focused on solutions. Jamie’s philosophy of finding a way to say “yes” reflects her commitment to customer service and problem-solving, embodying her determination to succeed no matter the circumstances.

Advice for Aspiring Women in Title Insurance.

Jamie’s advice for women new to the title industry is simple: “Find a way to YES.” She believes that the most successful professionals can adapt to any situation by using the resources at their disposal. She encourages younger women to approach challenges with flexibility, perseverance, and a focus on building positive relationships. For Jamie, confidence comes from her love for the business and the relationships she’s built. She explains that her “why” is about the people she’s met along the way, colleagues and clients alike, who have motivated her to keep moving forward.

A Legacy of Empathy and High Character.

Handling workplace dynamics gracefully is a skill Jamie has honed over the years. Recognizing that others’ aggression or intimidation often comes from insecurity, she advises women to respond with empathy. By understanding the root of others’ actions, she finds that even challenging interactions can be softened. Jamie’s high character and ability to build up those around her have made her a role model in the industry, and she hopes her legacy will be one of kindness and integrity. She wants to offer others the experience she would like to have, striving to give her best every day.

Finding Inspiration Beyond Work.

Outside of title insurance, Jamie has a passion for culinary creativity. She loves cooking and entertaining, whether it’s for a large party or an intimate dinner. This hobby provides her with a refreshing outlet where she can express herself and unwind from the demands of work.

When it comes to music, Jamie is a long-time fan of Duran Duran, and she recently enjoyed seeing Teddy Swims live. She’s drawn to a range of genres, from Latin music by Marc Anthony to country legends Keith Urban and Tim McGraw, and even jazz by Jon Batiste.

Words of Wisdom.

Jamie lives by the words, “Find a way to get to ‘YES.’” She believes that we need more high-character people in the industry—and in the world. Her guiding principle is to give others the best experience possible, demonstrating that kindness and professionalism can elevate every interaction. Jamie envisions her legacy as one where people remember her as someone who was committed to making the title industry better for everyone.

As she looks toward the future, Jamie has a powerful message for her fellow women in the title insurance community: “We’re off to an incredible start recognizing each other and our contributions. Let’s continue down this road together and build a support system stronger than anyone ever imagined.”

Wrapping up.

Jamie Chadwick embodies the strength, resilience, and empathy that define the best in title insurance. Her journey from an eager beginner at Olde City Abstract to a respected consultant with Fidelity National Title serves as a testament to the power of dedication, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

We love your story, Jamie! Thank you for your embodiment of excellence and character in all you do, that is an empowering example for all of us at the Women of Title Spotlight series!

*To connect with Jamie here: jamie.chadwick@fnf.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #8 - Amanda Brumbelow

A legacy of Leadership: 24 years in Title Insurance

In this edition of our Women of Title series, we are thrilled to introduce Amanda Brumbelow, Vice President of Operations and Partner at Allegiance Title Company of Arkansas, Inc. With 24 years of experience in the title insurance industry, Amanda’s journey is one of perseverance, leadership, and continuous growth.

From Babysitting to Title Insurance

Amanda’s path to the title industry began in an unexpected way—through babysitting. At just 13, Amanda began babysitting for local families. By the time she was 19, one of the families she worked for suggested she join their title company. Amanda, then a freshman in college with dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher, had never even heard of title insurance. But that suggestion was the spark that launched her into a career she hadn’t anticipated.

With the encouragement of Vicki Bronson at Bronson Abstract, Amanda entered the world of title insurance, starting as an entry-level escrow support. Within just six months, she was promoted to Escrow Officer at the age of 20. Though young, Amanda quickly learned the ropes of title insurance, closings, and what it meant to be a professional in a competitive field. That early leap into responsibility set the tone for the rest of her career.

Influential Women and Professional Growth

Throughout her career, Amanda has drawn inspiration from several influential women. Vicki Bronson, a polished professional, left a lasting impression, not just for her work in title insurance but for balancing her legal studies at the University of Arkansas while raising her two daughters. Amanda also credits Jacque Carruth and Donna Stewart for teaching her the intricacies of the title business and showing her that dedication and hard work can pave the way to success. "I think each one of these ladies showed me that with hard work and dedication, I can forge my own path," Amanda reflects.

Overcoming Challenges and Standing Firm

As a woman in an industry where the leadership is often dominated by men, Amanda has faced her share of challenges. She recalls moments early in her career that were both uncomfortable and eye-opening, particularly before the #MeToo movement. In 1995, at the age of 20, a REALTOR® customer asked her and a coworker to sit on his lap. Amanda refused, setting a boundary and standing firm in her professionalism. This was just one of many instances where Amanda had to navigate unsolicited attention and inappropriate advances.

 Over the years, Amanda has learned to stay true to her values, relying on the support of her husband, Keith Brumbelow, to navigate these difficult situations. Today, she continues to stand up for professionalism and mutual respect in the workplace, setting an example for her daughters and others entering the industry.

Advice for Young Women in Title Insurance

For younger women starting in the title insurance industry, Amanda has some sage advice: define your core values and purpose early on. While it took Amanda until her forties to clearly define her values, doing so gave her clarity and direction. “Commitment, Courage, and Care” are her guiding principles—values that she feels resonate deeply and serve as her compass.

Amanda also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, a growth mindset, and leading without a title. "Leaders become leaders because of their behaviors and ability to positively influence others," she says. For Amanda, true leadership is not about rank or title; it’s about empowering those around you.

Building Confidence and Staying Motivated

Like many professionals, Amanda has battled self-doubt throughout her career. However, understanding her personal values and managing her emotional responses to stressful situations has helped her regain confidence. By staying true to her guiding principles, she’s managed to continue pushing forward, growing both personally and professionally.

One of the books that has significantly impacted Amanda’s career is “How Women Rise” by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith. This book helped her identify habits that were holding her back and gave her tools to break through those barriers. 

Handling Workplace Aggression

Amanda acknowledges that, sometimes, women can be their own biggest aggressors in the workplace. Rather than fostering competition, Amanda advocates for collaboration and growth. "True success comes from empowering those around you," she says, a philosophy that drives the culture at Allegiance Title.

Instead of tearing others down, Amanda believes in measuring success by one’s personal growth. It’s an approach that encourages camaraderie and respect, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

The Importance of High-Character Leadership

Amanda strongly believes the title industry needs more high-character leadership. At Allegiance Title, she fosters a collaborative, supportive environment where everyone works together, without ego. “We hire rock stars without rock star egos,” Amanda says. By nurturing a positive workplace culture, Amanda ensures that everyone at Allegiance Title feels valued and supported.

Life Outside of Work

Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors—something that may come as a surprise to those who knew her as a child. Her husband’s love of nature has rubbed off

on her, and now the couple enjoys camping, boating, fishing, and hiking together. These moments in nature give Amanda the time she needs to reflect and recharge.

Amanda’s Legacy

When asked about her legacy, Amanda hopes to be remembered for the leaders she has influenced and empowered. She’s proud of the leaders her daughters are becoming —strong, capable, and compassionate women. Amanda’s greatest achievement will be the growth and success of those she has supported and mentored throughout her career.

Her personal mission is clear: "Learn today to improve tomorrow." Amanda embodies this philosophy both in and out of the office, continually striving to better herself and those around her.

Final Thoughts

In closing, Amanda encourages all women in the title industry to stay true to themselves, support one another, and never stop growing. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and the importance of staying grounded in one’s core values.

Thank you, Amanda, for your incredible insights and for being a true inspiration in the world of title insurance!

*Connect with Amanda here: abrumbelow@alltitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #7 - Gretchen Wright

The Women of Title: A Conversation with Gretchen Wright

In the fast-paced world of title insurance, Gretchen Wright has spent over three decades mastering the industry. As the President and Co-Owner of Texas Secure Title Company, she’s built a remarkable career that stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and dedication. We’re thrilled to feature Gretchen in our “Women of Title” series, where she shares her journey, challenges, and advice for women in the field.

Starting from Humble Beginnings

Gretchen’s career in title insurance started back in 1993, with a simple part-time job as a “copy shooter” at a title company during a refinance boom. “It was much more appealing than being a cashier at a grocery store, so I signed up,” Gretchen recalls. What was meant to be a temporary gig soon turned into a lifelong passion. Fast forward 31 years, and she now co-owns Texas Secure Title Company, serving the DFW Metroplex with offices in Tarrant and Johnson counties.

A Journey through the Title Industry

Her path wasn’t always easy, but it was filled with learning. “I started in the examination department, then moved to abstracting,” Gretchen says. “Eventually, I shifted to closing and branch operations, where I spent most of my career.” Over the last decade, she has transitioned into leadership, managing closing branches and overseeing business development as the company’s owner.

When reflecting on how she ended up in title insurance, Gretchen explains that, like many others, she “accidentally” fell into it. However, once she started, she fell in love with the industry and never looked back.

Inspiring Mentors and Women in Leadership

Throughout her career, Gretchen has been fortunate to work with influential female leaders who helped shape her path. She mentions Missy Trubatisky, who taught her the art of closing and client management, and Janet Minke, a title industry legend, who provided in-depth education to Gretchen and her colleagues. While many women have left a mark on her career, she believes it’s nearly impossible to pick just one who was most influential.

Facing Challenges in a Male-Dominated Management

While the title industry has always had a strong female workforce, particularly in branch offices, Gretchen noticed a discrepancy in upper management. “Early in my career, upper management was male-dominated, despite 95% of the closing branches being staffed by women,” she recalls. Although the landscape has shifted over the years, Gretchen feels there is still work to be done in achieving equal representation at the highest levels.

Advice for Women Entering the Industry

For younger women starting out in title insurance, Gretchen’s message is clear: “Stick with it and don’t give up when times are tough.” She almost left the industry early in her career but is grateful that she stayed. “You can grow as much as you want in this industry, and that’s not the case everywhere,” she advises.

Finding Motivation and Purpose

Gretchen’s drive comes from her desire to provide for her family, but beyond that, she

thrives on accomplishing goals. Working with a business coach early in her career helped her identify and achieve these objectives, and she now enjoys pushing herself beyond what she once thought possible. “I love growing and achieving things I never knew were possible when I started in title,” she says.

Favorite Resources for Growth

When it comes to professional development, Gretchen highlights two impactful books: E-Myth and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. While she reserves podcasts for her downtime, being a “crime junkie,” she also turns to YouTube for business development and sales strategies.

Overcoming Workplace Challenges

Sometimes in this competitive world of business, women can face intimidation or aggression from other women. Gretchen handles such situations by recognizing that “most bad behavior stems from fear.” She remains confident that as long as she acts with integrity, she can rest easy, knowing that others' actions are beyond her control.

Building a Legacy of Empowering Women

Gretchen hopes her legacy in the title industry will be one of empowerment. “I’ve hired and trained so many escrow officers, too many to count, and I love seeing them build their careers and support their families,” she says proudly. Her goal is to help as many women as possible create successful careers in the industry.

Inner Strength and Grit

When asked where she finds the strength to continue pushing forward in a sometimes challenging industry, Gretchen responds with characteristic humility. “I guess I’m just stubborn,” she laughs. But her determination has served her well over the years, guiding her through struggles and ensuring her success.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Gretchen has a surprising passion: hiking and backpacking. She’s taken multiple trips where she’s spent days in the wilderness, completely off the grid. “I love the simplicity of having everything you need to survive on your back,” she explains. It’s a hobby that speaks to her love of independence and adventure.

Words to Live By

Gretchen’s guiding philosophy in both life and work is simple: never give up. “If you want to achieve something, set a goal, figure out what it will take, and strive each day towards it,” she advises. Success may take time, but she believes it’s always worth the effort.

As for her final thoughts to the Women of Title community, Gretchen emphasizes that the industry is vast enough for everyone to succeed. “We all have room to be great; it never has to be at the detriment of others.”

Conclusion

Gretchen Wright’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to lifting others up. In an industry where women are often underrepresented in leadership roles, she is not only breaking barriers but actively working to help other women achieve their goals. Through her example, Gretchen reminds us that with determination and integrity, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. Thank you for being such a strong example and professional that inspires others - you are an incredible Woman of Title!

*Connect with Gretchen here: gwright@texassecuretitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook