Feature Spotlight #3 - Kristi Smith

Women of Title Spotlight: Kristi Smith –

A Journey of Service, Leadership, and Integrity

In this special feature for Women of Title, we are excited to highlight Kristi Smith, Executive Vice President at Landmark Title Assurance Agency. With over 13 years in title insurance and 19 years in the broader industry, Kristi’s path is one of leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others. From the beginning of her career to her current role, Kristi has exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, build others up, and create a lasting legacy.

From Mortgage to Title: A Career Rooted in Relationships

Kristi’s entry into the world of real estate and title insurance came by way of a friend in Texas who owned a mortgage brokerage. Encouraged to get her loan officer license, Kristi spent two years as a loan officer, followed by a role as an in-house lender with PHH Mortgage for the largest real estate brokerage in El Paso.

In 2008, her late husband accepted a position in Phoenix, prompting a move that would alter the course of Kristi’s career. She transferred with PHH but soon sought more balance between her professional life and her home responsibilities. "I went from doing 30-40 loans a month to around 8, which allowed me to be more present at home," Kristi recalls.

Her involvement in title insurance began after an escrow officer convinced her to join the industry as a Business Development Manager. Within a short time, Kristi transitioned into resale, and by 2014, she accepted a position as Vice President of Sales for Old Republic Title. In 2017, she joined Landmark Title to expand the company’s residential footprint. Under her leadership, Landmark Title grew from one office to seven in Arizona and two in Nevada.

Mentorship and Leadership: A Legacy of Service

Kristi credits much of her professional growth to her late mother-in-law, Jill Smith, whose philanthropic work shaped her approach to leadership. "She got me involved in service with multiple organizations," Kristi says. Jill’s mentorship taught her valuable lessons about being a servant leader and truly listening to others—a philosophy Kristi applies in both her personal and professional life.

"Learning to connect people to the right sources to solve problems and meet needs is crucial, whether you’re working with clients or leading a team," Kristi emphasizes. It’s this approach that has made her an admired and respected leader in the industry.

Challenges and Advice for Women in Title

While Kristi acknowledges that the title industry can be male-centric, especially in leadership roles, she believes the challenges women face in the field apply to everyone. Her advice to younger women entering the title industry is simple but powerful: "Never stop learning. Don’t allow others to set your limitations—this industry offers unlimited opportunity. And always bring others up with you as you grow."

Kristi’s focus on integrity is evident in everything she does. She advises, "Serve at a higher level, never compromise your integrity, and support one another. We’re in a competitive industry, but that doesn’t mean we can’t operate with integrity."

Faith, Family, and a Strong ‘Why’

When asked what drives her, Kristi’s answer is deeply rooted in her faith. "My belief in God and Jesus Christ sustains me and gives me the strength to move forward," she says. Kristi attributes her success not to her own efforts but to her faith, humbly giving all glory to God.

Her passion for family, giving back to others, and her love of hiking and travel are central to who she is outside of the workplace. Kristi’s colleagues may not be surprised by these passions, but they are integral to what fuels her energy and focus.

A Legacy of Service and Integrity

Kristi’s guiding principle in work and life is simple: "Always do the right thing, and people first." She strives to leave a legacy of difference-making in the lives of those she has led and served. Looking back at her career, Kristi reflects on her journey with gratitude, knowing that her hard work, along with the support and mentorship of others, has brought her to where

she is today. "I hope that I gave exponentially more than I received," she says, always focused on uplifting those around her.

Final Thoughts for the Women of Title Community

To the Women of Title community, Kristi leaves a powerful message: "Be kind to one another. Lift each other up. Mentor one another." Her words are a reminder that while the title industry may be competitive, collaboration and support are the keys to building lasting success, both individually and collectively.

Kristi Smith’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and service, and her leadership has left an indelible mark on the title insurance industry. Her story is a testament to the power of integrity, continual learning, and the importance of helping others along the way.

Thank you, Kristi, for always being an inspiring, impressive Woman of Title!

**Connect with Kristi here: Kristi.smith@ltaz.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #2 - Woman of Title

In the ever-evolving world of title insurance, women are increasingly playing pivotal roles, shaping the industry with their expertise, passion, and resilience. One such remarkable woman is Donna Anderson, whose journey through the realms of real estate and title insurance spans over three decades. Donna’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and the importance of uplifting others along the way.

Meet Donna Anderson: A Veteran in the Industry.

Donna Anderson began her career in real estate in 1989, marking the start of an impressive journey that has seen her take on various roles within the industry. Over the years, Donna has worked in real estate, title insurance, software sales, and banking, gaining a wealth of experience that she now brings to her current role, where she specializes in helping title agents maximize their efficiency and productivity.

Based in the quaint town of Middlefield, Ohio, Donna’s life on a dirt road in the country is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world, yet it’s here that she draws strength and clarity for her professional endeavors.

A Serendipitous Entry into Title Insurance.

Donna’s foray into title insurance was somewhat accidental. Initially working part-time in commercial real estate, she was approached to assist in a title office. What started as a part-time gig quickly evolved into a full-time career, with Donna clocking in over 80 hours a week during the early 2000s boom. Her story is a perfect example of how sometimes, the best opportunities come when we least expect them.

Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Industry.

Donna is candid about the challenges she has faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Despite the title industry being good to her overall, she acknowledges the persistent gender disparities, particularly in terms of pay and respect. "In many ways, it is still a good old boys' club," she remarks. Yet, it’s this very environment that has fueled her determination to succeed and to help other women rise alongside her.

The Importance of Mentorship and Empowerment.

Reflecting on her career, Donna admits that she didn’t have the female mentorship that she now strives to provide for others. Her experiences with

women who were more inclined to compete than to support have shaped her commitment to being a mentor who builds others up. She advises younger women in the industry to seek out mentors, continuously learn, and remember that “the sky is the limit!”

Faith, Confidence, and Continuous Growth.

For Donna, faith is the cornerstone of her strength and resilience. It’s her faith that keeps her grounded and driven, especially during challenging times. Coupled with a deep well of industry knowledge and experience, Donna’s confidence stems from knowing she has much to offer and a passion for helping others succeed.

One book that significantly impacted Donna’s professional life is "Go for the No," which helped her embrace rejection as a steppingstone rather than a setback. This mindset has allowed her to push forward and take risks, both in her career and life.

A Legacy of Wisdom and Friendship.

When asked about her legacy, Donna’s response is simple yet profound: she hopes to be remembered as a wise woman who was a good friend to all and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her philosophy in work and life revolves around collaboration, out-of-the-box thinking, and the importance of listening to others.

Surprising Passions and Unforgettable Moments.

Outside of work, Donna’s passions might surprise her colleagues. She recently took up golf and has a deep love for fishing—though she hasn’t had much time for it lately.

A music enthusiast, Donna’s first concert was a performance by the Christian band Petra, and she’s been to an impressive 40 concerts this year alone. Her current favorites? Fitz and the Tantrums and the Eagles.

Final Thoughts: Empowerment and Accountability.

To the women in the title industry, Donna’s message is clear: be accountable for your actions, take risks, and never stop learning. She encourages women to get involved, make connections, and continuously seek new perspectives.

In closing, Donna Anderson exemplifies the strength, wisdom, and grace that are shaping the future of the title insurance industry. Her story is one of perseverance, empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.

Thank you, Donna, for being a beacon of inspiration in the Women of Title community.

---

*Connect with Donna here: Donnajoanray@gmail.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

*This feature article highlights Donna Anderson's journey, wisdom, and contributions to the title insurance industry, emphasizing her role as a mentor and leader who inspires others to achieve greatness.

Feature Spotlight #1 - Women of Title

As we launch this community of featuring the Women of Title, we begin with a spotlight on a remarkable woman who has carved out an impressive career in the title insurance industry. She was one of my first mentors into the business and I learned so much from her. She's a spectacular woman to know and I am pleased to make her our first Feature within this WOT community! With over three decades of experience and a legacy of leadership, she shares her journey, challenges, and the advice she offers to the next generation of women in the field.

Title: A Trailblazer’s Journey: Wisdom, Challenges, and Triumphs in Title Insurance

In an industry where perseverance, expertise, and leadership define success, few have left as significant a mark as our featured trailblazer in title insurance. With over 36 years of experience, she’s a figure of inspiration and wisdom for many in the field. As she reflects on her journey, from her humble beginnings in California to her semi-retirement in Colorado, her story offers invaluable lessons for those who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

From California Beginnings to Colorado Success

"I’m semi-retired from title and have been since 2019," she begins, a statement that only hints at the impressive journey she has traveled. Her career started in California, working for companies like American Title, Santa Clara Land Title, and North American. When she relocated to Colorado in 1993, her expertise continued to grow, taking her to Security Title, Trans-Nation Title, North American, and First American. It was in Colorado, in the city of Lakewood, where she solidified her reputation as a leader in the title insurance industry.

A Career Defined by Leadership and Expertise

As Vice President of Sales and Marketing, she honed her skills in marketing, sales, management, and sales training. But her journey into title insurance wasn’t something she planned. Fresh out of high school, she moved from a small town in Indiana to California, following her high school sweetheart. Working three jobs to make ends meet, she was introduced to the world of title insurance through her boyfriend’s father, a Realtor who recommended her for a receptionist position at a title company. “The rest, as they say, is history,” she recalls.

Mentorship and the Women Who Shaped Her

When asked about the women who inspired and mentored her, she finds it impossible to name just one. “So many women shaped me, taught me, mentored and inspired me,” she says, listing Valerie Huxley, Sheryl Lantz, Cheryl Hobbs, Kathy Betts, Joanie Applebaum, Debbie DiBenedetto, and Tracy Richter as key influences. These women helped her polish her professional standards, pushed her to be better, and taught her the importance of humor and resilience in an industry where “there’s no crying in title.”

Navigating Challenges as a Woman in the Industry

Her journey was not without its challenges, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Age, she notes, was often a factor—whether she was perceived as too young or too old for her role. Salary and compensation were also hurdles, as was balancing empathy and compassion with the need to appear strong and capable. As a single mother, she faced the additional challenge of balancing career growth with family responsibilities, a struggle she acknowledges many women still face today.

Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Title Insurance

To young women entering the industry, she offers sage advice: “As my dad would say, ‘Pick your crap… Everyone has to put up with crap, so pick what you’ll put up with.’” She emphasizes the importance of setting goals, finding a mentor, and being accountable, but above all, she urges them never to compromise their integrity.

The Passion and Drive Behind Her Success

Before semi-retiring, her passion was evident in every aspect of her work. She found joy in helping people, whether it was first-time homeowners or seasoned investors. The excitement of being part of such significant moments in her clients’ lives fueled her drive. “Title isn’t boring,” she declares, highlighting the daily challenges that kept her engaged and motivated.

The Books and Podcasts That Shaped Her Thinking

Her favorite books, The Sin of Wages by Abernathy and Who Moved My Cheese by Johnson and Blanchard, both challenged the status quo in the title insurance and real estate industries, encouraging change and adaptability. She also recommends the Biz Chix podcast, hosted by Natalie Eckdahl, for its top-notch advice and coaching.

Tackling Workplace Challenges with Empathy and Strategy

She acknowledges that the title industry, particularly escrow, can be a brutal environment. When faced with workplace aggressors or intimidators, she advises getting to know them, seeking out their strengths, and finding common ground. If collaboration isn’t possible, she advocates for respecting their role and moving forward with a focus on bigger goals.

A Legacy of High Character and Building Others

When asked if the industry needs more examples of high character and leadership, she answers with an emphatic “Yes.” It starts, she believes, with management’s commitment to building up their employees, fostering confidence, and nurturing a passion for work.

Inner Strength and a Passion for Helping Others

Her inner strength and grit, she reveals, have always come from a passion for helping people, whether they were customers or colleagues. This passion sustained her through her long career and continues to drive her in her semi-retirement.

Beyond the Office: Surprising Passions

Outside of work, she surprises her colleagues with her love for farm overalls, a tribute to her father, as well as her interests in collecting antique baseball cards and French cooking. She is also an ultra-Halloween fanatic, decorating months in advance, and often throwing epic parties. And just for fun, when asked what her first concert or favorite band is, she shares that her first concert was AC/DC—a band she remains a die-hard fan of to this day.

A Philosophy of Accountability and Continuous Learning

Her guiding philosophy, inherited from her mother, is to “tell on yourself”—to own mistakes and learn from them. This commitment to accountability has defined her professional life and shaped her legacy in the industry.

Leaving a Legacy of Fairness and Knowledge

As she reflects on her career, she hopes to be remembered as fair, knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. Importantly, she prides herself on always hiring the next “better than me” associate, ensuring the continued growth and success of her company.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Growth and Take Care of Yourself

To the Women in Title Community, she leaves this parting advice: “Always set goals for the next level in your life, work or personal. Mistakes happen: Treat them as a learning experience and make a point to do better next time. Expand your experiences to provide you with perspective. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”

Her journey through the title insurance industry is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of mentorship. As she steps back from the day-to-day grind, her legacy continues to inspire and guide the next generation of women in the field.

*Connect with Bridget here: Email ~ blangkamp@comcast.net