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
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