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
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