For Alliant National’s team, the mutual benefits of becoming involved in association work are evident for the industry and those who serve.
The Alliant National team includes people from all walks of life who are united by a shared commitment to independent agents. Another commonality is a dedication to the broader title community that goes beyond the nine-to-five. At every level of the company, you’ll find individuals who have made a commitment to leadership in various title insurance, real estate, legal, and similar professional organizations. It is a commitment that has a broad impact.
A more informed and inclusive community
One of the benefits of association involvement is the opportunity to build community and share valuable information. “I served with an amazing group of volunteers,” said Margaret Cook, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer and Past President and Board Member of the Land Title Association of Colorado (LTAC). “It gave me a chance to give back and expand my knowledge and network.”
Micah Owen, South Carolina and Georgia Agency Manager, recently became a Director of the Palmetto Land Title Association (PLTA) and noted that she appreciates the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas and help the association grow. She also relishes bringing more of the community into the conversation by calling “upon people that have great ideas but may be too shy to share.” Owen added that associations are a wonderful mechanism for disseminating crucial information, such as PLTA’s “Case Law Update.”
“Dawn Watkins is our current legal liaison,” said Owen. “She does a great job keeping the board and members current on all judicial updates. Attorneys are so busy as it is, so we try our best to help them.”
KC West, Sr. Vice President and Southwest Regional Manager, echoed Owen’s sentiments, noting how associations foster a more connected and inclusive industry. Having recently taken up the mantle of President of the Oklahoma Land Title Association (OLTA), West said that it is an “honor to serve the title professionals of Oklahoma and to be the voice in the room for those that aren’t always available to attend.” Being involved in leadership, he added, “gives you a chance to act as the voice for the collective” and ensure the “views of title professionals [are reflected] in the decisions being made.”
Collaborating to drive critical improvements
The value of joining associations goes beyond the opportunity to build an informed and inclusive community, however. Associations also provide a framework for professionals to collaborate on important operational and industry initiatives and drive substantive improvements.
Alliant National’s TJ Johnson, Assistant Vice President and State Agency Manager for Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, recently held leadership roles in two industry organizations. He sat on the Colorado ‘Good Funds’ committee and served as PAC Chairman for the Land Title Association of Arizona (LTAA), where he collaborated with like-minded professionals to improve industry processes and bolster organizational finances.
In working with the “Good Funds” committee, for example, Johnson “discussed best practices for disbursing insured payoff and proceed funds while mitigating risks to title agents and the general public.”
“Part of the committee’s fact-finding process involved polling other states to compare and, in some cases, better our own standards,” he said. “We eventually sent our findings to the state’s department of insurance to influence their protocols.”
During his time as LTAA PAC Chairman, Johnson worked on equally important initiatives. One of the organization’s goals was to “develop strategies on how to best target our campaign contribution funds,” Johnson said. In addition, the committee launched the “Past Presidents Classic Golf Tournament” and a silent auction to strengthen the association’s finances and deliver more benefits for the Arizona title community.
Rodney Anderson, EVP and National Agency Manager of Alliant National, also had the chance to make a dynamic impact on the industry by serving as President of the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) from 2023-2024. Assuming this role was the culmination of a long-held goal for Anderson. During his tenure, he worked with others to strengthen the association’s educational programs, ensure access to the latest information and training, assist with navigating legislative and legal changes, and advocate for policies beneficial to the industry and consumers.
Creating a favorable legislative environment
Industry-related legislation is one area where the value of associations can perhaps be most vividly seen and felt. Title associations, said Anderson, help “industry professionals collaborate […] and stay informed about regulatory changes and market trends,” which “vary significantly by state and frequently face attacks at a state and federal level.” Individuals who join industry organizations, he said, contribute their “expertise, leadership and commitment” to “shape standards and practices” and “ensure the integrity of the industry.”
During her time in leadership, Cook found herself immersed in similar responsibilities. “While I was with the association, Colorado revised its title insurance regulations and market conduct examination procedures. It was a very busy time,” she said. “It’s fascinating how many bills and regulations could negatively impact real property records and the ability to securely close and insure transactions. It takes countless volunteer hours to positively influence the outcome.”
Furthermore, two of Alliant National’s underwriters have spent time working with industry groups to improve the field’s legislative and legal environment. Brianna Dowling, Underwriting Counsel, has been involved with the LTAC board of directors “for quite a few years now.” Perhaps the most rewarding for Dowling has been “working through legislative initiatives.” The industry must have a “seat at the table when it comes to real estate and insurance legislation,” she said.
As the Immediate Past Chair of the Title Issues & Standards Committee for the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, Rebecca Wood, Alliant National’s Assistant Regional Counsel Florida and VP, was also positive about becoming involved in leadership. She noted that these positions allow volunteers to shape the industry’s future. “What I found most rewarding about serving on the committee was coordinating continuing legal education programming,” she remarked.
Building a stronger, safer and more effective industry
Given the Alliant National team’s experience, one thing becomes clear: whether it be fostering a more informed, inclusive community or developing better processes, protocols, or legislative outcomes, association work delivers benefits on multiple levels.
Individual title experts, for example, “gain benefits and career development from this experience,” said Cook, reflecting on her time. Johnson seconded this: “Every title and escrow professional,” he said, “should serve on a board or committee. It will broaden your knowledge base and increase your influence within our industry.”
Anderson noted that becoming involved can also strengthen by proxy the company that an association member comes from. Taking part in these organizations helps build “relationships with partners, clients and other stakeholders who value the company’s role in advancing the industry,” he said. In Alliant National’s case, for instance, the company has been able to have “its perspectives considered in broader industry conversations,” which builds its credibility and solidifies its position as an industry thought leader.
Most significant, however, is that when title professionals get involved in association work, the entire industry stands to gain. Anderson probably said it best, remarking: “In essence, both the organizations and the people who participate in them are vital for maintaining the stability, reliability and growth of the title industry.”
And this fact makes it an entirely worthwhile effort for anyone thinking about throwing their hat into the ring.
With many states choosing to lift their stay-at-home orders, many people are left wondering how to move forward in this new and uncertain landscape. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that there is no real “going back to normal.” A new normal will be achieved, but the idea that things will return to the way they were across the board is wishful thinking.
The notion of forming a new normal can be overwhelming on both a personal and professional level, but it’s something we find ourselves obligated to do in order to keep our businesses moving forward. Adding in the fact that everything feels topsy-turvy at the moment doesn’t help, either.
As an example, March and April were two of the heaviest order months in the history of title insurance. That influx is in direct conflict to the majority of other industries, many of which are struggling to stay afloat until whatever “new normal” can be achieved. Opening large numbers of orders is always exciting, but it’s critical that we realize this isn’t an evergreen influx of business.
It’s also important that we find a way to handle the large volume of orders in a way that keeps customers satisfied. Normally, the industry response to such a deluge of business is to hire more personnel. However, several large companies have, in fact, reduced staffing levels despite record orders and near record revenue. In the current COVID-19 world, it means learning to adapt on a company-wide scale.
As we all adapt, keep in mind that there will be very real pressure to reduce or even eliminate some risk management procedures in an effort to save costs. This is a dangerous time to consider such a reaction for either independent agents or underwriters. Many of the normal processes for risk management are difficult to maintain as a large percentage of employees are now working remotely. However, staff being remote does not remove the fiduciary responsibility we have to safeguard the public trust.
Another area of concern for the future is that governors and elected officials across the country are suspending laws and regulations, which continually move the regulatory goal posts. RON, RIN, Mobile Notary statutes, and recording regulations have all been changed using “executive orders.”
What will happen when creative plaintiffs’ attorneys challenge foreclosures, loan defaults, etc.? Underwriters will be called upon to defend lenders under their loan policies. Are courts and juries more likely to side with borrowers? Will foreclosures spike with dramatically increased unemployment? These added complications make it more important than ever for title agents to remain focused on the details, no matter how small they may seem. Be sure you have an underwriter who will stand behind you as an agent, and who can keep you up-to-date on regulatory issues.
While we will gradually return to whatever is the new normal, bear in mind that the surge in orders is a temporary reaction to low interest rates and the need to access equity that is currently locked into homes. These high numbers now don’t guarantee high numbers in the future. Be mindful of the regulatory adjustments that affect your role in the title and closing process, and adjust to the new work-from-home landscape as best as you can.
We have a lot of tools in our respective tool-belts. We just have to use them wisely and correctly.
During these uncertain times, Alliant National seeks to support our independent agents, helping to chart a path forward for continued business growth. Agents can access a wide range of tools and up-to-date Covid-related information at https://alliantnational.com/coronavirus/.
Feel free to reach out directly to me at randerson@alliantnational.com or 214-293-8067.
Anderson brings over 30 years’ experience in agency operations and leadership
LONGMONT,
Colo. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Alliant National Title Insurance Company, a
unique title insurance underwriter that partners with independent agents to
improve their competitive position in the marketplace, announces that Rodney
Anderson has been promoted to Executive Vice President and National Agency
Manager, effective immediately.
Anderson will expand his current responsibilities for developing, marketing and managing Alliant National’s Southwest Region Agency operations to include national market expansion and oversight of the company’s 25 licensed state agency operations.
Anderson will be a member of the senior Executive Leadership Team working
to aggressively expand Alliant National’s footprint. “I am honored that our
CEO and ownership group, Presidio Partners, has placed their trust in me with
such a key role within Alliant National,” says Anderson. “Throughout my career
I have worked to support the independent agent, and I look very forward to
working with the agency team assembled at Alliant National to help independent
agents across the country.”
Anderson
is a seasoned real estate and title insurance industry expert with over thirty years’
experience in agency operations as the current Southwest Regional Manager for
Alliant National, former co-owner of an independent title agency, and agency operations
manager for a national independent agency. In addition, Mr. Anderson served
three full terms as a State Representative in the Texas Legislature.
“It
is not often one gets the opportunity to work side by side with an industry
professional of Rodney’s caliber,” says David Sinclair, Alliant National
president and CEO.
“His
unique experience combined with his passion for independent agents makes him
the perfect person to lead our agency team, particularly at this juncture of
accelerated company growth.”
Alliant National distinguishes itself from competitors by combining strong underwriting capability with independent agents’ in-depth knowledge of local markets. The result is a nationwide network with deep roots in local communities, and a wealth of expertise that is flexible, nuanced and continuously growing.
Cathie Beck
Capital City Public Relation
e : cathie@capitalcitypr.com
p : 303-241-0805
ABOUT ALLIANT NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY
The Independent Underwriter for The Independent agent® – Alliant
National believes in empowering people to thrive.
The company protects the dreams of property owners with secure
title insurance and partners with 500+ trusted
independent title agents as a licensed underwriter in 25 states and the
District of Columbia, with annual revenues exceeding $126 million.
LONGMONT, Colo. – Alliant National Title Insurance Company is encouraging its title agents impacted by hurricanes Harvey and Irma to apply for financial relief through the Alliant National Title Helping Hands Fund.
“We are praying for everyone impacted by these recent catastrophes and want to help in any way we can,” Bob Grubb, Alliant National Title Insurance Company president and CEO said. “Our people have been in touch with many title agents who’ve been directly impacted by the storm, asking how we can be helpful to them, their employees and their communities at this time – whether that’s sending support staff to their offices, delivering water or even a simple sandwich platter – we are trying to help with anything they might need.”
The fund is a charity vehicle created through a partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Through GHCF, a full 95 percent of donations will go directly to those who meet the criteria for assistance.
Assistance will help cover costs and expenses not already covered by insurance or other means of damage recoupment, Grubb said.
Alliant National’s title agents and their employees – as well as its own employees – are eligible to apply for relief if living in or operating their business in a county declared a federal disaster area due to Harvey or Irma.
The Helping Hands Fund was set up in the wake of Hurricane Harvey by a team of Alliant National employees led by Rodney Anderson, Senior Vice President and Southwestern Regional Agency Manager.
The scope of relief efforts were extended to include Florida as Hurricane Irma churned in the Atlantic Ocean, with its eye set on the panhandle.
“It is an honor to be a part of an organization that operates with such heart and compassion,” Anderson said. “We hope that these efforts as well as the donations collected through our Alliant National Title Helping Hands Fund are able to provide some relief during this difficult time.”
In addition, Alliant National donated to Samaritan’s Purse’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Global Giving Foundation’s Hurricane Irma Relief Fund.
Samaritan’s Purse helps to meet the “needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine,” according to its website, while the Global Giving Foundation’s Irma Fund, will provide relief to survivors, “in the form of emergency supplies like food, water, and medicine in addition to longer-term recovery assistance to help residents recover and rebuild,” according to its website.
“When agents are in need of assistance from such deadly, natural disasters it is a privilege to create a formal giving platform that can truly make an impact for those responsible for our success,” Anderson said.
