What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2017? $35 million owner’s policy on a deed in lieu of foreclosure without an updated borrower consent for recording. It took several weeks of intense negotiation of the insurance terms with me as a catalyst working with lender’s counsel and counsel for the insurance companies. There were several surrounding litigations, some closed and one open, which I had to review and present to underwriting counsel. I took it up the chain of authority at three insurance underwriters within two weeks. The underwriting attorney at the insurance company had to have $100M authorization levels due to the high-risk nature of the insurance. After a few conference calls and letters of explanation, we successfully had an insurance company and the insured on the same page of terms. It was a great feeling. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? There are two powerful influences. One is the continuous knowledge that I acquire through industry events, books, my colleagues, seminars and even from teaching. Learning makes everything feel fresh and like your world can always keep expanding. The second influence is my sister, who we lost suddenly when she was 29 years old. I feel that she left me with an intense feeling that life must be lived to its fullest without any unproductive fear. I try to channel my love for her and passion for life through what I do, empowering my team and our clients to feel like we can work through anything to reach our goals. How do you manage the work/life balance? I make sure to take time to do what I love – lifting weights, reading, time with family, time with friends and time alone. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today? I grew up in this industry. My father owned a title agency, my mother was a realtor and my step-mother is a real estate attorney. All three are solution oriented thinkers, always discussing how to resolve issues and bring matters to a successful close. The great thing about working in a family business is that if you put yourself into it, you have an opportunity to learn every facet. Researching the land records is something very few people working in title offices today have done, and I am lucky enough to have started there. Thereafter, I filled in for almost every position at my father’s agency when people would go on vacation. It was an amazing learning experience, for which I am very grateful. After my father sold his title agency, I started an affiliated agency for a high-volume and quality mortgage banker. We did up to 300 closings a month in three states. It was a unique opportunity for a 27 year old to start a company from scratch, with the support of the experienced owners of the mortgage banker to reach our mutual goals. Then, when I turned 37 years old, I decided it was time for me to build my own business. I work very hard, and I try to work very smart. After all, this is a career, not a hobby. However, building my own business provides me the ability to make money while choosing my team and focusing on building a client base of people with aligned values in the industry.