Spilling The Title Tea

The title industry is not just about business; it’s about the people behind the scenes. In this episode we’re going in deep. Joining us is Trevor Daugherty from our Oak Ridge, TN office who has been with us almost a year. Trevor shares his story of transitioning into the title industry, overcoming personal challenges and the mental health struggles he’s faced. From resilience to self growth Trevor will leave you motivated to take on whatever life throws your way. 

Trevor shares openly about his life experiences including a bilateral cleft lip and palate and overcoming workplace challenges. He also shares practical tips for managing mental health, building resilience and finding strength in the tough times. Whether you need inspiration, connection or just a little motivation this episode has it all. Let’s get into Trevor’s story.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:15] Trevor's transition from banking to title has been a great change for him. He's had a handful of different jobs, but this leap was a good one.

[02:10] We learn about the obstacle of being born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. He had 15 surgeries and his speech was affected. In elementary school, he had to go to speech class.

[05:20] He's learned a lot in the last 26 years dealing with people who may judge him for his speech.

[06:46] Mental health struggles have also been another issue in his life.

[07:14] Half the people in the world are sad and depressed or have anxiety or some form of mental health issue.

[08:44] Most people have been through it one way or another, and Trevor has learned to help others.

[09:33] Talking about issues and letting people know it's okay to reach out for help is a positive step.

[12:29] Finding a go-to when you feel down and have an episode.

[13:10] Make a list of things in your toolbox that you can use when you're going down the wrong path.

[14:13] The power of small wins and doing something. Learning to steer your mind away from negative thoughts.

[16:13] Trevor shares his advice for his younger self.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Trevor Daugherty - LinkedIn
• SmileTrain

Making the switch from title services to nonprofit work isn’t an easy leap, but for Sydney Ziebold, it was the right one. She’s the Development Coordinator for People Working Cooperatively (PWC), a nonprofit making a huge difference in the lives of low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners. In this episode, Sydney shares her story of leaving the title industry to pursue work that fills her cup in a deeper way. 

Today, I’m excited to welcome Sydney to the show. She’s here to talk about PWC’s mission and the life-changing services they provide, from emergency repairs like fixing plumbing and HVAC systems to making homes more energy-efficient and accessible with ramps and grab bars. Sydney explains how PWC looks at homes holistically, ensuring their clients can stay healthy, safe, and comfortable in the place they call home.

During our conversation, we dive into how PWC impacts the community and why their work matters so much. Sydney also shares how you can get involved, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. If you’ve ever thought about making a career shift or just want to learn more about supporting your neighbors, this episode is full of inspiration and practical ideas.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:54] Sydney used to be a Springdale Title family member. She may be working elsewhere, but she's still part of the family.

[01:06] She's also the voice of the intro and outro of this podcast. Sydney was instrumental in getting this podcast up and running.

[02:13] Sydney ended up at People Working Cooperatively, because she wanted something that filled her cup a little more.

[02:54] PWC is a nonprofit out of Cincinnati, Ohio. They provide services from Dayton, Ohio to Northern Kentucky counties.

[03:15] They are a construction company that does home repairs and energy conservation for free for low-income, disabled, and elderly people.

[04:10] Having a safe environment has an effect on people's mental health.

[05:11] They have about 80 trades people, and they also have volunteers. They also add ramps and grab bars and also focus on emergency repairs and things like insulation and weather stripping.

[06:44] Lead abatement is also something they work on. 

[07:30] They look at the homes in a holistic way.

[10:12] The importance of staying healthy and active and keeping up with your health. At the end of the day, people want to stay in their homes.

[11:26] If you're interested in finding out if you qualify for services from PWC, you can call the client services department at 513-351-7921.

[12:03] Eligibility is based on income and other factors like location and number of people in the home. There is a waiting list, and they've serviced up to $3,500 homes in a year.

[12:53] Emergencies like no running water or electricity are prioritized.

[14:24] PWC is always looking for skilled trades people and volunteers.

[16:31] We learn about yearly events like Prepare-A-Fair and Repair-A-Fair. 

[17:14] Another way people can help is by spreading the word about PWC.

[18:03] Donations are also a great way to create a positive impact on the community.

[19:23] It can make a huge impact when you just give your neighbors a minute of your day.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• For more information on PWC services and to apply, please contact our Client Services department at (513) 351-7921.
• If you’d like to learn more about PWC education and prevention services, please call (513) 482-5105.
• People Working Cooperatively
• People Working Cooperatively - Facebook
• People Working Cooperatively - LinkedIn
• People Working Cooperatively - Instagram
• People Working Cooperatively - YouTube

Did you know that thousands of children in the U.S. go to sleep every night without a bed to call their own? It’s a stark reality, but one that our guest, Kevin Thornsberry, co-president of the Richmond, Kentucky chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, is working to change. 

This inspiring episode looks into SHP’s mission to give every child a comfortable place to sleep, meeting a crucial need in our communities that’s often overlooked. Kevin shares heartfelt stories of how this organization came to life, the powerful sense of community that builds with every bed, and the profound ripple effects that a simple act of kindness can spark in a child’s future.

So, grab your tea and tune in as Kevin opens up about resilience, community, and the life-changing impact of giving a child a place to rest their head. This conversation may just inspire you to make a difference!

Episode Highlights: 

[01:18] Not every child has a space of their own with a bed. Sleep in Heavenly Peace recognizes that problem. They build beds for kids who don't have beds.

[02:11] It's a national organization with over 300 chapters. The Richmond chapter got started when Kevin found out there were kids who didn't have beds. He was also doing some amateur woodworking at the time.

[04:09] Mike Rowe did a show called Pay It Forward and he highlighted the organization of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

[04:41] It's now been their 5th year, and they delivered almost 800 beds.

[07:57] They are a nonprofit, so donations are definitely the driving force.

[09:59] People who want to help can sign up and volunteer directly through the website.

[10:28] Anyone can help, they have a fantastic assembly line process. No experience required.

[11:23] Local businesses and organizations are also a cornerstone for what they do. Their next build involves Century 21, Jet Financial, and Bluegrass Mortgage.

[12:59] Lunar Fitness hosted a 5k on their behalf.

[15:13] Kevin shares memorable moments and the impact their organization has had.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• KY-Richmond - Sleep in Heavenly Peace (shpbeds.org)
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Facebook

Life's unexpected turns often lead us to our true calling, as our guest today can attest. Mary Beth Randolph Haun, a mortgage banker with Stockton Mortgage in Knoxville, Tennessee, shares her unexpected path into the mortgage industry and opens up about a deeply personal experience that reshaped both her professional and personal life.

In this heartfelt conversation, Mary Beth recounts her journey from aspiring veterinarian to seasoned mortgage professional. She discusses her son’s battle with leukemia and the challenges of balancing work with his intensive medical needs. As he recovered, Mary Beth faced new challenges in re-entering the mortgage world, compounded by the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the episode, Mary Beth emphasizes the importance of authenticity in business and life, reflecting on how sharing her family's journey has resonated with others. Join us as we explore Mary Beth's inspiring story of resilience, faith, and her renewed focus on serving her community through her work in the mortgage industry.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:59] Mary Beth has been in the mortgage industry for years. She thought she wanted to be a veterinarian, but soon discovered she had another calling. 

[02:43] She landed a job with a lending company that dealt with farm products.

[03:07] She continued to broaden her mortgage and lending knowledge. Sometimes we don't always know where we're going in our lives. It's okay if your plan changes.

[04:01] She enjoys helping people get into homes, and she enjoys the flexibility of her career.

[05:05] When her son was four, he became ill and was eventually diagnosed with leukemia.

[07:49] Sometimes we get overwhelmed in life, and we just need to slow down and take it moment by moment.

[08:11] Mary Beth's son is now 10 years old, and he's thriving.

[08:49] After her son started getting better, COVID came onto the scene. Everything has changed since then.

[10:02] Mary Beth is thankful to come out of the other side and be where we are now.

[11:20] Her son was very resilient and hit the ground running.

[13:18] Mary Beth decided to embrace social media and let people know she was still in the mortgage industry. 

[15:14] It's her primary goal to get the word out there. People enjoy seeing honest representations of yourself whether it's business or just fun things in your life.

[16:09] Buying a home is a huge decision. Clients should look for someone who they feel comfortable working with.

[17:02] Mary Beth has been making videos on Facebook, and she loves supporting her community and her son Holston.

[18:43] Life's not perfect, and more people seem to relate to the ugly.

[19:37] People have reached out and related to her messages even if there are flaws.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Mary Beth Randolph Haun - Stockton Mortgage
• Mary Beth Randolph Haun | Facebook
• TEAM HOLSTON | Facebook

How often do we hear about someone making a big professional change that completely transforms their life? Today's guest, Aimee Kidd of Peace of Mind Counseling in Richmond, Kentucky, is one of those inspirational people.

Aimee switched from broadcast journalism to therapy, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue your genuine passion. In this episode, she discusses her experience, debunks some prevalent beliefs about therapy, and emphasizes the significance of normalizing mental health care.

This show is packed with valuable takeaways, whether you're thinking about changing careers, exploring therapy, or simply seeking personal growth. So sit back, relax, and prepare to explore mental health and entrepreneurship with Aimee Kidd!

Episode Highlights: 

[01:18] Aimee was born a helper. She says it's in her DNA.

[01:40] She earned a degree in broadcast journalism. Her dad was in broadcasting and she wanted to follow in his footsteps.

[02:36] When she achieved her journalism career she realized that she still wanted to help people. She did some soul searching about what that would look like.

[02:58] She ended up enrolling in a masters program for counseling.

[03:34] She wanted her clients to feel peace of mind after a session and Peace of Mind counseling was born.

[04:30] It's never too late to change your mind or find the career that you truly are called to do.

[05:41] Her journalism skills have really helped her to communicate with her clients today.

[07:05] Aimee shares her journey with her new office space and owning a commercial property. 

[12:05] After a long search they found the perfect place.

[12:26] We learn about what Peace of Mind has to offer from the incorporation of butterflies to reminding clients that they are capable of transformation.

[13:35] They offer a wide range of counseling specialties.

[15:12] Trauma impacts different people differently.

[17:28] Sometimes it's helpful to have another perspective and have someone look at things in a non-judgmental way.

[20:35] We need to normalize getting help with our mental health. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Peace of Mind Counseling
• Peace of Mind Counseling Facebook
• (859) 353-8568

We're expanding our horizons beyond our usual real estate niche. We're diving into the world of HR with our special guest, Chase Nicely, owner of Equip HR Solutions. Chase brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on how HR impacts businesses across all industries, including real estate. She is also the host of the Overall HR Podcast.

Join us as we explore Chase's journey from aspiring pharmacist to HR guru, discuss the importance of evolving in business, and learn how HR can be a powerful tool for both employers and employees. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee, this episode promises to bring you valuable insights on creating a better work environment through effective HR practices.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:43] Chase thought she wanted to be a pharmacist. She became a pharmacy tech at Rite Aid. 

[03:55] As she was continuing her college education she fell in love with HR. After graduating she landed a job as a consultant in Lexington.

[04:59] She ended up working for the City Center Hotel and eventually became an HR Manager. Her career got in there because she became a mother and realized she needed to work in a different way.

[08:20] You don't have to know everything right now and it's okay to explore.

[10:02] HR pushes people to evolve in a way that's engaging for all the key players.

[11:59] Chase tells people that you can't spell your heart HR.

[12:42] HR doesn't have to be scary.

[16:03] When Chase worked for Springdale Title she made things more efficient. 

[17:35] In business, we don't know what we don't know.

[19:53] A lot of business owners don't realize that HR is an option for outsourcing.

[20:55] Her focus is making sure that other businesses are taken care of.

[22:20] We can acknowledge where we're at and we don't have to be so serious.

[23:23] Loving people best is about being consistent.

[25:57] It's really about creating an environment one initiative at a time.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Equipping You With HR Solutions (equiphrsolutions.com)
• Facebook
• Overall HR Podcast Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts

I’m excited to sit down with Teri Kitchen, a manager at the Springdale Title Pensacola, Florida branch. She’s a veteran of the title industry with an impressive 40-year career. We discuss technological changes, industry challenges, and a very personal challenge that Teri has been through. 

Our journey begins with the evolution of the title world, from microfilm and massive computers to today's digital landscape. We learn insights on weathering industry storms, including the 2008 recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique perspective on how the title industry has adapted and thrived.

But this episode isn't just about business. Teri opens up about her personal battle with lung cancer, demonstrating how the skills honed in her professional life helped her navigate this challenging personal chapter. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preventive healthcare and the strength we can draw from our professional experiences in times of personal crisis.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:01] Teri began working in the title industry in 1984. She began working in microfilm and working her way up to examiner and then took advantage of a closing opportunity.

[02:14] Before everything was digital, microfilm was a way to access public records.

[03:44] The title industry has definitely embraced technology.

[04:49] The industry has been through many ups and downs, but the 2008 recession was the hardest hitting.

[06:09] COVID was also a crazy time, because everybody wanted to buy and interest rates were really low.

[10:49] Teri also has a personal victory to share. Last year, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She had a tumor but radiation was able to get rid of it. Now she just does maintenance scans.

[11:30] She had a wonderful oncologist, and she's doing really well.

[12:23] The reason she was able to cure her cancer so quickly was because she had a preventative lung scan which detected it early.

[13:43] Teri's advice is to listen to your doctor and follow their instructions.

[14:48] It's so important for people, especially women, to take the time to take care of themselves.

[16:43] Being able to juggle the chaos of all of the changes in the title industry, helped prepare Teri to deal with her diagnosis and treatment.

[19:06] A cancer diagnosis will also make you realize the importance of being surrounded by family and friends. It gives you perspective about who and what you want in your life.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Teri Kitchen Springdale Title Pensacola FL
• Teri Kitchen LinkedIn

I am excited to welcome my guest, Taylor Workman to the show. Today we are doing something slightly different. Instead of talking about the world of real estate, mortgages, and the title industry. We’re bringing insights that can benefit not just our regular audience of borrowers, but also agents, loan officers, and businesses across various sectors.

Taylor is the co-owner of Envision AI Solutions. She brings a unique perspective to the tech world, with a background in education and classical music. Her company's mission? To make AI and cutting-edge technology accessible to businesses in their community.

Get ready for a fascinating discussion on how AI can revolutionize your business operations, regardless of your industry. Whether you're one of our partners in the real estate world or a business owner looking to stay ahead of the curve, today's episode promises valuable insights and practical solutions. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:22] Taylor is one of the co-owners of Envision AI Solutions. They have the goal of making AI and Technology available to businesses in their community.

[01:44] Taylor has a background in education, and she's a classically trained musician. 

[02:01] At her core, she wants to provide value and help people thrive. At one point in her life this was teaching music. Now, it's providing value to business owners in the community.

[03:00] AI has been rapidly evolving for quite some time. We can't stop the evolution of technology. We can use it to make our lives easier.

[04:02] Technology can free up our time and allow us to reach more people.

[05:08] Think about just removing one hat from an overworked business owner and where that time and productivity could go.

[05:46] Taylor shares some of the solutions Envision AI offers including CALL-E an AI voice assistant service. When trained, it can integrate with systems you already have, knows your business well, and can even answer the phone.

[07:14] They also build business automations with a CRM system that can automate marketing.

[08:05] Taylor shares examples of some of the cool automations that they can build. They also provide other digital solutions including social media help and building websites.

[09:38] CALL-E could do client call backs and answer questions. 

[11:27] The future and what the stuff will look like is mind-blowing.

[12:15] Embracing AI can give you the competitive advantage.

[16:16] AI is a solution for saving time.

[17:45] Taylor talks about innovative ideas where they're trying to use AI in their Community such as a mental health support line.

[18:34] Sacred Support is AI trained on the Bible. There are a lot of opportunities for something that is interactive and trained to do a certain job.

[20:05] It's wonderful that part of their innovation is about helping the community.

[21:31] A live call with Sacred Support. 

[23:12] They are open to feedback and suggestions on using this technology. 

[24:16] A story about how the Sacred Support hotline has helped a visually impaired grandmother.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC

Envision AI Solutions Information

• Facebook: Envision AI Solutions
• Website: envisionaisolutions.com
• Informational Number: (251)714-8154
• Direct Line: (859) 575-0346 - Taylor's Direct Line
• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

CALL-E Information

• Facebook: CALL-E
• Website: call-e.ai
• Informational Number: (229) 404-5629
• Direct Line: (859) 575-0346 - Taylor's Direct Line
• Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

Sacred Support Hotline: (757) 720-1260

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of home buying? Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, the journey is full of twists and turns. Today, we’re exploring the real estate market with someone who knows it inside and out.

Our guest today is Dave Osberg, a Branch Manager at Stockton Mortgage in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, who has spent nearly three decades helping people achieve their dreams of homeownership. But it’s not just about securing a loan; it’s about understanding every step of the process, from preparation to the final signature on the dotted line.

In today’s episode, we’ll uncover Dave’s invaluable advice for buyers in this crazy market, as he calls it, and discuss the importance of being fully prepared before diving into a home purchase. We’ll also touch on some lesser-known tips, like how to protect your personal information from being sold by credit bureaus.

So whether you’re in the market for a new home, thinking about refinancing, or just curious about how the mortgage industry really works, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Get ready to learn from one of the best in the business. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:25] Dave discusses the current real estate market, describing it as "crazy" and full of challenges for both buyers and sellers.

[04:19] The importance of buyers being fully prepared including understanding their finances and getting pre-approved with a loan officer.

[05:09] Dave shares insights on protecting personal information from being sold by credit bureaus, which is a lesser-known issue for many buyers.

[07:16] Get pre-approval and have your income vetted.

[08:26] It's important to really understand what your loan looks like. Get pre-approved, have an approval letter, and understand your options with a loan consultation.

[10:21] Special programs that meet a buyer's needs can be highlighted during the loan consultation.

[12:08] Be involved with the realtors who are involved with your transaction.

[14:46] Dave takes his job seriously and takes care of his customers the way he would want to be taken care of.

[16:59] Dave loves working at Stockton Mortgage and taking care of his clients.

[22:36] Reach out to Stockton Mortgage for your home-buying needs.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Dave Osburg | LinkedIn
• Dave Osburg Facebook
• Dave Osburg - Stockton Mortgage
• OptOutPrescreen

Title insurance is more important than people realize. Today, I’m talking about everything title-related with my friend Tammy Robbins. She serves as the Sales and Marketing Manager for the ALMA region of the Fidelity National Financial family of companies.

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of title insurance in our real estate transactions. Tammy shares insights on how title insurance ensures the collection of taxes, liens, and back child support, and discusses the often-overlooked value it provides in protecting property owners from unforeseen issues.

We also cover fraud in title insurance, shedding light on schemes like seller impersonation fraud and the innovative tools Fidelity uses to combat these threats. We’ll learn about the importance of thorough verification processes and the significant consequences of waiving title insurance.

Bird lovers will enjoy hearing about Tammy’s photography passion. She talks about Alabama’s many birding trails, the beauty of nature, and the wonder of migrations. We also learn how her photography has helped connect her with others.

Join us as we uncover the importance of title insurance, the fight against fraud, and the personal passions that drive Tammy in this insightful and engaging conversation!

Episode Highlights: 

[01:01] Tammy is a sales and marketing manager for the ALMA region of the Fidelity Family of Companies. ALMA stands for Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

[01:15] She's been in the title insurance business for about 35 years. As a senior in high school, she began a part-time job at a title company in her hometown.

[01:46] After getting a degree in marketing, she continued to work in the title business.

[03:18] Even though the concept of marketing is the same, modern implementation is different.

[03:46] Tammy's biggest hobby is photography. She began 14 years ago.

[04:19] She became fascinated with photographing birds. Sharing her photos on social media has also become a connector for her and other people.

[06:36] She also loves photography of nature, sunsets, and flowers. 

[06:55] The Alabama Birding Trails highlight areas where you can see birds and bird migrations during the different seasons.

[09:14] Dauphin Island is an amazing place to see the spring bird migration.

[09:55] A big topic in the world of title insurance right now is fraud.

[10:07] Common fraud schemes include seller impersonation fraud. This is where someone impersonates the owner of land or vacant property. The fraudster contacts a realtor and actually lists the property for sale.

[11:37] They usually want the property listed below market value and want a quick cash sale.

[12:20] The realtor sends the documents to the title company who then sends it back to the fake seller. The money is wired, and it can take months to discover what has taken place.

[13:08] A $200,000 lot was sold by a fraudster impersonating the owner. A lot of these properties could be lake lots or coastal properties.

[13:48] Fidelity has a new tool that helps agents plug in a property address and check tax records and verify the owner of the lot.

[14:08] Agents are encouraged to send a letter to the address on the tax records just to make sure the real owner is aware of the potential sale. 

[14:37] They also use a third party source to verify IDs.

[15:57] The expertise of title insurance agents can help straighten out these issues.

[16:40] All of the fraud is preventable, but it's not easy in a fast-paced environment. They also verify wiring instructions or send a check to avoid wire fraud. 

[19:31] Waving title insurance during home purchases will create more expenses in the long run.

[20:02] Agents can do a better job of explaining the importance of what they do.

[21:53] Title companies are also instrumental in collecting back taxes and child support and things of that nature.

[24:40] Without the title insurance policy, the insured would be on their own when there are claims against their property.

[25:57] AI and how it will affect our industry further. Deep fakes seem very real. 

[27:14] Bad actors will use as much automation as possible.

[28:10] Just be on the safe side, treat every file as if it were a fraudulent transaction until you know it's not. We also need to control the notary and independently verify wire transactions. We also need to educate realtors.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Tammy Robbins Facebook
• Tammy Robbins LinkedIn
• Alabama Birding Trails
• American Land Title Association