Spilling The Title Tea

I'm super excited to talk to Tonya Lunsford from our Louisville Kentucky branch. I love interviewing members of the Springdale Title team. It's a chance for our clients and business partners to get to know us on a deeper level. It makes us a little more human instead of someone just on the other side of an email.

Tonya joined us in 2020 right in the middle of COVID when the title and mortgage industry was incredibly busy and at an all-time high. Tonya was recommended to me by her sister Frankie. 

Frankie is a loan agent with an office next door. She was also one of my first guests on the podcast. Frankie has been battling cancer for five years. Tonya shares some of the journey as a support person and shares advice for anyone going through the same. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:38] Tonya shares how it felt to become involved in the world of titles at such a crazy time. She thought she was just going to help with extra filing, but it didn't take long for her to dive into full time.

[02:25] It was fun and exciting to learn a new skill.

[03:23] Tonya is located in the Louisville Kentucky office. Her sister is a loan officer who has the office next door. She was the one who recommended Tonya. 

[03:53] Tonya shares her experience supporting her sister during her sisters' cancer journey. It's been a long journey going on five years. 

[05:09] Tonya and her sister Frankie's father also had cancer. They have four sisters total, and they are all very close. 

[07:32] Simple tasks become daunting when you're battling cancer and going through chemo. Don't ask, just be there as much as you can.

[09:12] Simple encouragement can make a huge difference. Be the ray that breaks through the clouds.

[11:37] Tonya shares the battle with doubt and whether you are doing enough. Give yourself grace. If you see an opportunity, do what you can today. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• KY - Louisville - Springdale Title, LLC
• Cancer Symptoms - Baptist Health
• Colorectal Cancer Prevention | How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer | American Cancer Society
• What To Expect When The Unexpected Happens With Frankie Story

My friend, Mellissa Buckley, is here to talk a little about business and a lot about faith and courage. Mellissa is a Title Agency Account Executive who collaborates with title agencies like Springdale Title and insurance underwriters, ultimately ensuring that clients receive proper protection for their properties.

She has also faced personal struggles, from being on her own at 15 to multiple health scares. About five years into her title career, she was diagnosed with acute kidney disease, which required 15 months of chemotherapy. After going into remission, a tumor was found on her carotid artery in 2018.

As she battled these challenges, her spiritual journey truly began, strengthening her faith. We'll learn how her relationship with God has brought her peace and helped her see the light as her health journey continues. This is a wonderful story of hope and faith. I'm proud to be part of this narrative of personal growth and spiritual discovery.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:09] A title insurance underwriter authorizes and issues authority to title agencies to write title insurance policies. The title agency is like boots on the ground and does the due diligence for the title policy.

[02:02] Underwriters assume the financial risk. As a Title Agency Account Executive, Mellissa is the go-between for agencies like Springdale Title and the underwriter.

[02:44] In 2004, Mellissa worked for a hotel group and did a lot of overnight travel. She was offered a sales job at a title company and has been in the business for 20 years.

[03:36] Title insurance solves the significant problem of protecting the ownership of property.

[05:03] It's important to insure a big asset when you buy it. 

[05:38] Title insurance can potentially cover loss in seller impersonation fraud.

[06:27] Mellissa is learning something new all the time and embraces change. 

[07:06] She's been on her own since she was 15 and learned resilience. 

[08:20] She loves selling, and sold cosmetics and was a Day Spa Director. 

[08:47] She's also had trials and became very ill with acute kidney disease. She had to do chemo for 15 months to suppress her immune system.

[09:20] The family of who she was dating helped care for her, and she didn't like letting her independence go.

[09:41] She had gone into remission, but in 2018 a tumor was found on her carotid artery.

[10:09] She was grasping for hope and peace. She saw glimpses of light and peace through constant prayer.

[11:08] This was the time when she really developed her relationship with God. She was growing her spiritual muscles. 

[12:08] She's reaping the benefits of having this relationship with Christ.

[12:51] Two months ago, a spot was found on her breast.

[13:38] Ashley prayed with Mellissa, and she knew in the deepest part of her being to not be afraid in that moment.

[14:06] The light switch of peace remained on. She received the results, and it was benign.

[15:14] Her worst days with Jesus are way better than her best days without him.

[17:28] Continuing in the knowledge of Christ's promises, she knows that he'll see her through.

[20:54] Focusing on what is really valuable in life. Fasting can be a wonderful way to clear your mind and listen to what is best.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Mellissa Buckley Facebook

Some career options are more unique than others. My guest today is Teresa Long, a licensed auctioneer and owner of Long Auction Company. She is here to share her story of how she and her husband, Wayne, developed a love for antiques and auctions, which eventually led them to start a new career and business after years of working in the public sector. Teresa is one of the few licensed female auctioneers in Madison County. 

Continuing education is a big part of the auctioneer process whether it’s learning about estate sales or marketing. Teresa thought it was foolish of her to pursue education in her 50s to start a new career. Now she feels that everyday is a learning experience. She makes every day the best she can. There’s no better way to support their husband and wife business opportunity than to be 100% in. This is a wonderful story of success and how it’s never too late to create your own path. 

Episode Highlights: 

[00:56] Teresa and her husband Wayne were married in 1985. They enjoyed antiques and auctions. They both had public jobs. Wayne worked for the city and Teresa worked at Eastern Kentucky University for 20 years. Later she worked for the County Government.

[01:24] Wayne always wanted to be an auctioneer. While still working he received his auctioneer license. In 2011, Long Auction was established. 

[02:46] Teresa shares how she attended the meetings with her husband and became an apprentice. She had to have 80 hours of work at an auction school. 

[03:26] She eventually took the state exam to become a principal auctioneer. Her sister also completed her principal license. Her sister, Jackie Tate-Stewart also works at Long Auction Company. 

[04:06] They're always continuing their education to provide better service.

[05:43] The auction business took off more than they had anticipated. At the time, they were juggling three jobs of public work, the auction business and farming.

[06:30] They are problem solvers and mostly focus on estates. They help clients navigate the estate and turn assets Into cash.

[07:47] They are an online auction facility that helps families liquidate their assets.

[09:58] They have an in-house opportunity to sell the belongings of the home, or they relocate them to their facility.

[12:09] Teresa shares some of the interesting collections that she's sold. 

[18:18] The auctions usually run from 8 to 12 days.

[21:02] Teresa talks about the charitable portion of the Long Auction Company. This year they support Sleep In Heavenly Peace, a non-profit that provides beds to children who don't have beds. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Long Auction Company
• Long Auction Company Facebook
• Teresa Long LinkedIn
• Sleep In Heavenly Peace

Do you ever get caught up in the busyness of things? Are you spending your time with who you value most? Life Coach Misty Lakes is here to talk about her path to discovering and defining her priorities. After 18 years, she is now doing what she was called to do and loving every step of the way. 

Misty is one of my BFFs and my coach. She’s also had some interesting real estate adventures involving her family and a land purchase. We dive into real estate transactions and then move on to her journey of becoming a life coach. She’s always loved helping people and now it’s her mission to help women business owners. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:25] Misty's parents own land that's between her old home that her son currently owns and the farm that she owns. 

[02:09] When her son was twenty, they sold their current home to him, and they decided to build on the farm. 

[02:41] They were also able to purchase a small property with a little pond that was attached to their land this enabled them to preserve the view from their back porch. 

[03:26] There are a lot of options in real estate. You can expand or buy land that's attached to your current home.

[04:03] The land is together but it has separate deeds. With a separate deed, you could use the land as collateral and not jeopardize your home.

[04:38] Misty is a life and business coach, and I'm one of her clients. 

[05:22] Before life coaching, Misty was in direct sales. She found herself giving advice. She loved helping people and wanted to create income doing this. 

[06:32] Becoming a life coach, enabled her to do what she loves and get paid for it.

[07:50] Before coaching, she felt overwhelmed and had extreme guilt for not spending enough time with her family or her work.

[08:11] A friend helped her define her priorities using a value target. She realized she was sacrificing the people who she cared about the most.

[09:53] She gave away a free coaching session revolving around the use of the value target. This led to her first paying client. 

[11:32] Her vision is to help women business owners. Her passion is women in business, because we wear so many hats.

[12:14] We have to take care of ourselves and find peace in that before we can help anyone else.

[14:27] We have to set boundaries and make time for ourselves.

[16:56] She began her company in 2018, and she wanted to learn more. In May, she will be finishing her business degree.

[18:25] Misty is passionate about business and enjoys doing what she is called to do. She also wants to help women increase their business while finding work/life balance. 

[19:49] Quick tip: A good morning starts with a good night. Get enough rest and plan your day ahead.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• Misty Lakes Coaching
• Misty Lakes Facebook
• Misty Lakes Instagram
• Misty Lakes LinkedIn

Jackie Daugherty, the co-owner of Springdale Title is here. She is located at the Louisville Office. She also spends a lot of time at the Knoxville office and wherever she needs to be. Jackie is a title veteran and becoming an owner has made her journey come full circle. 

She also had a full circle moment with her first born baby that she gave up for adoption when she was 16 years old. She shares how she was told she would never see her baby again, but God had other plans. Jackie shares her story in this heart warming episode. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:05] Jackie is a veteran of the title and real estate industry. She's now running a title company and planning for its future. This has been a full circle, overwhelming, and exciting moment for her.

[01:53] Jackie began working in the title industry in 1995. 

[02:38] She loves working in title, meeting new people, and participating in the closings.

[04:40]  Another full circle moment for Jackie was the birth of her first son. She discovered she was pregnant when she was 16 years old.

[05:21] The best way she knew to take care of the baby at that time was adoption. 

[06:09] She went through resumes and letters and chose the family her baby would go to. It was a difficult decision, but she knew he would be taking care of in a way that she couldn't provide at that time.

[06:46] The adoption counselors told her that boys don't usually look for their birth parents. She had to accept the fact that she would never see her child.

[07:03] Fortunately, God had a different plan. She received a call from the adoption agency saying that her son wanted to unseal the adoption records.

[08:01] Jackie and the baby's father reconnected on Facebook recently. So, they were able to give permission for the records to be unsealed.

[09:18] Within five weeks of the phone call, she finally got to meet her son who was now in his twenties. 

[10:01] When they met he had brought photo albums of himself growing up. It was so thoughtful, and she was welcomed with open arms into his family.

[10:25] He also got to meet his siblings, and she got to meet her son's son.

[10:48] Everything has fallen into place. Jackie describes it like a Hallmark movie.

[13:22] When making the hard choices, prayer is the best answer. This was the only way Jackie could make peace with the decision.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Home - Springdale Title, LLC
• 502-791-9034
• Gifts of Hope 2023 — Show Hope
• US Adoption Statistics | Adoption Network

Joshua Williams is a life insurance agent for the Kentucky Farm Bureau in Richmond, Kentucky. Life insurance is an integral part of the real estate world. Joshua has seen this firsthand with his own family. He shares the tragedy he experienced and how having life insurance was beneficial. 

He talks about the importance of understanding and knowing who your beneficiaries are. It’s also important to review the amount you need to be insured for and to slow down and take things step-by-step. Taking care of things in advance can help make sure that your family is taken care of. 

Episode Highlights: 

[01:11] Joshua shares how his aunt was murdered by her new husband who then committed suicide. 

[02:16] Insurance helped pay for many things including cleanup. They had to fight everything in court for insurance benefits.

[03:36] Life insurance needs to cover what is actually needed. Having a specialist can help you decide the right amount to be insured. 

[04:54] When tragedy strikes, you need to slow down and take it step-by-step.

[08:32] Joshua talks about the importance of having enough insurance for your needs.

[10:52] He's so good at what he does, because he's lived it and he has empathy.

[13:34] Joshua shares some of the benefits that you can get from a life insurance policy.

[15:30] We talk about having life insurance through work. It doesn't come with you when you leave the job. 

[18:45] We talk about commercial insurance to keep a company functioning. 

[20:47] Joshua talks about life insurance, annuities, and possibilities for residual income.

[21:55] He also talks about riders and setting up life insurance on children. 

[23:28] Joshua shares why it's so important not to put this important planning off. 

[27:36] When you have people depending on you, you want to make sure that they are taken care of.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Joshua Williams - Kentucky Farm Bureau (kyfb.com)
• 859-626-7725

Understanding your insurance options is an extremely important part of choosing coverage that can truly benefit you and your family in an emergency. My guest today is Abe Steele, an independent agent at Energy Insurance Agency. Abe is passionate about helping clients make informed decisions about their insurance coverage and deductibles, ensuring their choices are tailored to their needs rather than just meeting loan or mortgage requirements.

As you’ll hear in this episode, Abe's heart is truly in the right place. He's dedicated to helping clients secure affordable coverage and avoid potential disasters through customized solutions. But Abe's passion extends beyond insurance; he's equally committed to giving back to the community and guiding youth through the often confusing landscape of life and career choices. Having received guidance when he was younger, Abe is now on a mission to help other youths find their path.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:53] Insurance agents are an integral part of the real estate world for borrowers. Banks want their collateral to be insured.

[01:11] Abe is an independent insurance agent. Which means he and the client have more options. 

[01:49] Independent agents can shop different carriers and customize the solution for your situation.

[02:23] Abe loves working with realtors and mortgage brokers and helping clients on their side.

[04:04] Being educated and having the exclusions explained to you is super important when it comes to getting the proper coverage.

[05:23] Recently there have been a lot of weather incidents. Abe had a client who had a $25,000 deductible for a weather incident, and they needed a $26,000 roof. This is an example of why it's so important to have the right company in the right deductible.

[06:29] You can also get add-ons that don't make a huge difference in price but are very important when needed.

[09:50] In high school, Abe was an intern at the local State Farm office. He was super shy, but he spent his first week calling clients. After three years, he started working for them. 

[11:28] He wanted to try something else and worked in a factory in a different town.

[12:22] His first agent got him a job with an agent where he lived. After six years, he wanted more and became independent.

[14:37] Everything happens for a reason, and Abe wants to help young people figure out what they want to do.

[17:36] If you don't have the right coverage, it can be an expensive nightmare. It's important to have an agent that explains things to you. 

[18:42] You can't make an educated decision without the education part.

[19:03] An experienced agent is the best thing ever. 

[21:26] Kids now need a community mentor that is closer to their age. Kids see how tough the world can be. 

[22:45] Abe loves talking to people and helping kids. 

[23:30] People need to do things at their own pace and having a mentor is super helpful. 

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Abe Steele - Energy Insurance Agency
• [email protected]
• 859.551.4952

My guest today is Amanda Baker-West, a loan officer for Movement Mortgage. Having served as a loan officer from 2020 to the present, Amanda is well-acquainted with adapting to changes and shifts in the industry. She moved to this area with her family roughly 18 months before the lockdown and speaks about the challenges of the lockdown and the experience of finding new friends during that time.

Amanda also touches upon a personal story: her father was adopted, and inspired by this, she felt a calling to give back. After discussing it with her entire family, they made the decision to foster children in need. Amanda recounts two poignant stories of her first two foster children. Both are now with their own families, but she continues to stay connected with them. Her heartfelt tales clearly reflect the size of her heart.

Episode Highlights: 

[01:32] Amanda and her husband moved back to Kentucky from Los Angeles.

[03:12] After moving back, Amanda didn't really know a lot of people. She made an online post looking for other moms she could be friends with.

[04:13] She made a friend, but it was really hard to meet people.

[05:02] As an introvert, Amanda needs people to talk to.

[06:16] She felt isolated, so she's really happy that the world has opened back up.

[08:02] Amanda and her family are involved in the foster care system. 

[09:05] Amanda's dad was adopted and in the foster care system. Amanda always wanted to give back in some way. The whole family was open to being part of the foster care system. 

[11:05] With fostering, the call can come at any time, and you don't know who you're getting. They've had two placements. 

[12:14] Amanda shares her first foster experience. The little girl was traumatized, and they had to be very gentle with her. The little girl was amazing. 

[17:20] Giving her back to her aunt was traumatic. Amanda still keeps in touch with them.

[19:42] Their second placement was a little baby boy. They got the call at 3:00 am. They had him for two months. 

[25:13] The baby's aunt and uncle took all eight siblings. Amanda keeps in touch with them also.

[26:52] With fostering you never know when you're going to get a call about a potential foster child.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Amanda Baker-West | Mortgage Loan Officer | Louisville, KY (movement.com)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 859-420-4618
• Website for Foster Care in KY: KY FACES - Home

Ashley talks with Diane Brookerd who is a Licensed Title Agent and Manager at Springdale Title headquartered in Daphne, Alabama. She has 35 years of experience and has learned to roll with the punches. We kick things off talking about how being a title agent has been a rock for Diane when she faced adversity in her life. 

Diane has also had some hardship in her life, including suddenly losing her mother, who was her rock and set an amazing example for her. She also battled stage 4 breast cancer when she was 34 years old. Diane had the heart wrenching experience of losing her 4-year-old daughter while going through treatment. Diane’s faith, wisdom, and determination is an inspiration.  

Episode Highlights: 

[01:34] Diane has had some personal struggles in her life, and the title business has been a rock in her life when things have gotten difficult.

[02:53] Faith and being competent in her skill has also helped her navigate troubled waters.

[03:15] Diane has faced some life obstacles including a sudden loss of her mother. Her mom was such an inspiration. She was handicapped, and she worked two jobs while going to night school to become a civil engineer all the while being a great mom. 

[04:03] At the age of 32, Diane battled stage 4 breast cancer. She also had five miscarriages before having her son.

[04:45] Prescribed progesterone was a contributing factor. Diane ended up having to have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She didn't have to have chemo and radiation.

[08:18] While going through breast cancer treatment, Diane lost her 4-year-old daughter.

[11:28] Her daughter was at daycare, and Diane got a call from her daughter's stepmom saying she was taken to the emergency room via life flight. 

[12:03] She had a giant knot on her head and never woke up. 

[13:17] Diane shares how the experience was so traumatic that she didn't even feel like she was in her body. 

[17:01] Trust in God first. God took Diane's baby home, because she didn't need to live on this Earth with the behavioral problems she was having.

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Diane Brookerd Office: 251-270-4500
• Diane Brookerd Cell: 251-533-1844
• [email protected]
• Diane Brookerd | LinkedIn

Ross Sykes is a mortgage advisor with Homefront Lending in Fairhope Alabama. I’m excited to have Ross on the show. We talk about how Ross is an expert on VA loans, and how he is also a veteran. Ross always wanted to serve and joined the Air Force with a friend from college. 

The VA loan product is one of the best products out there, and Ross has made it his mission to advocate for veterans and their buying power. He uses education to help sellers and other agents realize the advantages of VA loans. Ross is fighting for veterans and shares his journey with us. 

Episode Highlights: 

[00:59] Ross is an expert on VA loans, and he was a veteran at one point in his life.

[01:17] Ross was in the Air Force and was able to do air medical evacuations.

[01:47] Being in the Air Force helped shape who Ross is as an individual.

[03:40] Ross makes it his mission to educate other sellers about the VA home loan and what a wonderful product it is.

[05:18] One of his goals is to create platforms to help veterans with home buying and things like getting property taxes waived as of day one.

[09:22] Ross shares his transition from military to civilian life. He loves to serve people and started feeling fulfilled when he got into the mortgage business. He also enjoys the strategy of helping people with loans.

[11:22] He also worked for the government as a special agent.He did background investigations on people who were getting access to sensitive information.

[13:10] Things don't happen to us, they happen for us. Ross shares wisdom about mindset.

[14:07] We discuss veteran suicide and how the lack of structure could have something to do with transition issues. 

[16:57] Being able to adapt to new situations and being solution driven really helps to adapt and overcome. 

[18:06] Ross shares his positive outlook and how he can only control how he reacts. 

[21:17] Ross gives a shout out to The HELPER Act (HR3170 and S1540).

Resources & Links Related to this Episode

• Springdale Title
• Homepage - The HELPER Act (passthehelperact.org) (HR3170 and S1540)
• Ross Sykes Facebook
• (251) 509-7791
• [email protected]
• Homefront Lending LLC – Honored to Serve You (hflend.com)