After a rich career split between technology and title, Bob Grohol has a unique perspective on the title industry – particularly on digital trends reshaping the field.
Bob’s career path through these industries began in 1982 when he started working at a computer shop. This early professional interest stuck, and Bob would work in the field for the next 17 years, holding positions in computer technology, telecom and software.
His initial transition to title insurance came in the form of RamQuest Software – one of the industry’s main title and closing software solutions. At the time, RamQuest was looking to grow its Ohio business, and despite having no previous experience in the industry, Bob jumped at the chance, immersing himself in all things title. “Despite not knowing a HUD Settlement Statement from a hole in the ground at that time, I learned quickly,” said Bob. “And I continue to learn something new almost every day.” Bob eventually left RamQuest in 2009, transitioning back to the world of software for nearly four years. In 2012, he would make another career change back to real estate and title insurance – where he works to this day.
“In 2012, I was exploring options, and I reached out to Manoj Purohit, whom I’ve known for over 15 years,” said Bob. “Manoj referred me to eRecording Partners Network (ePN).” Similar to RamQuest, ePN was looking to expand in Ohio and the surrounding states, and Bob was a perfect fit. He tapped into existing title industry contacts and resources to grow business, and over time, he became responsible for operations in about 26 states.
Working at ePN gave Bob particular insight into a mission-critical process of the title industry. “Document recording is one of the final steps in the real estate transaction process. The quicker a title agent can get documents recorded, the quicker the final policies can be issued – lessening gap time,” he explained. “Traditional paper document recording can potentially take days or weeks to happen. Plus, it’s possible for documents to be lost, damaged or altered.” By digitizing this process, title agents gain new efficiencies and competitive advantage. “Documents can potentially be eRecorded in minutes, and most, within a couple of hours. With eRecording, documents can’t be lost or damaged. It is also more secure in many ways,” Bob said.
eRecording is an example of digital transformation: a gradual shift from manual or analog processes to digital ones. From Bob’s perspective, while it has taken time for eRecording to develop, it is now fully mainstream, indicative of an industry that is slowly but surely adopting new technologies. “It has taken over 20 years to get where we are today. Almost 2,500 counties are set up for eRecording across 49 states, plus D.C.,” Bob noted.
Of course, while technology may be transforming the field, other elements that make it special or determine one’s success in it have largely remained the same. “To me, the title industry has always felt like a big family. People do move around from time to time – to new companies and roles – but a lot of the same great people are still around,” Bob said. “I enjoy the ‘camaraderie’ between all of those involved with the title insurance business: agents, vendors, underwriters, etc. Everyone is about helping others fulfill the ‘American Dream’ of home ownership. To be successful, follow-up and follow-through are very key. Whether it’s with agents, internal team members or just in general, always do what you say you’re going to do.”
Malcolm Gladwell famously said in his 2008 book Outliers that it takes roughly 10,000 hours to get good at something. With that in mind, it’s difficult to look at Tyrone (TJ) Johnson as anything else but an expert in time management.
A 25-year veteran of the real estate settlement services and title insurance industries, TJ currently serves as Assistant Vice President and State Agency Manager for Alliant National Title Insurance Company for the Mountain West region. The role requires him to apply his decades of experience to support Alliant National’s agent network and operations – including education, marketing, sales and strategic growth initiatives.
For many people, building one long and successful career would be enough. But for TJ, his success at Alliant National was preceded by a 15-year career as a jazz musician. During those years, he routinely performed at five-star resorts throughout the Midwest, Southeastern and Southwestern United States. TJ’s musical ability remains undiminished today, having appeared recently as a headlining act in the Lansing JazzFest.
With two accomplished careers in wildly different industries under his belt, it’s natural to wonder how TJ “did it.” Was it as simple as somehow finding the time for Gladwell’s 10,000 hours? TJ himself attributes his success to a strong drive. And this has led, naturally, to a superior work performance – from mastering the complexities of title insurance to wowing crowds of ardent jazz fans throughout the country.
Outside of TJ’s ongoing responsibilities at Alliant National, he is currently hard at work on his next album entitled, “A Family Affair.” He also enjoys spending time with his wife Sheri, his daughter and his three grandchildren.
Scott Hendrickson leaves behind a growing company and an impressive legacy.
As a golfer, Scott Hendrickson has had two holes-in-one. But as a person, he actually had three. When Scott co-founded Alliant National more than 16 years ago, there was no way of knowing the venture would be successful, much less that it would be an ace that would grow into the leading independent underwriter for the independent agent.
Back in the mid-aughts, Scott was coming off three decades of experience in financial services and leadership, having held senior positions in diverse industries like insurance, manufacturing and distribution. Eager to begin a new stage in his professional life, Scott joined with fellow co-founders Dave Ginger and Bob Grubb to create Alliant National, a title insurance underwriter with the unique mission of empowering independent agents and never competing against them.
The Colorado-based company started as a small regional underwriter. Yet under the guidance and stewardship of Scott and other members of the leadership team, Alliant National soon took off. Today, the company serves thousands of title professionals as a national underwriter licensed in 30 states and the District of Columbia.
David Sinclair, who began working with Scott in 2011 and now serves as President and CEO of Alliant National, is first to speak about Scott’s invaluable contributions. “Alliant National simply would not be the company it is today without Scott,” he said, reflecting on the CFO’s tenure. “With his leadership abilities, financial acumen and keen insights into this specialized industry, Scott has helped lead us to the success we enjoy today. His influence can be seen in nearly every aspect of our business – from accounting, finance and human resources to our culture and how we work together. What we accomplish in the future will be the direct result of his legacy.”
Margaret Cook, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Alliant National, had this to say. “Scott is a consummate professional, an ethical, knowledgeable and incredibly talented executive who has played a fundamental role in shaping our company into a leading force in the title insurance industry. We’ll miss his practical insight, curious mind and dry sense of humor. We owe Scott a debt of gratitude for founding the company on his breadth of knowledge, practical guidance and attention to detail.”
As he exits the company he helped create, Scott himself reflected on his time with Alliant National, and on the many co-workers, clients and friends he met along the way. “When we started Alliant National way back in 2005, I had no idea how it was all going to turn out,” he said. “I knew at the time that we had terrific people in place, strong industry knowledge and a unique selling proposition that we thought would really resonate with people. I had no idea how the operation would grow and evolve, or that we would become such an important part of so many people’s lives.
“I guess, if anything, I just feel immensely grateful to have had this experience,” he added. “The people I’ve worked with over the past decade-and-a-half have been some of the best co-workers and title insurance professionals anyone can ask to work with. I have made connections that I’m sure will last the rest of my life, and I hope that through this work, I have made peoples’ lives a bit better. Title insurance isn’t the easiest industry for people to understand, but it enables ordinary people to build the lives they want with peace of mind. And I think that really matters in the end.”
For anyone who has worked with him, there is no doubt that Scott has made a major impact, and not only in creating a strong, vital company with a sizable presence across the country. As an executive, Scott has modeled poise, servant leadership and a commitment to excellence that one can only hope to encounter during their professional career. He leaves not only an admirable legacy within the organization at Alliant National, but on the entire title insurance industry.
“We started Alliant National with the hope of changing what a title insurance underwriter could be,” said Scott. “I am immensely proud of the operation we’ve built and that our mission to support independent agents remains at the heart of the Alliant National way. I wanted to leave the industry better than I found it. I certainly tried my very best.”
Rest assured Scott, you’ve accomplished what you set out to do. And as you take your last bow at Alliant National, we hope you can rest, recharge, and perhaps find it a bit easier to enjoy a round or two of golf. Considering your track record, we’re sure you have many more holes-in-one in your future.
Congratulations on your retirement, Scott. And thank you from everyone at Alliant National!
Welcome home Lin Brasier! Alliant National is excited to have Lin back where he belongs. With his vast industry knowledge stretching over four decades, Lin will bring exceptional value to Alliant National’s operations as VP Southwest Underwriting Counsel.
Lin will be busy in this new position, providing agents with his expert perspective and assisting with transactions that require underwriting support. Without question, independent agents and Alliant National’s Southwest team will benefit greatly from his presence, as KC West, SVP and Southwest Region Manager, explains:
“Lin has been vital to Alliant National’s success and growth,” West said. “I am excited to have him back as part of the family again after his brief absence.”
Having originally worked for Alliant National from 2014 to 2020, Lin has always been known as a friendly, steady and knowledgeable force within the title insurance field. His long career stretches back much further than that, however, spanning 43 years – up until he temporarily retired two years ago.
Now that he’s back, we can’t wait to see the positive impact he will have on Alliant National’s internal staff and network of independent agents. As the premier independent underwriter for the independent agent, Alliant National’s achievements have always depended on the contributions of title professionals like Lin – folks who truly live our values and always put agents first. Welcome back Lin! We’ve missed you!
Rae Jeanne is a deeply knowledgeable and talented professional with a long history in the field, having grown up helping manage her mother’s Texas real estate firm. After receiving her license in 1994, she led her own team within that firm, and for the past decade, she has been busy assisting her husband with their business and managing her real estate practice.
We are thrilled to have her accept this position at Alliant National, where she will split her time between agency responsibilities and helping foster continuing education initiatives. We are confident Rae Jeanne will excel in this position for many years to come!
Rae Jeanne enjoys staying active outside of work. A self-described lake rat, she loves boating, cook-offs and spending time with her husband and two young adult children. She is involved with outreach and youth programs through her church, and she has worked with several committees at her local Chamber of Commerce in the past.
If you have questions for Rae Jeanne or would simply like to send her a personal welcome, she can be contacted at: rjsteele@alliantnational.com. Please join us in warmly welcoming Rae Jeanne to our Southwest Regional Team!
