Don Kennedy's story is one of legacy, leadership, and a passion for making a difference. As the current President of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), Don has a unique perspective on the title industry - but it's not just his current role that sets him apart. Don's family has been in the title business for over 135 years, with five generations leaving their mark on the industry.
But Don's journey to the top wasn't always straightforward. Despite his family's legacy, Don didn't initially follow in his forebears’ footsteps. After college, he worked in education for three years, but he soon realized that it wasn't his true calling. He attended law school, became a practicing lawyer, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. What he did mattered, but he wanted to make a greater impact.
It wasn't until Ken Degiorgio, the current CEO of First American, offered Don a spot in the company's corporate legal department that he found his true passion. Don jumped at the opportunity, using his skills to help solve problems and unlock revenue streams - but he soon realized that his true calling was in the title operation itself; in the agency side of the business. He loved working alongside his customers to make a difference in people's lives. What he did mattered, and he could see the impact it had on families and communities.
"I loved being in the same business as my customers," Don said. "I loved the camaraderie, the shared sense of purpose. But I also knew that I had to prove myself. I had to make a difference, to show that what I did mattered."
Don threw himself into the business, working tirelessly to grow the company and push the limits of what was possible. But, despite his success, he knew that the title industry was facing unprecedented challenges. Regulators and powerful voices within the federal government were questioning the value of title insurance - and Don saw this as an opportunity, not a threat. He knew that what title agents did mattered, and he was determined to prove it.
"We're playing both offense and defense as an industry," Don says in regard to the initiatives that occupied his time as the ALTA President. "We're fighting to protect our value proposition, but we're also working to educate the public about the importance of title insurance. It's a tough battle, but I know we can win it. Because what we do matters - it matters to families, to communities, and to the economy as a whole."
For Don, the key to success lies in embracing technology and focusing on the consumer experience. He believes that by making the closing process seamless, convenient, and less confusing, the title industry can solidify its value proposition for decades to come - but it won't be easy. It will take hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference.
"We win when the public understands our role and the good we do for our country," Don said. "If we can get to that point, I can die happy. Because what we do matters, and I want to leave a lasting legacy that proves it."
Don's passion for making a difference is contagious, and his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy is a reminder that what you do matters. Every title agent, every employee, and every leader in the industry has the power to make a difference. You have the power to shape the future of the industry, to protect property rights, and to bring people closer to their dreams of homeownership.
So, as you go about your day, remember that your work is not just about processing transactions or closing deals. It's about making a difference in people's lives. It's about creating a legacy that will outlast you. And it's about being part of something bigger than yourself.
So Don Kennedy's story is not just his story - it's the story of every title agent, every employee, and every leader who is committed to making a difference. It's your story, too. What will you do to make a difference and leave a legacy?
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The Growth & Scale Report is published by CloseSimple, and explores strategies for growth and tools for scaling your title or escrow company. The report emphasizes the art of balancing growth and scale, with a focus on personal and organizational success stories. It aims to share insights from industry leaders who have navigated these challenges, providing a platform for broader conversations in the business landscape.
