A Fraud Attempt, Caught in Real Time
Lauren Echague knew something was off. The woman on the Zoom call—supposedly the seller—hesitated at key moments. When Lauren asked her to raise her right hand, the delay was just a little too long. Then it clicked—this wasn’t a real person. It was a video playing on a loop, part of an elaborate fraud attempt.
That single moment, later featured on NBC News, captures what sets Lauren apart in the title industry. She isn’t just processing transactions—she’s actively safeguarding them. While many companies focus on closing deals quickly, Lauren prioritizes security, knowing that speed without diligence is a recipe for disaster.
From Small-Town Roots to Title Trailblazer
Lauren’s journey into the title industry wasn’t intentional. Raised in Green City, Missouri—population 600—she moved to Florida for college and landed in real estate. At first, she followed the traditional path, but while most Realtors thrived on client interactions, Lauren realized she preferred the behind-the-scenes work: paperwork, problem-solving, and ensuring smooth transactions.
"Everything Realtors love about their job, I hated. And everything they hated, I loved," she admits. Instead of forcing herself to fit the mold, Lauren pivoted. An internship led to a full-time role, and by 2014, she launched Florida Title & Trust. A decade later, the company thrives on word-of-mouth referrals and a reputation for precision and trust.
The Call for National Consistency in Title
Florida’s real estate market moves fast, but it’s also frustratingly inconsistent—especially for buyers relocating from out of state.
"We get so many people moving here from different states, and every single time, we have to explain why Florida does things differently," she says.
Recording fees, title processes, closing costs—they all vary across the U.S., creating confusion for buyers and inefficiencies for professionals. Some accept it as the nature of real estate. Lauren sees an opportunity for standardization.
Blockchain technology once promised to revolutionize property records, but progress has been slow.
"There’s still so much that isn’t recorded correctly at the municipal level," she explains. "Clean, accurate recording should be a given, yet we constantly deal with errors—misspelled names, incorrect legal descriptions, and other mistakes that create major headaches."
Tackling Fraud, Personally
Lauren’s sharp eye for fraud isn’t luck—it’s a necessity.
While some title companies treat fraud as an afterthought, Lauren has seen its devastating consequences firsthand. Her team has:
- Caught fraudulent power of attorney claims
- Intercepted wire fraud attempts
- Educated consumers on protecting their transactions
"We don’t just process transactions; we protect them," she emphasizes.
Many firms rely solely on software to flag fraud, but Lauren believes in a hybrid approach. Her company uses AI-powered facial recognition and identity verification tools, but much of fraud prevention still comes down to one key factor: paying attention.
"The red flags are there. If you take the time to notice them, you can stop a lot of fraud before it happens."
Every Job is a Sales Job
Lauren’s biggest mindset shift came during a coaching seminar with Dr. Cindy McGovern. Many title professionals don’t see themselves as being in sales—but Lauren does now.
"She changed my entire mindset," Lauren says. "I realized that every single phone call, every email—every touchpoint—was either selling someone on working with us or selling them on never calling us again."
That shift led her to revamp how her team interacts with clients. Some businesses prioritize efficiency over customer experience, but Lauren believes they can coexist. She reinforced the idea that every detail—how the phone is answered, how emails are written—shapes client perception.
The Role of Innovation in Title’s Future
Many in the industry see AI and automation as the future of title, envisioning fully automated transactions. But Lauren isn’t convinced.
"Owning a home is the biggest financial decision most people will ever make. You can’t reduce that to a one-click Amazon-style transaction."
She does, however, see AI improving efficiency. Her company already uses AI-driven smart forms that dynamically adjust based on transaction details. But when it comes to full automation, she draws the line.
"Unlike other types of insurance, title insurance isn’t about predicting future risk—it’s about uncovering past risk. That requires diligence, not just data."
Leading with Balance and Gratitude
Running a successful title company isn’t just about innovation—it’s about sustainability.
Many business owners push themselves to exhaustion, believing burnout is inevitable. Lauren sees things differently.
She keeps a gratitude journal to stay grounded in an often stressful industry.
"Title is stressful. You have to find ways to stay centered."
She also swears by Calendly for time management, ensuring her schedule isn’t derailed by distractions. Unlike those who set yearly goals and forget them, Lauren revisits hers monthly to stay on track.
Building a Legacy
Ask Lauren about her proudest achievements, and she won’t mention revenue milestones or expansion.
For her, success is measured in trust.
She highlights the longevity of her employees, the referrals that fuel her business, and the impact of fraud prevention efforts.
"We’ve stopped people from losing their life savings. That matters more than anything else."
Looking ahead, Lauren envisions an industry that is more standardized, more secure, and better equipped to navigate the digital age—without losing the personal touch that makes title so important.
Many businesses chase change for the sake of innovation, but Lauren embraces only the right kind of change—the kind that solves real problems, not just for her company, but for the entire industry.
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.
