Richard Welshons' Road to Leading the American Land Title Association
As Richard Welshons takes the helm as the incoming president of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), his journey is one that defies convention. In an industry shaped by market swings, regulatory shifts, and economic uncertainty, Welshons’ steady hand and people-first leadership philosophy have propelled him from a small Minnesota town to the top of the national organization. But his rise wasn’t scripted or expected—it’s a story of grit, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to community.
Welshons' career began humbly in 1984, when he was invited by his father to join the family’s title company in Hastings, Minnesota. Fresh out of high school, without a college degree, and on the brink of fatherhood, Richard had little more than ambition to guide him. "I was just trying to make a living and support my family," Welshons recalls of those early days. It was a leap of faith—a young man with no formal training entering an industry few outside it understand.
But Welshons had something more valuable than credentials: determination. He immersed himself in the complexities of title insurance, an often overlooked but essential industry that protects property buyers from title defects and financial loss. From day one, Richard recognized that success in this business would require not just technical knowledge, but trust and strong relationships.
Early in his career, Richard was fortunate to encounter mentors who shaped his approach to both business and leadership. Joe Perfetti, an accountant, taught Welshons the fundamentals of cash flow management and the delicate balance of taxes. Then came Greg Booth, a competitor turned close friend and ally, who urged Welshons to engage with both the Minnesota Land Title Association (MLTA) and ALTA. Booth’s encouragement opened doors for Richard, eventually setting him on a path toward national leadership.
But Welshons was never alone in this endeavor. His younger brother David joined the company a few years later, and together they forged a partnership that would help them build their family business into a local powerhouse. "David was instrumental in helping me grow the company," Richard says. "We made a great team, and I couldn’t have done it without him." Their collaboration extended beyond the boardroom—they navigated the shifting tides of the market together, learning to adapt to economic booms and busts alike.
Richard's approach to leadership has always been rooted in one central idea: people matter. He has a keen eye for talent and has built a team of exceptional individuals who share his passion for excellence. What sets Richard apart is his ability to spot potential in unexpected places, and his willingness to invest in people who may not have traditional experience but possess a unique blend of skills and drive. One standout example was a Hardee's drive-thru employee, whom Welshons spotted as a "diamond in the rough" and helped mold into a skilled title agent, exemplifying the growth and development that can occur when talent meets opportunity.
This approach is all about recognizing that talent comes in many forms. As Richard puts it, "I’ve always tried to find people who are smarter and more experienced than me," but he also understands this can manifest in different ways. By looking beyond traditional credentials, Richard has built a team that is not only talented but also diverse, passionate, and driven to excel. This philosophy has allowed him to build a team that is truly greater than the sum of its parts, driving innovation and excellence in the title industry.
However, leading also meant making hard choices, a lesson Welshons learned the hard way. His favorite piece of advice is blunt: "Stop saying 'should we do this, or should we do that?' and just make a decision." Welshons grew frustrated with what he calls "analysis paralysis"—the tendency to hesitate in the face of uncertainty. In his view, decisiveness is key to growth, even if the choice isn't perfect. "You’re never going to have all the information. You just have to trust your instincts and go for it."
Welshons’ pragmatic style has served him well, allowing his company to thrive and his leadership to stand out. As he assumes the presidency of ALTA, his philosophy remains simple but profound: put people first. "If you take care of your employees, they’ll take care of you," he says. It’s this commitment to fostering talent and making tough calls that has cemented his role as a respected leader in the title industry.
Looking forward, Welshons offers advice to the next generation of industry professionals. "Don’t be afraid to ask for help," he says. "Surround yourself with people who are smarter and more experienced than you. And always be willing to learn and adapt." But perhaps his most significant message is this: avoid indecision. "Make a decision, and then make it work," he advises. "That’s how you grow and learn."
As Richard Welshons prepares to take on the mantle of ALTA president, he reflects on the journey that brought him here—a journey shaped by family, mentorship, and the courage to make bold decisions. His tenure at ALTA will likely be marked by the same principles that have guided him throughout his career: loyalty to his team, commitment to his industry, and an unshakable belief in the power of decisive leadership.
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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.
