After a monumental 42-year career in the real estate and title insurance industry, Steven Day, president of national agency operations at Fidelity National Financial Family of Companies (FNF), is set to retire.
As he reflects on his multi-decade journey, Day’s memories paint a vivid picture of title’s ongoing evolution, from its humble manual beginnings to the technological landscape of today.
“I started as an attorney agent with Commonwealth Land Title back in Rhode Island in 1981, he told The Title Report. “It wasn’t something I’d always planned, but circumstances led me there. I was doing a bit of everything, from domestic relations to working with real estate brokers. In Rhode Island, it was unique — the attorney was selected by the buyer but represented the lender. You had to navigate both sides, protecting the lender’s interests.”
His journey expanded when he joined Chicago Title in Rhode Island in 1986 as office counsel, and then was promoted to state manager. This was a pivotal moment, setting the stage for a career marked by industry-changing transformations.
“When I started as an attorney agent, we were using typewriters to prepare policies, manually searching titles in registries,” he said. “The automation now allows us to conduct searches remotely, accessing extensive databases and title services.”
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Day noted the staggering increase in complexity within transactions, including a significant increase in the number of required documents.
He also highlighted contemporary industry challenges in combatting fraud and cybersecurity threats.
“Fraud has escalated, introducing concerns about wire diversions and cybersecurity, and it’s an ongoing battle to protect against these bad faith actors,” Day said. It’s a matter of being diligent as to the front-end protection, but also having a clear business continuity plan as to what do you do if you’re subject to the attack.
As he prepares for retirement, Day envisions a blend of relaxation and philanthropy, spending time with his wife, three children and seven grandchildren, as well as hitting the golf course.
“Recovery from back surgery has limited my activities this year as to golf, but I’m eager to return to golf and spend time with family,” he shared. “I plan to be active in a few charities, such as the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation, and I have advised my children that Grandpa’s Taxi is now available for shuttling services!”
Joe Grealish, president of Eastern operations at FNF, will hold onto that role while also taking over for Day as president of national agency operations at the start of next year.
Day will retain a part-time role with FNF.
“I hope to offer guidance to Joe and contribute to initiatives where I can add value,” Day explained. “Assisting in the transition is pivotal for the company’s continued success. We’re going to look at projects, at some of the initiatives, and see where I can lend some value. Also, with Joe transitioning into the role, it makes me look back and be thankful for the benefit of having (former president of national agency operations) Erika Meinhardt staying on when I took over and being able to reach out with my questions. I could ask, ‘Hey, Erika, how did you deal with this?’ Or, ‘What is the situation with this agent or that agent?’ So, I hope to play that role for Joe also and help him get settled in.”
Regarding the industry’s future, Day emphasizes the need for vigilance and adaptability.
“Predicting what comes next for all of us is challenging,” he said. “Factors like economic improvements or potential rate cuts might influence the market. The upcoming presidential race in 2024 adds another layer of uncertainty. But despite fluctuations, the market isn’t bleak. It’s about revisiting the basics, adapting, and being proactive.”
Reflecting on career highlights, Day cherishes his tenure as the president of the American Land Title Association and advocating for the title industry before Congress, a path he called unexpected considering where his journey began.
“I remember the two-page letter that was requesting the testimony before Congress,” he said.” It’s just one of those things that an attorney from Rhode Island never thought would be in the cards. Here I was, talking to all of federal legislators on behalf of our entire industry. I’ll never forget that. I’ll also remember having the privilege of being part of so many monumental commercial transactions in New York City worth hundreds of millions or even billions.”
Above all, Day expressed a deep sense of pride in the industry’s role.
“We facilitate the transfer of title, driving the economy and enabling homeownership,” he said. “It’s a legacy of pride. More importantly, the day-to-day activities that we do for individuals looking to benefit from homeownership is something to be very proud of. We are the independent party at the closing table helping to facilitate that. I look at my 42 years and I’m just very proud and grateful for all of it.”