Birchway Title Agency is open for business in the greater Cleveland area, led by President and Founder Sonya Rarey.
While the new independent firm finalizes plans for a brick-and-mortar office, it already has started work on a remote basis, which Rarey says she and her employees are well prepared for.
“We started remotely as a quick and cost-effective path to focus on the core business and servicing our clients,” she said during an interview with The Title Report. “We can do things in the title industry remotely. It just means getting the right tools and using the available technology.
“You also have to find the right people and we’ve done just that here. We’re engaged in this process and using our network to locate new entrants to expand the industry’s talent pool. Birchway serves nationwide clients with the vast majority of its work coming through commercial real estate transactions. It’s an exciting industry, and Birchway is working with local and national associations, organizations and educational programs to promote expansion.”
Rarey performed work as a marketing consultant, business strategist and analyst leading up to the establishment of Birchway Title, which commenced business at the end of February.
“Coming into this, I had a diverse background in business management in a variety of applications, so I’m applying that knowledge as a business owner now,” she said. “That means having a clear vision and surrounding myself with people who have a long and successful tenure in the title industry.”
Other team members at Birchway are also ready to help the firm make its mark in the title sector.
“It is with great excitement that we have assembled a team that shares the same core values and commitment to servicing our clients,” Vice President of Commercial Sales Amy Medinger said. “Our mission is to be kind and show respect to one another which will resonate throughout our business relationships as well as our personal relationships.”
Birchway Escrow Officer Billie Finkler said Rarey has “made her dream a reality.”
“We have a great group of people that’s very forward thinking,” Rarey said. “We want to work with underwriters and industry associations like OLTA and ALTA on bringing new recruits into the industry. That’s a primary focus for us. We have some tenured, experienced people and the vision has been there for a long time to spearhead mentorship and promote growth.
“All of your policies need to support that. That’s what we’re going to do moving forward and that’s not going to change.”
Rarey also offered advice for industry peers who may be thinking of starting their own title agency or making a similar bet on themselves.
“I’m a big believer in following your dreams and remaining confident in yourself,” she said. “There are obstacles and challenges to every change you want to make in your life, but if we all sat back and waited for the perfect economic, logistical and personal conditions, we’d be waiting for our entire lives. The clients are there. The business is there. You just have to be willing to go out and find your niche.”