Proper Title LLC announced Jeff Gross has been hired as president to expand its residential business beyond Illinois and Indiana as well as grow its national commercial services division. In this role, Gross will shape overall strategy while working in partnership with Kathy Kwak, chief operating officer of Proper Title, as well as Kim O’Donnell and Dave Zawadzki, executive vice presidents of business development for the agency.
Gross’ appointment comes on the heels of Compass’ acquisition of Christie’s International Real Estate and @properties — a move that also includes Proper Title. With this expanded reach, Proper Title is accelerating its growth in both residential and commercial markets, according to a release.
“Jeff is a highly regarded leader who will guide the continued expansion of an already fast-growing title insurance agency,” Proper Title partner and co-founder, and @properties partner and co-founder Mike Golden said in a release. “Proper Title has elevated the benchmark in title and escrow services, and Jeff’s leadership will build on that foundation. With Compass’ backing, we’re confident he and the team will increase the company’s volume of both residential and national commercial closings while delivering the exceptional service our clients and attorney partners expect from Proper Title.”
Gross brings more than 30 years of industry experience spanning residential, commercial, underwriting, sales and marketing. He joins Proper Title from Fidelity National Title’s National Commercial Services, where he served as vice president and Great Lakes commercial manager, overseeing residential and commercial operations, partnerships and joint ventures across various states.
Gross will be based in Proper Title’s Chicago Loop office. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a JD from Drake University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Iowa.
“I’ve collaborated with Proper Title for many years and have been continually impressed with the agency’s culture, strategies, growth in residential and the launch of its national commercial services division last year,” Gross said. “The opportunity to help the agency reach that next level and scale its success on an even bigger national stage is something I could not pass up. I’m eager to deepen relationships with existing clients, expand into new markets, and ensure that all segments of Proper Title continue to grow.”