Message from the CEO | Focus on 2021

Our national elections are less than a week away and the stakes have never been higher.  I have struggled all year to reconcile the success of First National Title Insurance Company (FNTI), and the title industry in general, with the challenges of so many of our fellow Americans.  Our nation is facing difficult times, but we can all do our part with one simple act—voting.  My vote is already in.  And once the final votes are tallied, it will then be up to us, our society, and the whole country, to move forward.  To heal the divisiveness and come together, end this pandemic, and rebuild the economy.  That is how we change our focus.  That is how we move into 2021.

Let’s look at our hopes and plans for 2021.  By many accounts, the interest rates will remain low and real estate prices high.  FNTI’s expansion plans will continue throughout the year and new opportunities will present themselves in those states.  Our projections for the new year will again be an increase in our revenues.  And as we grow, we will continue to add new professional title experts to our staff.   We believe in the future of FNTI, our industry, and our nation.  In 2021, we are taking the steps and building the infrastructure to become the only national underwriter focused on the needs and success of the independent agent.  

Which brings me to our latest employee news. As I mentioned in last month’s Blog, I am pleased to announce the addition of Kyle Rank to our team. You may have seen Kyle’s press release earlier this month.  Kyle’s expertise, experience, and enthusiasm have already had a significant impact on our 2021 growth plans as well as our long-term strategic plan.  We are glad to have him on board.  We also added a new agency representative for our newest state—Utah.  Kristen Jorgensen joined FNTI earlier this month and will be responsible for developing relationships in the Western States Region.  Finally, we were fortunate to add a policy expert to our Rates, Rules and Forms committee.  Courtney Harty came to FNTI from a national software vendor and has taken on the role to make sure we use the correct forms in the appropriate states, with all the software companies, agents and regulators.  This is a big responsibility, but Courtney has proven she is qualified to take on the task. 

Year-end is quickly approaching, and we all need a moment of calm reflection.  I hope you share my optimism that 2021 will be a “better” year.  And I hope you share my concern for those who have not been as fortunate.  Together we can make the new year—the best year. 

Thank you for all your support and trust in the FNTI team. 

Our company motto that we “…do business with those we know, like, and trust” still rings true.  It is a motto we live by.  We want you to know us, like us, and especially trust us.

Chris Phillips