LIGHTHOUSE TITLE - Key Persons
I joined the Lighthouse Accounting Team in July 2020 after graduating from Central Michigan University with a B.S. Degree in Actuarial Science. I am grateful to work in an industry vital to the economy and for the welcoming environment that gave me structure and stability during such uncertain times, especially as a college grad entering a world in a pandemic.
I graduated from Hope College and have been working in the title industry since 1988. I spent the first 13 years working for large title agencies, and the past 20+ as President of Lighthouse Title Group, which has a network of 35+ Lighthouse Title and venture locations throughout Michigan and Eastern Wisconsin.
As I've pursued my dreams in my career, with many successful years in corporate banking and mortgage lending, my expansive and diverse business development experience has brought me to Lighthouse Title. With my passion for helping others through volunteering with Ducks Unlimited and founding Holiday Homecoming, I feel grateful that Lighthouse supports and embraces my new ideas for company growth and new ways to help our clients and partners. I'm excited to bring new ideas to Lighthouse in the coming years, building stronger business and community relationships, and expanding our footprint. Business development and growth has been my key career focus and what I have thrived on for over 20 years. I love building genuine relationships, which is what I value personally and professionally. Outside of work, I love to be outside, hunting, fishing, golfing or skiing when I'm not traveling with my wife, spending time with our 5 kids and showing them what life is all about.
I have been with Lighthouse Title for over 15 years in the Grand Haven office. I have seen the addition of a lot of wonderful offices and staff members added to our Lighthouse Team since joining. My time away from the office is spent enjoying the wonderful area we live in. Since I live close to Spring Lake, I love to walk down to the lake and enjoy the quiet in the evenings. I also enjoy spending time with my dog and working in the yard.
Job Titles:
- Customer Service Representative
- IT CSR & Support
Although I haven't been with Lighthouse long, just starting last October, it has been my best work experience so far. I enjoy the atmosphere of the offices as well as the work itself. Everybody in the company is always there to help one another whenever a problem arises. Lighthouse is really a great place to work!
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Manager
- AVP of Human Resources
I am the Human Resources Manager for Lighthouse Title Group and have been a part of the team for 5 years. As I began a degree in Psychology, I quickly learned that while it wasn't necessarily the right fit for me, a similar path would be a better choice. My desire to work in Human Resources comes from the reward of helping others face a challenge they didn't think they could handle, succeed at a task they thought they would fail at, and grow into a stronger person because of it. We can all do what we put our minds to!
Job Titles:
- Regional Vice President - Northeast
I came to Lighthouse with 25 years of experience in the title industry. My "can do" attitude is encouraging to know our customers will continue to receive the same great customer service we strive for.
Job Titles:
- Regional Vice President - Northwest
I strive to be the best I can be. I try to go above and beyond to help others achieve their goals.
Having worked in the industry for over 20 years (Title, Lending and Real Estate), I have had the opportunity to help people achieve home ownership in various capacities. My major career accomplishment has been my promotion to Regional Vice President of the Lighthouse Title's Northwest offices.
Job Titles:
- Production Manager
- Policy Department Manager
I have managed Information Technology for fast paced, acquisition based, companies encompassing all areas of Information Technology from start to finish since 2015. I joined Lighthouse Title Group holding a degree in computer programming and computer information systems. I have since continued to employ my expertise in our best practices and security, upholding our Mission Statement. Prior to Lighthouse I opened dozens of new schools and managed IT Operations for existing schools across the country, from Los Angeles to Boston and Chicago to Houston.
I am committed to continuous improvement and have a passion for helping others. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new destinations, developing new hobbies and interests, and spending time with my family.
Job Titles:
- Executive VP
- Regional Vice President - West Michigan
I graduated from Ferris State University's Paralegal Program. While in school, I enjoyed classes on real estate law and learning to draw out legal descriptions. When I had the opportunity to join a title company upon graduation, I jumped at the chance. 32 years later I am still enjoying real estate law and drawing out legal descriptions. I married my college sweetheart and together we have raised 4 wonderful children. We enjoy being involved in school activities and traveling around Michigan especially to Mackinac Island and the Great UP.
Job Titles:
- AVP - Wisconsin Production
Job Titles:
- Vice President - Commercial
I started my title insurance career in 1987 after graduating from Hope College. Initially starting as a closer, I quickly moved into sales and marketing where I spent the better part of 20 years. That has also included management responsibilities for branch offices as well as area manager responsibilities. With an extensive knowledge of closings, underwriter guidelines and several years in the title insurance business, I currently manage the Commercial Closing Unit and the Southwest Region of Lighthouse Title Inc. As an avid outdoorsman, I enjoy fly fishing, hunting and traveling.
I've been with Lighthouse Title Group for 18 years. When I started, there were six locations to account for and now, we have 20 Lighthouse Title locations along with 15 affiliates to manage. It has been a great and at times, challenging journey to be on these past 18 years!
Graduated from Hope College with a bachelor's degree in business accounting. My first job was with First Michigan Bank (FMB) as a bookkeeper in the residential loan department and after a few years, moved into corporate accounting. Then I took a break from the working world to stay at home and raise 3 wonderful kids for 10 years. Once my youngest was in kindergarten, I started back to part-time work for a small landscape business for about 4 years. My husband, Bill, and I knew Bob Wuerfel and his wife, Shayne through the church we both attended at the time. Through this relationship, Bob mentioned a new opening for an accountant for Lighthouse Title Inc. and I've been here since!
I love working with numbers, graphs and constantly look for ways to make our work processes more efficient so relevant information is shared with management in a timely manner.
My daily drive is to follow my Father's Golden Rule- "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, how can you expect to have time to do it over". July 20, 2015, was the resurrection of my passion for the title industry - my first day with Lighthouse Title. The 7 years prior to that I had a job in the title industry, starting then I resumed my CAREER in the title industry. My goal is to teach with every interaction every day externally with customers and internally with employees. My greatest reward received currently is being treated as a peer by my "title hero's", those who trained me and who now ask for my opinion and feedback.
I have worked for a title company since April 15, 1994. Started at The Title office, that company became Chicago Title and now I'm Assistant Vice President for Southwest Michigan at Van Buren County Title. I'm a very outgoing person so my job allows me to meet a lot of new people while overlooking multi- offices and helping my employees be the best at their job . Very challenging and awarding. I do believe in work hard and play hard so outside of work; I love spending time with my 3 grown children and grandchildren. I really enjoy sports especially when I attend a Chicago Cubs or Bears game. I love to travel outside this country, experience new places. I'm blessed with my life. I'm very fortunate to work for a great company who cares about their employees, live in a small town on Lake Michigan and have amazing family and friends.
I started my career with Lighthouse Title Group shortly after graduating from CMU. After our family Realtor heard that Lighthouse had a potential spot available, she referred me to Bob Wuerfel! After 5 minutes of meeting him, I knew this was the company for me. I was hired into a receptionist position while also assisting with the company's social media which has since grown into my role. I get to assist all 35 of our wonderful locations with their marketing and advertising needs.
These being anything from creating magazine ads, flyers, billboards, office remodels, to planning corporate events and supporting our local communities. I have truly enjoyed my last 2 years with Lighthouse and look forward to many more years to come!
Job Titles:
- Vice President - Settlement
- Vice President of Compliance
I am the Vice President of the Settlement Area for Lighthouse Title Group. I have over 20 years experience in the title industry and have been with Lighthouse since the beginning. I have extensive knowledge of the title closing procedures in all areas and have become proficient in keeping up with the constant changes with the Closing Disclosure, and training throughout the state. Prior to getting into the title industry, I worked for a large bank in many capacities, including management, for over 15 years.
I am a resident of Grand Haven, married, proud mother to 3 children and blessed grandmother to 5 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Director of Administration
I am the Director of Administration for Lighthouse Title Group. I have been a part of the Lighthouse family for the past 8 years holding various positions from Executive Assistant and HR Manager. The transition to Director of Administration is a natural fit as it utilizes my skillset, allowing me to work with both employees and customers.
I received my HR Degree from Baker University and has recently completed the Title 101 Training with ALTA.
I joined the Lighthouse Title team in January 2022, following an internship the summer prior. I studied accounting at Hope College and my role at Lighthouse Title Group is my first position after graduation. I'm looking forward to making many memories during my future with the company.
My favorite pastime is attending concerts and I'm a musician myself, having played instruments since I learned how to read. My time at home is dominated by the constant attention a rescue Husky requires. I am constantly grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me, and my involvement with Lighthouse Title is one of the many aspects of my life where I find myself blessed.
I started in the real estate industry in 1998 by getting my license and working as a licensed assistant to a local Realtor. In 2001, I was introduced to the title world and have been here ever since. I love what I do! I enjoy the unique challenges that each day brings and the educational piece that comes with those challenges. Our industry is always changing, and there is always something new to learn. I live in Hudsonville with my 14-year-old son who keeps me on my toes. I love college sports, especially The Michigan State Spartans! Love the beach and travel baseball keeps us busy most of the year.
Job Titles:
- Regional Vice President - Eastern Wisconsin / Upper Peninsula
- Regional Vice President - Wisconsin / Upper Peninsula
My journey with Lighthouse began in October 2016. I had previously owned Title Trends Inc. for 19 years and thought with the continuing change in market, demands of the industry that when approached by Lighthouse to consider buying me out it was the right move for my team and myself. I'm a Regional Vice President for the State of Wisconsin. I have always been drawn to the real estate market and felt this connection to the title industry was a great fit for me. I get to work with realtors, builders, lenders, sellers & buyers on one of the most important purchases in their lives - their homes.
I went to college at UW-Milwaukee with a basketball scholarship to play for the Panthers. I graduated with degrees in marketing and real estate & urban development. I'm married and a mom of 3 great kids, my son Tanor earned a scholarship to play football for the UW-Badgers #63, so my fall is following him on Saturdays for game days. My daughter Toni is a senior looking at colleges to attend, and my son Blake is in 7th grade.