Feature Spotlight #79 - Brandi Kinsey

Title Legacy Builder | Relationship-Driven Leader | Unapologetically Real

Rooted Early, Rising Strong.

Some women find title. Others are born into it and never look back. For Brandi Kinsey, CLTP, Executive Vice President at Action Title Research, it was a little of both.

Growing up with a mother deeply embedded in the industry, Brandi stepped into title at just 17 years old, starting as a “bringdown girl” and learning the business from the ground up. "It’s true what they say,” she shares. “Once you’re in title, you’re in—Hotel California.”

From typing legals to running operations, to eventually becoming an executive and owner, Brandi’s journey is a testament to grit, longevity, and a deep respect for the craft.

Built on Relationships, Fueled by Purpose.

Today, Brandi’s role centers on driving revenue and building meaningful partnerships. For her, it’s never just business. It’s about connections.

“I’m passionate about creating real partnerships that help everyone grow to their full potential.” That philosophy has become her signature—mutual success over transactional wins, and relationships that last far beyond the closing table.

Earning Her Voice.

Starting young came with its challenges. Brandi had to learn early how to earn respect in rooms where experience often outweighed age. “I had to learn not to expect respect, but to earn it.”

Like many women in title, she faced moments of self-doubt. But over time, she learned a powerful truth:

your voice isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you claim.

 Her advice to the next generation? “Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. Stay informed, stay confident, and trust yourself.”

Leading with Transparency & Strength.

Brandi’s leadership style is grounded in authenticity.

Her personal philosophy is simple: Transparency—what you see is what you get.

She believes the industry needs more empathy, more vulnerability, and more women willing to lift each other up. “To truly support others, we have to be real about our own needs and experiences. That’s where connection happens.”

Grit, Grace & the Power of Perspective.

Ask Brandi where her strength comes from, and she won’t point to one defining moment—she’ll point to a lifetime of experiences that shaped her perspective, resilience, and ability to keep moving forward, no matter what.

For her, grit isn’t loud or performative. It’s steady. It’s choosing to rise again on the hard days, to stay grounded when things feel uncertain, and to lead with intention even when the path isn’t clear.

She’s developed a reputation for being the calm in the storm. Someone who can walk into challenging situations, diffuse tension, and bring people back to center. Not by force, but through presence, positivity, and perspective.

Brandi doesn’t feed negativity—she redirects it. She understands that energy is contagious, and she chooses to bring the kind that moves things forward. Her approach is simple: protect your focus, protect your peace, and be intentional about who you allow in your life.

“Focus on what matters. Surround yourself with people who elevate you.”

A Life Beyond the Office.

Outside of title, Brandi pours her heart into the people and causes that matter most. At the center of it all is her family—her anchor, her motivation, and her greatest source of pride. She lives in Collegeville, Pennsylvania with her husband and their dog, Hondo, and cherishes every moment she gets with her son when he’s home visiting from West Chester University.

Family, for Brandi, isn’t just a part of her life, it’s the foundation of everything she does. It’s what drives her to succeed, to lead with integrity, and to create a life that reflects both ambition and presence.

Beyond her home, Brandi channels her passion into meaningful impact. She’s actively involved in Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, helping young people understand business, leadership, and opportunity.

She also honors the legacy of her late son, Mason, through her involvement with the Gift of Life Program and by supporting a scholarship for Kutztown University’s music program—ensuring his memory continues to inspire and uplift others.

Her “village”—family, friends, and colleagues—is everything. It’s a circle built on love, support, and shared strength. As Brandi puts it, “I couldn’t do this life without them.”

Legacy in Motion.

For Brandi, success has never been about titles alone. It’s about what you build alongside your career. Her proudest accomplishment is the life she’s created along the way. Raising a family, showing up fully, and proving that a woman can lead, succeed, and still be deeply present in the moments that matter most.

She’s intentional about the example she sets. She wanted her children to see firsthand that it’s possible to pursue ambition without sacrificing connection—that you can have a voice, a career, a life, and still be there when it counts.

If she could sit beside her younger self on day one, her message would be filled with grace, not pressure: “Everyone is allowed one big mistake, including you.”

Because growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from learning, adjusting, and continuing forward with courage. The legacy she hopes to leave behind: “That I was trusted—and that I embraced every experience with positivity.” A leader people could rely on. A presence that made things better. A life lived fully and authentically.

Her. Collective Celebrates You.

Brandi Kinsey embodies the very essence of what it means to be an elegant Woman of Title—resilient, grounded, relationship-driven, and unapologetically real. She leads with heart and shows up with authenticity.

Her impact isn’t just in the business she’s built, but in all the people she’s supported and the culture she’s helped shape. Because in true Her.Collective fashion, success isn’t measured by what you achieve alone…

It’s measured by how many others are stronger because of you. And that is the kind of legacy that doesn’t just last—it multiplies✨

*Connect with Brandi: BKinsey@actiontitleresearch.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #78 - Elle Haynes

Elle Haynes | Title Boss | Operations & Compliance Pro

Every so often, a title journey begins in a way that no one could have predicted—and for Elle Haynes, that path started with resilience, a twist of fate, and a career she never expected to love as deeply as she does today.

Based in Houston, Texas—for now, Elle is the owner of Elevated Compliance Partners and has spent 26 years in the title industry building a reputation for operational leadership, compliance expertise, and unwavering dedication to the integrity of real estate transactions. Today, she serves in multiple roles across the industry, but the one closest to her heart is working as a Director of Texas Escrow Operations and Compliance Officer for several agencies across the state.

In that role, Elle oversees escrow operations, guides agencies through complex compliance requirements, and builds systems that help teams operate efficiently and confidently in an increasingly regulated environment.

“I’m passionate about helping teams simplify complex processes, strengthen communication between stakeholders, and build systems that allow escrow professionals to deliver exceptional service,” Elle shares. “Operations, problem-solving, and building strong teams are the parts of the work that truly energize me.”

But like so many stories in title, her path into the industry was anything but traditional.

A Career Born from Unexpected Circumstances.

Elle often jokes that she “crashed into title… literally.”

During her second year of college, Elle was involved in a serious car accident that resulted in a broken neck and months of recovery in a halo brace. With life suddenly shifting directions, a friend suggested a temporary job opportunity.

“There was just one small misunderstanding,” Elle laughs. “I thought they said escort assistant… but the job was actually escrow assistant.” That unexpected introduction became the foundation of a career that would shape the next two and a half decades of her life.

Women Who Opened the Door.

Two women played pivotal roles in shaping Elle’s career and leadership journey.

The first was Kim Minks, Regional Manager at DHI Title, who gave Elle her very first opportunity in the industry.

“She saw potential in me and took a chance when I had no experience,” Elle recalls. “That opportunity allowed me to learn the business from the ground up and ultimately grow into the leader I am today.”

Later in her career, Sarah Blackburn of Bspoke Holdings became another influential mentor while Elle served as Vice President of Escrow Operations. “Sarah trusted me to approach challenges in my own way while still delivering results,” Elle explains. “That level of trust helped me grow tremendously as a leader and refine my focus on operations and compliance.”

Finding Confidence in Leadership.

Like many women in leadership roles, Elle admits that stepping confidently into decision-making spaces wasn’t always easy. “Early in my career, I felt the pressure to prove myself and ensure my voice was heard in rooms where decisions were being made,” she says.

But those experiences became powerful lessons.

“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about building strong teams, communicating clearly, and creating environments where people can succeed.”

That philosophy now guides how she mentors others, particularly women entering the industry.

Advice for the Next Generation.

When asked what advice she would give women entering title today, Elle smiles and notes that the next generation is already close to home—one of her daughters is now an escrow officer.

Her message is simple but powerful: “Stay curious. Ask questions. Learn every part of the process.” She believes that confidence in title comes from truly understanding the complexity of the business.

“Don’t be afraid to speak up or take on opportunities—even if you don’t feel completely ready. Growth happens when you’re willing to learn as you go.”

And most importantly:

“This industry is built on relationships, trust, and integrity. If you stay committed to those values, you can build an incredibly rewarding career.”

Her “Why”: Building Strong Foundations.

For Elle, motivation comes from improving the systems and processes that support the people doing the work. “My ‘why’ is rooted in operations,” she says. “Strong systems, strong compliance, and well-supported teams make an enormous impact on an organization.”

She finds fulfillment in strengthening workflows, ensuring regulatory compliance, and creating structures that allow escrow teams to perform their work with confidence.

“In title, operational foundations matter. They protect our clients, our partners, and the integrity of every transaction.”

Leadership Lessons That Shaped Her.

Two books have strongly influenced Elle’s leadership style:

·         Fierce Conversations, which reinforced the importance of honest communication, and

·         The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, which shaped her approach to building trust and accountability within organizations.

“These ideas have been incredibly valuable when building alignment, improving collaboration, and supporting high-performing teams.”

She also regularly listens to the Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast and follows leadership expert Patrick Lencioni, whose work on organizational health has deeply influenced her leadership philosophy.

Standing Firm with Confidence.

In an industry filled with strong personalities and complex regulations, navigating difficult conversations is inevitable. When faced with challengers, Elle focuses on professionalism and clarity. “I stay grounded in experience and explain the why behind our processes and compliance requirements,” she says.

Her passion for doing things the right way can sometimes come across as intensity—but it always comes from a place of protecting the integrity of the transaction and supporting the teams responsible for delivering it.

Her advice to other women leaders:

“You don’t have to match someone’s aggression to be effective. Clear communication, consistency, and confidence in your expertise will always carry weight.”

Grit Built Through Life.

Elle credits much of her resilience to becoming a young mother early in life. “That experience gave me a deep sense of responsibility and determination to build a meaningful future,” she says.

It taught her perseverance, discipline, and the importance of showing up every day—lessons that still drive her today.

The Village That Keeps Her Grounded.

While Elle is deeply committed to her work, the center of her world is her family. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the joyful grandmother of six grandchildren.

“They are my biggest source of encouragement and perspective,” she says. “Being a Gigi is my greatest joy.”

Whether it’s family gatherings or everyday moments together, her family provides the grounding that keeps her balanced in a fast-paced industry.

Life Outside of Title.

When she’s not strengthening compliance frameworks or supporting escrow teams, Elle enjoys slowing down and spending time with those closest to her.

Music also holds a special place in her heart—especially the soulful voice of Luther Vandross. “His music allows me to escape,” she says. “It just does something for my soul.”

A Philosophy Rooted in Integrity.

The guiding principle behind Elle’s leadership is simple: Lead with integrity, accountability, and consistency. 

“In title, details matter. Compliance matters. People matter.”

She also believes deeply in sharing knowledge and mentoring others.

“Leadership isn’t just about results—it’s about the impact you have on the people around you.”

A Legacy of Mentorship and Excellence.

When Elle thinks about the legacy she hopes to leave in the title industry, it centers on two things: strong operational leadership and mentorship.

“I want to be known as someone who helped build systems and teams that allowed people to succeed while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and professionalism.”

Equally important is creating opportunities for others, especially those who may not always see themselves represented in leadership roles. “If I can help encourage the next generation to grow and lead with confidence, then I will feel like I’ve made a meaningful contribution.”

A Final Word to the Women of Her.

Elle’s final message to the Her.Collective community is one she believes strongly in:

Find a mentor. “No matter where you are in your career, having someone you trust to guide you, challenge you, and share their experience can make a tremendous difference.”

And just as importantly:

“As you grow, become that mentor for someone else.”

Because when women invest in each other, the entire industry grows stronger.

Thank you, Elle, for sharing your wisdom, resilience, and leadership with our community. We are honored to celebrate your journey as a powerful Woman of Title.

*To Connect with Elle: elle@complianceelevated.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #77 - Jacki Tobar

Founder & Escrow Boss | 23 Years Making Title Happen.

Every once in a while, you meet someone in the title industry who sees the work a little differently, who understands that behind every closing file is a story, a puzzle, and an opportunity to protect something deeply important.

This week, Her.Collective proudly celebrates Jacki Tobar, Founder and Escrow Officer of Proven National Title in Wylie, Texas. With nearly 23 years in the title industry, Jacki has built a career rooted in curiosity, resilience, leadership, and a deep respect for the complexity of the work we do behind the scenes.

What started as a part-time receptionist role has grown into a career—and now a company—built from the ground up. And if you ask her what still excites her about title after two decades?

It’s the puzzle.

From Receptionist to Founder.

Jacki’s journey into title began the way many great title stories do, unexpectedly. Her mother worked as a paralegal for a P-22 attorney at Ticor Title, and Jacki started working there as a part-time receptionist at just 17 years old. Not long after, she moved into a full-time escrow assistant role and began learning every layer of the industry.

 Instead of staying in one lane, Jacki intentionally worked through multiple roles in title, absorbing everything she could about the closing process.

Those early years created a foundation that would eventually shape her into the professional she is today.

“Those experiences gave me a deep understanding of how everything works behind the scenes,” Jacki says. “And they helped shape me into the trusted resource I strive to be today.”

 The Mentor Who Shaped Her.

When asked about a woman who influenced her career, Jacki smiles before answering.

“If I must choose one,” she says, “it would be Sue Jackson.” While working at Fidelity National Title early in her career, Sue became more than a colleague—she became a mentor.

“She wrapped me in her arms,” Jacki recalls. “We laughed together, cried together, and navigated incredibly challenging moments.”

Jacki watched Sue handle difficult clients and complex transactions with grace and professionalism, even during the chaos of the 2008 housing crisis.

“She showed me not only how to do the work—but what truly matters and what doesn’t.”

It’s the kind of mentorship that shapes a career long after the moment passes.

When the Challenge Isn’t Gender—It’s Age.

Interestingly, Jacki says the biggest challenge she faced early in her career wasn’t being a woman, it was being young. Starting in the industry as a teenager meant she often had to prove her credibility before people trusted her authority. “I used to joke that it was because I didn’t have any gray hair yet.” But the experience taught her a powerful lesson:

Consistency and integrity always win over time.

“When you show up prepared, stay solution-oriented, and keep doing the right thing, people eventually learn to trust your voice.”

Today, she’s proud to have earned that trust.

Title Work: The Ultimate Puzzle.

Jacki admits something that might surprise people; she loves crime shows. And in many ways, she says title insurance feels a lot like solving a mystery.

“Every file is a puzzle,” she explains. “We gather pieces of information, review the history of the property, and make sure everything fits together the way it should.” Sometimes something appears in the chain of title that doesn’t belong.

And figuring out why?

That’s the interesting part.

“Title insurance is almost like a secret society,” Jacki says. “There’s so much happening behind the scenes that most people never see.” And she loves helping people understand that hidden world.

A Philosophy of “Elevate & Lift.”

Jacki believes strongly that the industry grows stronger when professionals lift one another up. Her personal philosophy is simple: “Elevate & Lift.”

“As I grow, you grow. As I rise, you rise.”

 She rejects the scarcity mindset that sometimes shows up in competitive industries.

“There isn’t a space limit at the top,” she says. “If you feel like you’ve reached the top, it may just mean you’re in the wrong room.”

It’s a perspective that aligns beautifully with the mission of Her.Collective, where connection and mentorship help women grow together.

Stubbornness… or Grit?

When asked where she finds her grit, Jacki laughs. “I usually just call it stubbornness.”

Once she commits to something, she’s determined to see it through. That determination is backed by strong processes—something Jacki believes is the backbone of successful title operations. “Find a process. Stick with it. Improve it. Refine it. Repeat it.”

Because in title, the real product isn’t the closing. It’s the policy.

And that means every file must be clean, compliant, and audit ready.

The Village Behind the Vision.

Behind every entrepreneur is a support system, and Jacki is quick to recognize hers. Her husband, Jason Walters, is her biggest supporter. “He’s usually the one holding the ladder while I climb.”

Her children—16-year-old daughter KP and 6-year-old son—keep her grounded and remind her what unconditional love looks like.

She also credits the local business community in Wylie and organizations like the Texas Land Title Association for providing relationships and support throughout her journey.

“It really does take a village,” she says.

Life Outside the Closing Table.

When she’s not running a title company, Jacki embraces her creative side. She loves journal planning, often creating detailed memory journals filled with stickers, washi tape, and thoughtful design. The process allows her to unplug and enter a creative flow state.

And if there’s karaoke involved?

Even better.

“A salt shaker, a candle, scissors—whatever’s available can be a microphone.” 😊

Music has always been part of her life, from seeing LeAnn Rimes in concert with her mom to still jamming to early 2000s bands today.

A Leadership Mantra: Do Good.

Jacki’s leadership philosophy is beautifully simple. Two words she attributes to Socrates:

Do Good.

Treat people the way you want to be treated. Lead with integrity. Be kind.

“It’s free,” she says. “And it makes you feel good.”

Building Something of Her Own.

One of Jacki’s proudest moments came when she founded Proven National Title from the ground up. But the moment that truly made it real?

The day the company sign was installed on her office building in downtown Wylie. “Seeing the name on the building made everything feel real.”

 It was a reminder that hard work, persistence, and vision can create something lasting, not just for a business, but for a community.

The Legacy She Hopes to Leave.

When asked about legacy, Jacki returns to a lesson she learned early in life: Leave things better than you found them, “If you borrow a car, fill up the tank before returning it.”

In the same way, she hopes to leave the title industry stronger through integrity, mentorship, and higher professional standards. Because to Jacki, title insurance is about more than policies and closings.

It’s about leadership.Relationships.Opportunity.

And helping the next generation of professional’s lead.

Final Words for the Women of Her.

Jacki leaves the Her.Collective community with a simple but powerful reminder:

“You matter. Your voice matters. Your knowledge matters. And the way you show up for your clients and colleagues’ matters.”

The title industry needs strong women who lead with both competence and character, and Jacki Tobar embodies both. Jacki, we celebrate your journey, your leadership, and the impact you’re making in our industry.

We are honored to know you. To work beside you. You are truly a remarkable Woman of Title!

*To Connect with Jacki: jacki.tobar@provennationaltitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook