Feature Spotlight #51 - Breanna Kruger Agich

Bree’s World: Where Hustle Meets Heart in Title

At Her.Collective, we are thrilled to shine this week’s Women of Title Spotlight on Bree Kruger Agich of Great American Title Agency. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bree has been making waves in the title industry for the past four years, bringing her unique perspective and passion for empowering others into everything she does.

A Career Rooted in Connection and Strategy

With a background as a high-level real estate agent, Bree brings a rare perspective to her role in title insurance. She understands the intricacies of transactions, lead generation, client follow-ups, marketing, and system management because she’s walked in those same shoes. Today, she dedicates her expertise to assisting real estate agents and lenders in advancing their careers through education, leadership, marketing strategy, system integration, and technology innovation.

“Whether it’s forging impactful relationships, cultivating partnerships, or optimizing vendor relations,” Bree explains, “I’m committed to driving revenue growth and helping my partners succeed in this ever-evolving real estate landscape.”

The Power of Partnership

When asked who has been the most influential mentor in her career, Bree doesn’t hesitate to credit her business partner, Lynn Carlson.

“In the title industry, it’s rare for a Sales Executive to have a true partner,” Bree shares. “We balance each other perfectly—my strengths are in systems, teaching, technology, and big-picture brainstorming, while Lynn brings exceptional people skills and attention to detail. Having someone to collaborate with, celebrate wins alongside, and lean on during challenges has made this journey so much more rewarding.”

Facing Challenges as a Woman in Title

For Bree Kruger, success in the title industry didn’t come without its hurdles. Like many women in real estate and title, she has faced moments where professionalism was tested and boundaries had to be firmly set.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors — strong, confident women who paved the way and showed me how to lead with both strength and grace,” Bree reflects. “One of the most important lessons they taught me early on was the value of safety and boundaries in this business. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of building relationships and growing your network, but you have to be mindful. Vet potential partners, meet in public spaces or at your office, and always stay aware of your surroundings.”

Her experience has also made her passionate about creating a culture of respect and empowerment for women in the industry. She often shares her story with colleagues and newer agents, encouraging them to prioritize their safety, set clear boundaries, and never be afraid to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Advice for the Next Generation

Bree’s advice for women entering the industry is simple: lead with generosity and never stop learning. 

“Give as much passion to a new agent as you do to a seasoned one,” she says. “Loyalty is invaluable — even agents who only send you one deal a year can become your biggest advocates. Those genuine connections often lead to the most meaningful referrals.”

 She also emphasizes the importance of growth: “This industry is always evolving. Block out time each week to learn, whether it’s a new system, a marketing strategy, or an emerging tech tool. The more you invest in your growth, the more confident and valuable you become to your clients — and to yourself.”

The Fuel Behind the Drive

When it comes to staying motivated, Bree points first and foremost to her supportive husband and close-knit family, who provide the foundation that keeps her grounded.

“His confidence in me boosts my spirit, even when my schedule is chaotic,” she says. “Whether it’s a last-minute deadline, a weekend networking event, or a full day of back-to-back client meetings, knowing that my family believes in me makes all the difference.”

At home, Bree and her husband share their lives with seven rescue animals, each with their own personality and story. “They bring me so much joy,” she shares. “No matter how stressful the day has been, walking in the door and being greeted with that unconditional love reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple things. It’s a daily reminder that success isn’t just about the hustle; it’s also about finding balance.”

Her drive also comes from her entrepreneurial mindset and her love for the work itself. “I operate my book of business as if I own it,” she explains. “I love the grind, the strategy, and especially the creative process of helping agents develop systems that truly work for them. There’s something so fulfilling about watching someone gain confidence as they build a thriving, sustainable business.”

Books, Podcasts, and Personal Growth

For Bree, personal development isn’t optional — it’s an ongoing commitment that keeps her sharp and innovative. Two books have been especially influential in her journey: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek and Atomic Habits by James Clear.

“Leaders Eat Last taught me the importance of servant leadership and building trust within every relationship,” she says. “And Atomic Habits showed me how powerful small, consistent actions can be when you’re working toward long-term goals. Both have completely shaped the way I approach my work and my life.”

When she’s on the go, Bree turns to The Mel Robbins Podcast for bite-sized, actionable inspiration. “I love that her advice is practical. I can listen to an episode on my commute and immediately implement a tip or strategy into my day.”

Navigating Challenges with Grace

In a field filled with diverse personalities, Bree has mastered the art of emotional intelligence and relationship management.

“Learning personalities is part of the sales job,” she explains. “I make it a point to study psychology and pay attention to how people communicate their challenges. When you understand someone’s communication style, you can meet them where they are and offer solutions that actually work for them.”

Her advice? Lead with empathy and professionalism, even in difficult situations.

“Find common ground and focus on solving their business problems,” Bree says. “And don’t take things personally; You never really know what someone else is going through. That said, it’s also okay to acknowledge when a professional relationship isn’t the right fit. 

Protecting your peace is just as important as serving your clients. The right people — your people — will find you.”

Core Values and Legacy

If Bree had to choose one word to define her approach to business, it would be consistency. “Without consistency, it’s nearly impossible to build a sustainable business,” she explains. “I live by my CRM. Every day, I show up, follow up, and follow through. That reliability builds trust — and trust is the foundation of every strong relationship.”

Looking to the future, Bree hopes her career will be remembered for the relationships she’s nurtured and the impact she’s made. 

“I want to be remembered as someone who built meaningful relationships and helped others succeed. Watching fellow sales reps grow in their careers and seeing their excitement when they hit new milestones — that’s the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Life Beyond the Office

When the workday ends, Bree embraces her creative side. She’s an avid crafter with a particular passion for Halloween-inspired projects. Our house is decorated with Halloween and vintage décor all year round,” she says with a laugh. “It’s my creative outlet — a way to express myself and have fun outside of the office.”

Music is another part of her life that sparks joy and connection. A lifelong fan of classic rock, Bree still remembers her first concert: Bad Company. “I grew up on classic rock, and Fleetwood Mac will always have my heart,” she says. “Their music just speaks to my soul.”

 Final Thoughts

Bree leaves the women of Her.Collective with a message that perfectly sums up her approach to life and work: 

“Show your passion for helping others. Collaborate over competition. I wouldn’t be where I am today without women who generously shared their knowledge and passion with me — and I believe in passing that forward.”

With her passion, consistency, and commitment to building up those around her, Bree is more than a standout professional. She’s a mentor, a leader, and a connector, proving that when you combine hard work with heart, success in the title industry has no limits.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with Her. Collective! You make the title industry better!

*Connect with Bree here: BAgich@azgat.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #50 - Brenda Nelson

Brenda Nelson | Southwest Operations Powerhouse & Training Trailblazer.

In the ever-changing world of title insurance, there are people who don’t just keep pace—they elevate the entire industry. Brenda Nelson is one of them. For nearly three decades, she has blended operational expertise, mentorship, and an unshakable sense of purpose to create a career defined not only by results, but by the way she lifts others along the way.

A Career Born from Life’s Twists

Brenda’s story isn’t the kind that starts with a clear plan. In the mid-1990s, she was a stay-at-home mom navigating a divorce, with four children at home, and looking for a way to put her finance degree to use. Drawn to the law, she earned her paralegal certification with the goal of joining the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division—believing she could be a compassionate voice for people in difficult situations.

While she was in the middle of interviewing for that role, a friend kept nudging her to apply at her law firm. Brenda finally agreed, was offered a job, and accepted—only to get a call from the Attorney General’s office the very next day with an offer of their own. She honored her commitment to the law firm, a decision that ended up rewriting her professional future.

At the firm, she was asked to work on the fee attorney side of the business, affiliated with Commonwealth Title. While she had some background in abstracting, she was new to the closing and funding side. With characteristic determination, Brenda dove into learning all she could. Just a few months in, she attended TLTA’s Land Title School—a pivotal moment that solidified her place in the title world.

“I didn’t set out to be in title, but the more I learned, the more I knew this was the right path for me,” she says. “It’s a field where you never stop learning, and that really spoke to me.”

Leading Across Five States

Since 2010, Brenda has called Old Republic Title Insurance Company her professional home. As Operations Manager for the Southwest Region, she oversees licensing, remittances, training, education, and compliance for five states—Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

She also leads Old Republic’s Agency University nationwide, guiding education and training initiatives that help agencies succeed. “Training and compliance are my sweet spots,” Brenda shares. “When I help someone gain knowledge or clarity that empowers them in their work, that’s when I feel most fulfilled.”

The Mentor Who Saw More

No one climbs without a hand reaching down, and for Brenda, that hand belonged to Janet Minke. “Janet saw something in me I didn’t yet see in myself,” Brenda says. “She pushed me outside my comfort zone—like asking me to teach my first class to my peers. That moment changed everything for me. It made me realize I was capable of so much more.”

She believes the title industry is uniquely collaborative, with professionals who freely give their time to help each other.

“That generosity is rare. It’s one of the things that makes this industry so special.”

Faith, Family & a Full Life

Brenda’s “why” is rooted in her Christian faith, which she calls her compass and strength. It’s also deeply tied to her family—her six children, twelve grandchildren (soon to be lucky thirteen), sisters, nieces, nephews, and a lively extended network that makes up her “village.”

Her children grew up knowing that the end of the month was crunch time in title. She laughs remembering the day her son told his fourth-grade teacher, who scheduled a conference for the last day of the month at 3:30 p.m., “My mom can’t make it—it's month end.”

Outside of work, Brenda is a passionate hockey fan—season ticket holder for the Allen Americans and a proud supporter of the Dallas Stars. She also adores her Airedale Terriers, calling them her “in-resident children.”

And when it comes to music memories? “WOW,” she says, “my very first concert was Donny Osmond at Angels Stadium in Anaheim—and believe it or not, he came onto the field from a hang-glider! When you’re 13, that’s unforgettable. My mom was amazing at preserving memories. I still have the ticket stub and the newspaper article. It always makes me smile.”

Learning, Growing & Leveling Up

Even with decades of experience, Brenda is committed to being a lifelong learner. She credits a few books with helping her sharpen her skills and mindset:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear – “It completely reshaped how I prioritize and structure my goals.”

• Smart Brevity – “I revisit this one often. The power of saying more with less is such a valuable skill—and I’m still working on it!”

• 22 Talk SHIFTs by Krister Ungerbock – “I just started this one. It’s all about communication, which is such a foundational skill. I’m always looking for ways to improve how I connect with others.”

  
  

When it comes to podcasts, Brenda is an avid listener of ORT’s Bottom Line Me Podcast, which keeps her connected to insights and updates across the industry. She also enjoys The Mel Robbins Podcast for its quick, practical advice. “I love episodes that are light, short, and to the point. They give me little nuggets of wisdom I can take into my day.”

Advice for the Next Generation

For women new to the industry, Brenda’s advice is simple and powerful:

“Learn everything you can. Take classes, attend events, and seek out mentors. The more you expose yourself to different areas, the more confident and capable you’ll become.”

 She encourages young professionals to approach industry leaders, introduce themselves, and build connections. “Most seasoned professionals want to see new people succeed. We’re here to share what we know.”

On Reputation & Legacy

If there’s one word Brenda lives by, it’s reputation. “My dad instilled in us the importance of protecting it, reminding us that once it’s gone, you can never get it back,” she says. She strives to lead with integrity, honesty, and empathy—believing those values are essential to the health of the industry.

When asked about her legacy, she doesn’t hesitate:

“I want to be remembered as an encourager—someone who helped others feel seen, capable, and valued.”

Words for the Women of Her.Collective

“Women are the backbone of the title industry. We bring resilience, collaboration, and heart to the work we do every day. When we support each other, mentor the next generation, and celebrate each other’s unique talents, we don’t just shape careers—we shape the future of the industry.”

Thank you, Brenda for sharing your incredible story with Her. Collective! You are a true inspiration.

*Connect with Brenda here: bnelson@oldrepublictitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook

Feature Spotlight #49 - Elizabeth Daniel

Elizabeth Daniel | President, Continental Title Company

Some leaders climb the ladder. Others build it as they go—making sure there’s room for everyone else to rise with them.

For nearly three decades, Elizabeth Daniel has been doing exactly that in the title industry. From her very first days answering phones to her current role as President of Continental Title Company, she’s blended grit, grace, and generosity to create a career and a leadership legacy worth celebrating.

From Receptionist to President—One Step at a Time.

Elizabeth’s journey into title insurance didn’t start with a master plan—it started with a help wanted ad. Newly married and eager to support her husband, Garvin, while he pursued his master’s degree, Elizabeth took a receptionist position at Douglas County Title. “It took me about a week to realize I wasn’t actually working for the county,” she laughs. “I had no idea what a title company did—but I was about to find out.”

Within a few months, Elizabeth was asked to step into a closer role, with no formal training. The trial-by-fire approach could have been daunting, but instead it lit a spark in her; a belief that people thrive when given tools, training, and trust. That philosophy would later become one of the pillars of her leadership.

Her natural ability to connect with clients and solve problems quickly propelled her forward. She became an escrow manager while still actively closing transactions. Seeking more work-life balance, she joined a large national lender, gaining a valuable perspective on the lending side of the table, a move she credits with making her a stronger escrow closer.

In 2006, she returned to her first professional love—title—and joined Continental Title as an Escrow Manager. From there, she steadily climbed the ranks: opening new offices, streamlining operations, creating training programs, and building consistency across locations. By 2022, after serving as Regional Escrow Manager, Regional Operations Manager, Vice President, and COO, she was named President.

A Village of Mentors and Champions.

Elizabeth is quick to recognize that her career success has been built on the shoulders of many. She credits her rise to an incredible network of women in the industry who offered encouragement, guidance, and support. “I went through a dark time in my career and came out stronger because of two women—Betsy Russo and Deb Grace,” she says.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. That kind of support changes everything.”

Outside of work, her family is her anchor. Married for 29 years to Garvin, she is the proud mother of two sons. She comes from a close-knit family that includes her father, brother, sister, and five nieces and nephews. This group is her home, her tribe, her foundation.

Facing Challenges with Grace.

Like many women leaders, Elizabeth has had to earn her credibility in rooms where she was the only woman—and sometimes underestimated from the start. Her strategy? A calm, confident approach.

“I learned early to listen carefully, stay composed, and give myself space to reflect before responding,” she explains. “That balance of respect and boundaries has served me well.”

She also believes challenges are best faced head-on. “One of the most important lessons my parents taught me was about respect—how to give it and how to expect it. That principle has guided me in every difficult conversation.”

The Why Behind the Work.

Elizabeth’s “why” is rooted in her upbringing. Her father instilled in her a deep work ethic and the value of persistence. Today, she finds her motivation in the people she works with every day at Continental Title.

“This industry is full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities,” she says. “Title is one of the best-kept secrets in the insurance world. Once you find it—and fall in love with it—you’re here for life.”

Leadership with Accountability and Heart.

Elizabeth’s leadership philosophy was shaped by It’s Your Ship by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff, a book about transforming teams through accountability, ownership, and empathy.

Since stepping into leadership, she’s adopted one guiding principle: Be the kind of boss you always wished you had. For her, that means leading with empathy, listening more than she speaks, and creating an environment where people can grow into their full potential.

Her hope for her legacy is simple: “That I truly listened, that I was helpful, and that I made a meaningful difference. If I’ve helped others grow and strengthened our industry, I’ve done my job.”

Beyond the Boardroom.

While Elizabeth’s professional life is filled with contracts, closings, and corporate strategy, her personal passions tell another story. She’s an avid fan of military and espionage thrillers—hooked on series like Orphan X, Sons of Valor, and Tier One. “Anything with a black-ops edge, I’m in,” she admits.

She’s also a self-proclaimed live music junkie. Her first concert was Def Leppard, and she’s since seen powerhouse acts like Metallica and Five Finger Death Punch. “There’s something about live music that recharges me,” she says.

Wisdom for Women of Title.

For women just beginning their title careers, Elizabeth offers this: “Work hard, be willing to learn, and say yes to opportunities that scare you. This industry will give back everything you put into it—and more.”

To her peers and colleagues, she has one request: keep building each other up.

“Our industry thrives when we lead with integrity and invest in people. If we focus on that, the future of title will be stronger than ever.”

Thank you for sharing your story with Her.Collective. You are a brilliant example of strength, empathy, and grace—qualities too often overlooked in the business world. We deeply value the impact you make and the way you continue to champion women in the title industry

*Connect with Elizabeth here: elizabethd@ctitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook