Feature Spotlight #65 - Janis Gaines

Crafting a Legacy Through Learning: The Story of Janis Gaines

This week, our Her.Collective spotlight shines on a woman who proves that brilliance in title doesn’t always begin in escrow — sometimes it begins in education, leadership, and the courage to reinvent your career. Meet Janis Gaines, Executive Director at Real Estate Closing Path, whose journey into the industry is anything but traditional and everything inspiring.

From the Classroom to the Closing Table

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Janis has spent 4½ years in the title industry — but don’t let the number fool you. Her influence has already shaped the way professionals learn, train, and grow in this business.

With more than 25 years in education, Janis entered the title world through a longtime family friend, Mary Anne Harris, who invited her to help build what would become a

transformational training platform. Janis brought structure, strategy, and curriculum expertise to the project, ultimately co-creating a 350+ page copyrighted training manual and nine accredited virtual workshops across multiple states.

“It was the perfect mid-life career change,” she says. “And I no longer have to grade papers!” What started as a leap of faith has grown into a mission she lives daily: education with excellence.

 Women Who Paved the Way

Every leader has a mentor, and for Janis, that mentor is Sandi Donaldson — her first teacher, her guide into the industry, and now the lead educator at RECP.

Janis describes Sandi with warmth: “She has true Southern class, wit, and charm. She never meets a stranger.”

Sandi’s patience, knowledge, and vast network helped Janis step confidently into leadership, and her commitment to paying wisdom forward continues to inspire Janis’s own approach.

Lessons From the Journey

Janis’s biggest challenge? Learning the accreditation requirements across different states.

The process was daunting, detailed, and time-consuming — but cracking that code remains one of her proudest achievements.“It taught me that everything is figureoutable,” she says, echoing business icon Marie Forleo.

Her advice for women new to title:

“Build positive networking relationships. You never know when WHO you know could open doors.”

Her Why: Educate, Encourage, Elevate

Janis lights up when talking about the impact of her work. She loves the people she works with, the connections she’s built, and the opportunity to speak at conferences across the country. “It’s rewarding to know that our training helps people succeed.”

Her motivation comes from purpose — and from the joy of seeing others grow because of the foundation she helped build.

Books, Wisdom & Growth

One timeless book that still shapes her leadership is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, especially Habit 1: Begin with the end in mind. It guides her in conversations, decisions, and long-term strategy.

She also recommends:

• Mo Choumil’s Title Agents podcast for industry insights

• Unbound by Kasia Urbaniak for understanding power dynamics and reclaiming personal strength

Grace Under Pressure

When it comes to handling aggressors or challenging personalities, Janis believes in proactive leadership: “Get ahead of potential problems. Build rapport. Time your conversations well. Keep a paper trail. And remain emotionally neutral.”

The Character That Leads

Janis believes the industry needs more leaders who lift others, not just lead others.

Her philosophy: “Everyone you meet deserves the best version of you.”

·         Lead by example.

·         Learn from a few people.

·         Pour into others.

·         And recognize that teachers show up in many forms — sometimes in books, sometimes in mentors, sometimes in coworkers.

Grit, Grace & the People Who Hold Her Up

Janis finds her strength in vision,

“Keep the picture of your best life in front of you. Never abandon yourself.”

Her family — her 91-year-old mother, her brother, her three adult children and three grandchildren — is a constant source of joy. She is equally supported by her partner Jed, “Mr. Babe,” and a close circle of friends across the country.

Her work family is just as meaningful. She credits Sandi, Pier, and the entire Positively Balanced team for their partnership, encouragement, and synergy. “I couldn’t do what I do without them.”

The Woman Beyond the Title

Outside of work, Janis finds joy in preserving family legacy, photo journaling, storytelling, writing poetry, and capturing moments through memoir-style blogging. She also loves quiet downtime, reading, TikTok (the “happy app”), and binge-worthy shows — all must-haves for an introverted soul who gives so much of her energy to others.

Her first concert? Kenny Rogers with her dad — a memory she still laughs about.

Her Philosophy & Her Legacy

Janis lives by the Shakespearean mantra:

“Love all, trust few, harm none.”

She strives to make every person she meets feel like the MVP — through Mirroring, Validating, and emPathizing, a skill that makes her an exceptional leader and communicator.

Her legacy? Education with excellence.

A stronger, more confident, more prepared industry. Janis stepped into a world she knew nothing about and built something that helps thousands.

Final Wisdom for the Women of Her.Collective

 “Life is cinema. Be the star of your own show.”

 Janis, thank you for your leadership, your heart, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. You are a remarkable Woman of Title, and we are honored to celebrate your story.

*Connect with Janis here: janis@realestateclosingpath.org  I LinkedIn I Facebook