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 (Boston, Massachusetts)
Oklahoman Mark Bilbrey was recently inducted as the president of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) at its annual convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Bilbrey has spent much of his career running Warranty Title & Abstract, Inc. a small agency in El Reno, Oklahoma. Presently, he is a vice president at First American Title Insurance Company, one of the nation's largest underwriters.
Bilbrey brings an unusual point of view to his role as the new president of ALTA. "If I have anything to bring to the table, it's that I see both sides," he said. "My underwriter side is the new one, but I understand the pressures they are under to meet shareholder's expectations. And, I know the agent is essential to making that happen."
Bilbrey believes the dual perspective will help him as he tackles the goal of bringing the various players in the title insurance industry closer together. He began his career 34 years ago in the title industry in a weekend job at an Altus, Oklahoma abstract company while he attended junior college. "I started out not having a clue what an abstract was," Bilbrey said.
Two years later, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma in Norman and was hired on the spot by Southwest Title and Trust Company thanks to his albeit brief experience. After college, he spent another year at Southwest Title before moving on to a management role at Oklahoma City Abstract & Title Company. In 1980, looking for a slower pace, Bilbrey moved to Warranty Title in El Reno as vice president.
He and his wife, Cathy, were vitally involved in the growth of the business, particularly as the western Oklahoma City area boomed toward El Reno. Eventually, Bilbrey became president and owner of the business and ultimately sold it to First American in 2003. He will remain as president of Warranty Title, and the 28-person company still represents other underwriters. But, he has added the title of First American vice president to his business card.
"It's gotten busier here; that's what's changed!" Bilbrey said. "First American has been great and the transition almost painless."
One advantage of doing business in a small town — even one near a big city — is that he can get to know his customers through school, church and community involvement. That small town environment coupled with being part of a hungry company located in a fast-growing market contributed to Bilbrey's success with Warranty Title.
He also credits his wife, Cathy, whom he calls his unsung hero, who worked alongside him in building the company and serves as his sound board. She is now planning to retire to pursue other interests, including spending time with their first grandson.
"Cathy has been such a huge part of my career," he said. "We've lived this together, day in and day out, nights and weekends. It has been a family operation. Our kids have grown up in it. We started bringing them here before they could even walk."
But, Bilbrey lives and breathes the title industry, which is why he considers serving as ALTA president both an obligation and a blessing.
"I'm just Joe Average title person," he said. "I never felt like there was anything that set me apart to be ALTA president. I just felt I was fortunate enough and passionate about the job and about the industry. Anyone with passion can do this job. If you love what you do, then the rest of it's easy."
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F E B R U A R Y 2 1
O W N E R S / M A N A G E R S M E E T I N G
This year, plan on being part of the Owners/Managers annual gathering, set for Monday, February 21, 2005, at The Waterford Marriott Hotel, located at 6300 Waterford Blvd., Oklahoma City. The day is going to be full of interesting information you won't want to miss.
FIRST: OLTA Day at the Capitol
9:30-11:30 AM, State Capitol
Two hours of your time. That's all you need to give. We will begin at the State Capitol with a legislative briefing by Clayton Taylor, lobbyist for OLTA, followed by one-on-one visits with legislators. You will be instructed on how to visit with House and Senate members to encourage support for issues important to the industry. We need your help to get to know the new legislators and reinforce our good relationships with returning legislators. Park in the south or east capitol parking lots. Meet in the 4th floor rotunda.
SECOND: Owners/Managers Meeting
1:30-5:30 PM, Waterford Hotel
You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear State Auditor & Inspector Jeff McMahan and key staff person, Tim Arbaugh, discuss what's happening at their office that impacts the industry. Also, ALTA president Mark Bilbrey will talk with us about the national scene.
At 3:00 PM, there will be a "round table" discussion on the future of the industry in Oklahoma and what it holds for our profession. This session will be a continuation to our regional meeting discussions held earlier this year all across Oklahoma. This session is for OLTA members only and will offer you the opportunity to listen to others and a time to voice your opinion on what's ahead for the industry.
THIRD: Legislative Reception
5:30-7:00 PM, Waterford Hotel
OLTA is once again pleased to host the annual OLTA Legislative Reception. This annual event is always a favorite among legislators and we look forward to visiting with them in a more informal atmosphere.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: A limited number of rooms have been reserved at an OLTA rate of $109.00 for the night of February 21st. Contact the hotel directly at 405/848-4782 to make room reservations. Watch for your registration materials in the mail and plan to be part of these events.
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