Feature Spotlight #23 - Elevated Title

Elevating Excellence: The Story Behind Elevated Title Company.

We’re excited to introduce our first team spotlight, and all-women-owned title agency to the Her. Collective! Elevated Title Company is a title agency in Colorado that is redefining and elevating the closing experience. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in escrow and operations, this powerhouse team brings the expertise and resilience to navigate any transaction seamlessly. Their synergy and client-focused approach have set them apart in a competitive market, establishing a strong presence in under four years. And this is just the beginning...

In a crowded real estate space, Elevated Title has carved a niche by blending professionalism, passion, and a client-first approach. Meet the powerhouse trio behind the brand: Tonya Stevens, Diana Smith, and Tammy Hayutin.

Early Influences. 

The principles of Elevated Title each bring unique life experiences that have shaped their professional journeys. Tonya Stevens, a devoted Yankees fan, carries her passion and competitive spirit from the baseball field into her work. Diana Smith, a former professional golfer, honed resilience and a drive for excellence through years on the green. Tammy Hayutin, a Colorado native, grew up skiing, fishing, and embracing the adventurous spirit of her home state. While their paths were distinct, their shared desire to connect with people and deliver seamless real estate experiences united them in a common vision.

Defining Moments.

The launch of Elevated Title in 2021 marked a bold step forward during an uncertain real estate market. For Tonya, Diana, and Tammy, the decision to establish a boutique title company reflected their belief in their vision and their ability to navigate challenges with determination. Guided by mentors who instilled values of resilience and client-focused service, they built Elevated Title into a trusted name in the industry.

Core Values and Inspiration.

At Elevated Title, integrity, exceptional service, and authentic relationships are the foundation of every transaction. These core values guide the team in delivering client experiences built on trust and care, ensuring each partnership is meaningful and every deal is handled with precision.

The team’s driving force is their commitment to creating a company where every client feels valued and every transaction exceeds expectations. Their mantra, "Elevate every transaction, exceed every expectation," serves as both a promise and a guiding principle.

Personal Passions. 

Outside the office, the three principals share a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for life’s finer moments.

Tonya, who began her title career in Texas, then relocated to Denver in 2012 with her wife Anna and their son Liam, enjoys hiking, camping, and exploring Colorado's landscapes.

Diana, a retired golf pro and 25-year escrow veteran, settled in Denver in 2000 with her husband Daryl and their twins, thrives in outdoor adventures, sports and embraces the beauty of nature. She loves to travel and experience new food and wines from all over the world.

Tammy, a 6th generation Coloradan, finds joy in skiing, horseback riding, and fishing, and now shares those passions with her partner Matt and two daughters. Together, they share an appreciation for good wine, delicious food, and memorable family moments.

Lessons Learned and Growth Mindset.

One of the key lessons the team at Elevated Title holds dear is the importance of building a strong, supportive team. They believe that every team member plays an essential role in the company’s success. This collective mindset has allowed them to deliver exceptional service and achieve their shared goals.

As Elevated Title continues to grow, the team remains focused on expanding beyond Colorado while staying true to their boutique, client-first philosophy. Their strategic growth plan emphasizes maintaining the personalized service and attention to detail that have become their hallmark.

Personal Legacy. 

Tonya, Diana, and Tammy aim to leave a legacy defined by trust, integrity, and genuine relationships. Their hope is to be remembered as leaders who elevated standards in the title industry while building lasting connections with their clients and team members.

Advice for Others. 

Their advice to aspiring professionals is simple yet powerful: "Build genuine relationships, embrace continuous learning, and always prioritize your clients’ needs." Success, they believe, is built on trust, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.

Future Vision. 

Looking ahead, Elevated Title envisions sustainable growth while preserving the boutique charm that sets them apart. By expanding into new markets, they plan to carry forward their reputation for excellence, integrity, and service.

Elevated Title Company is not just a title company; it’s a symbol of passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. With Tonya, Diana, and Tammy at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever. Thank you to Elevated Title for sharing your story with the Her Collective. Your visionary approach inspires and empowers the women of title to spread their wings and reach for their own success story.

** Connect with Elevated and Tammy, Tonya, and Diana here:

Tammy@elevatedtitleco.com I LinkedIn I Facebook  

Tonya@elevatedtitleco.com I LinkedIn I Facebook 

Diana@elevatedtitleco.com I LinkedIn I Facebook

Elevated Title - LinkedIn I Facebook I Instagram

Feature Spotlight #22 - Linda Aparo

Her. Title Collective: Spotlight on Linda Aparo

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of title insurance, few professionals embody resilience, expertise, and leadership like Linda Aparo. As the Director of National Sales at reQuire Real Estate Solutions, Linda brings decades of experience, a passion for problem-solving, and a commitment to uplifting others in the industry. Her journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship and community within the title industry.

A Journey Through Title Insurance

Linda’s career in the title industry spans over three decades, beginning in 1988 in the real estate department of a Connecticut law firm. By 1990, she had become a real estate closing paralegal, where she developed an intricate understanding of real estate transactions and the critical role title insurance plays in ensuring smooth property transfers.

Her journey took a pivotal turn in 1998 when she joined Stewart Title as a Connecticut State Agency Representative. During her tenure, she built strong relationships with industry professionals and gained insight into the challenges title agents and attorneys face daily. In 2003, she took on the challenge of launching the Ticor Title brand in Connecticut, a division of Fidelity, further expanding her influence in the title industry.

With a keen eye for industry gaps and inefficiencies, Linda recognized the ongoing challenges associated with unreleased liens. This realization led her to establish Final Trac in

2006, a Connecticut-based national release tracking and title curative company. As an entrepreneur, Linda navigated the complexities of growing a business from the ground up, an experience she describes as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Her determination and strategic approach ultimately led to Final Trac’s successful expansion and its eventual sale to reQuire in 2014, where she continues to thrive in a national leadership role today.

Expertise and Passion for Title Solutions

As the Director of National Sales at reQuire, Linda oversees sales operations across all 50 states. Her role involves assisting title and escrow agents in streamlining their payoff tracking processes and resolving title curative issues. Linda has also written an insightful eBook, The Life of the Mortgage Loan: A Playbook, which serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals seeking to better understand the complexities of mortgage loans and title-related challenges.

Linda’s deep understanding of title curative processes and her ability to combine investigative skills with problem-solving expertise make her a sought-after authority in the industry. She takes great pride in finding solutions that benefit her clients and improve overall efficiency in title transactions.

Overcoming Challenges and Championing Women in Title

Being a strong woman in the title industry comes with its challenges. Linda acknowledges that there is often a double standard in how assertiveness is perceived in men versus women. “I often find myself questioning, ‘Do I sound too firm or direct?’—something I doubt a man in my position would have to second-guess.”

Despite these challenges, Linda remains a steadfast advocate for women in the industry. She believes that fostering an inclusive and supportive professional environment is crucial to breaking down barriers. Her advice to young women entering the field is simple but powerful: “Never burn a bridge. The title industry is a small and interconnected community, and you never know who you’ll be working with or for in the future.”

Mentorship and Leadership

Throughout her career, Linda has been fortunate to work alongside many talented professionals, though most of her mentors have been men. However, she deeply admires her colleague, Niki Culver, the operations lead at reQuire. Their teamwork and mutual respect have forged a powerful professional partnership—one they affectionately call the “Shake and Bake” of Ops and Sales, inspired by Talladega Nights.

Linda believes in fostering a culture of mentorship and support. “We need more women standing up for each other and lifting each other up. I always make an effort to include newcomers and help them feel welcome.” Her leadership philosophy is centered on collaboration, respect, and the belief that collective success benefits everyone.

The Drive to Succeed

Linda’s competitive spirit is a driving force behind her success. She thrives on the challenge of sales, the adrenaline of closing deals, and the relationships she builds with clients, many of whom become lifelong friends. “The thrill of winning a new account keeps me going, even through the rejections and obstacles.” Her ability to maintain motivation and resilience in a demanding field speaks to her unwavering dedication.

Books, Podcasts, and Personal Growth

One book that profoundly influenced Linda’s career is Half Time by Bob Buford. Given to her by a former executive mentor, the book has inspired her to strive for both personal and professional growth, shaping her into the leader she is today.

Additionally, she enjoys the podcast We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, which explores themes of resilience, relationships, and personal development. Linda finds inspiration in its messages and often shares insights with colleagues and friends.

A Passion for History and Gardening

Outside of work, Linda has a deep passion for gardening. During the pandemic, she became a Master Gardener through the University of Connecticut, a significant accomplishment that required extensive coursework and hands-on experience. She now volunteers with nonprofits to help develop and maintain community gardens in Connecticut, further demonstrating her commitment to giving back.

Linda is also a proud member of the Mayflower Society, an organization recognizing direct descendants of Mayflower passengers. Her extensive genealogy research has connected her with over 15,000 relatives, and her dedication to uncovering her family history even led her to travel to England to meet an author who wrote about her fourth great-grandfather.

Legacy and the Future of Women in Title

Linda’s impact on the title industry is already being carried forward—through mentorship, leadership, and even through her daughter, Michaela Egan. Michaela entered the title industry in 2016 as an account manager for TitleVest, a First American company, inspired by her mother’s example.

Linda’s philosophy in business is straightforward yet powerful: “I’m not a pushy salesperson. I genuinely want to help others find the best solutions, even if it’s not what I’m selling.” She values integrity, transparency, and collaboration, qualities that have shaped her career and the way she supports others in the industry.

Her ultimate wish for the industry? A continued sense of camaraderie, support, and shared success among women.

“We need to stick together, support each other, and create a community where we can all thrive.”

Final Thoughts

Linda Aparo embodies the strength, wisdom, and generosity that make the Women of Title community so impactful. Her journey serves as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the power of building meaningful relationships. As she continues to break barriers and support the next generation of title professionals, she leaves an indelible mark on the industry.

We celebrate Linda not only for her achievements but for her unwavering commitment to fostering a better, more inclusive title industry. Her. Collective is honored to share her incredible story.

** Connect with Linda here: laparo@gorequire.com I LinkedIn I Facebook I Instagram

Feature Spotlight #21 - Jennifer Welte

Celebrating Women of the Her. Collective: Meet Jennifer Welte

In the dynamic world of title insurance, Jennifer Welte of Heritage Title Company in Colorado stands out as a trailblazer, mentor, and role model. With a career spanning nearly a decade in title insurance, Jennifer’s journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of community.

From Credit Unions to Title Insurance

Jennifer’s foray into the title insurance industry was serendipitous. After nearly 20 years working at local credit unions, she found her calling at Heritage Title Company, a place she describes as having a local feel but backed by the largest title insurer in the nation. "We’ve done a great job making people feel like we’re all in this together," Jennifer shares. "I love our fantastic Title, Sales, Escrow, and Admin team."

Her transition into title insurance came through one of her best friends, Sofia, a former Sales Executive at Heritage Title. "After a night out celebrating my husband's birthday, Sofia asked if I would be interested in a career change," Jennifer recalls. "The rest is history!"

Leadership and Expertise

As Vice President of Sales, Jennifer plays a pivotal role in driving growth and fostering talent. She works closely with her sales team to expand market share and recruit top talent, ensuring Heritage Title’s continued success. Her expertise and passion have made her an invaluable asset to the team.

Inspiration and Mentorship

Jennifer credits the strong women leaders at Heritage Title for shaping her career. “Heritage’s leadership team has historically been women-dominated, which is one of the reasons I love working here,” she explains. She also mentions the mentorship and friendship with the now President of Heritage Title, Chris Gaddis. His support and leadership has positively influenced Jennifer's title story from the beginning. Beyond her immediate team, Jennifer values the connections she’s made within the Fidelity family, where she’s found collaboration partners, sounding boards, and lifelong friends. 

Overcoming Challenges

While the title industry has long been a space where women thrive, Jennifer acknowledges the challenges of breaking through the remnants of the “good old boys’ club.” She’s risen above these hurdles by consistently bringing her A-game, proving her value, and building strong relationships. “We have to show why they should work with us versus another company,” she says.

Advice for the Next Generation

Jennifer’s advice to younger women entering the industry is simple yet profound: "Outwork everyone else. Find your niche, hit it hard, and show value and love to your clients.” Her dedication to being a role model for her daughters drives her to excel.

“I want them to know that being a woman doesn’t mean taking a back seat. We can be the driver, but we have to work hard—sometimes harder than a male.”

The Power of Positivity

Jennifer’s philosophy is rooted in grit, positivity and resilience. "I was raised by parents who never allowed me to quit and to never settle for anything but being at the top of my game," she says. For young professionals, “Find your tribe! You’ll need them on the hard days,” she advises. She believes in fostering an abundance mindset and values collaboration, even with competitors. “Don’t be afraid to befriend your competitors; you never know when you’ll work together.”

Passions Beyond Work

Outside of work, Jennifer is the ultimate girl-mom. Going on adventures with her two daughters and husband, Paul. Jennifer’s colleagues might be surprised to learn about her love for reading and sourdough baking. She devours upwards of 40 books a year, often listening to audiobooks while balancing her busy life. Baking sourdough has become her creative outlet and stress reliever. “It’s allowed me to focus on the steps of making amazing bread and be creative with designs and inclusions,” she shares.

Living by Her Word

Jennifer’s guiding philosophy is, “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” She encourages others to ask for what they want and need, reminding them that the answer is always no if you don’t ask. Her legacy in the industry is rooted in her work ethic, joy for life, and commitment to being a good mom and role model. “If I can impress my daughters, I’m doing everything right,” she says.

Final Thoughts

Jennifer’s journey is a shining example of resilience, leadership, and the power of community. To the Her. the Title Collective, she leaves this advice: “Surround yourself with smart, sensible people who lift your spirits and remind you of your strength. And always focus on being compassionate and friendly—it makes all the difference.”

Thank you, Jennifer, for being a classy, inspiring Woman of Title! Your story reminds us all of the importance of grit, positivity, and lifting each other up.

**Connect with Jennifer here: jwelte@heritagetco.com I LinkedIn I Facebook I Instagram