Heroes, Mentors, Role Models, etc.

Earlier today, Ardell DellaLoggia encouraged "Active Rain" readers to share examples of their role models in her article, "The Russian Tea Room-NYC.  I responded positively to the idea, but admittedly needed a little time to draft a proper tribute.  I was fortunate to have exposure to a number of exemplary figures while I was learning the title business many years ago. 

I believe that the credibility of the every industry has been crafted through the motives and actions of human giants.  These dedicated professionals were, and are, directly responsible for the creation of lofty benchmarks for behavioral and ethical standards.  The heroes of the title industry, past and present, did not earn their reputations because they were skilled settlement officers or marketing experts. [Though they probably were] The legends of the title industry earned their status due to their skills as title examiners paired with an intense passion to act with integrity and compassion.  Their calling, first and foremost, was to make a contribution through service to others.  Not only do I admire the things these people did, I also admire the fact they did not participate in certain types of activities.  Their acts, I believe, are bigger than the industry itself! 

In the early 1990's, I once had the great pleasure of hearing Oscar Beasley speak about the title issues of the day.  It was before there was even a continuing education requirement in the state of Maryland.  Lectures were attended for the sake of gaining knowledge.  Somehow underwriting seminars seemed to be more meaning and substantive before there was a requirement to attend them.  Oscars' presentation was one I have not forgotten.  The man was clearly a consummate professional and had a firm grasp on the dynamics of the title industry.  He spoke like an expert.  He dressed liked an expert.  His overall demeanor was that of an expert.  He was an expert.  I recall him saying "he was unable to give a good definition of notice, but he knew notice when he saw it."  That line has stayed with me since.  Oscar Beasley was claims council for American Title in Santa Ana, CA and considered by many at the time to be the  best legal mind in the business.  He is now deceased.

Ardell was right; we need heroes; and it does us good to talk about them!