Armed with just a high school degree and training from the Indiana Land Title Association, Dana Stephens took a leap of faith in 2001 and opened Dana Title in her mother’s garage, which she remodeled into an office. Within the first month, the Indiana company was closing more than 30 loans a month. The business forced Stephens to expand beyond the few contract workers she had. Stephens’ mother soon came aboard, as did her brother and other closers. Stephens’ company has blossomed and late last year moved into a new office space. The company has more than 10 employees, sometimes swelling to 15 when business is up. The company averages about 100 closings a month and has written policies ranging from $1,000 to $3 million.



My first job in the settlement services industry was in 1994 when I worked for Irwin Mortgage.



I love the industry.



Helping people solve problems. It’s great when you can close a loan for somebody that you know has been dying to get a house and finally it all comes through. To see the excitement on the faces of some of these first-time homebuyers is rewarding. There are a lot of crazy things that happen in closings, but it’s very rewarding when you can go home at the end of the day and know that you’ve in some way helped somebody to close on their home.



Dealing with short sales and foreclosed properties.



Becoming a business owner at the age of 24.



My mother, father and grandfather.



Loving, trusting family members, great friends and loyal customers.

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