Monique Winston is vice-president and underwriting counsel with Stewart Title Guaranty Company, and she works out of Stewart’s National Legal Department in Houston. Monique not only provides substantial underwriting assistance, but she also is instrumental in new product development and analysis. Having worked as a compliance/resource officer and manager at a large vendor management company, Monique has developed a reputation as one of the young up and coming leaders in the title industry, her references say, which include Malcolm Morris, Kevin Gugenheim and Jim Kletke. She has become well-known as a teacher and lecturer and has developed a curriculum of fundamental title/closing courses and workshops. Monique is a 1991 graduate of Duquesne University and a 1994 graduate of Duquesne University School of Law.

I started in this industry over 10 years ago. I was only remotely familiar with the industry. In fact, real property was not a favorite subject of mine in law school. I was fortunate enough to start out at Lender’s Service Inc. in Coraopolis, Pa., which was, at that time, the largest appraisal, title, closing vendor management company.

I “stumbled” into the industry and it was history from then on. I initially applied for a job as a title examiner. However, I quickly found myself in moving into management, legal, underwriting and training. I guess it’s true that the juris doctorate is a very versatile degree.

As an underwriter in Stewart’s National Legal Department, I get to work with a variety of people at various levels. I deal with agents, attorneys, lenders, other underwriters, borrowers, etc. In addition, because I work with Stewart’s Mast (multi-state) agents, I get to deal with underwriting issues in various states. There is never a dull moment and after 10-11 years, I am still learning.



Dealing with issues across the various states. I always say that “one size doesn’t fit all” in this industry. What works in Pennsylvania may not work in its neighboring state of West Virginia, and chances are it’s surely an issue in Texas. At the end of the day, however, you have find solutions across the board.



Probably my current position as an “executive” in what I consider to be one of the most respected and successful companies, both nationally and internationally.



There have been several, but this one is “somewhat” funny ...

I was working late one night a few years back and I received a call from a closing agent. He indicated that he was in the process of closing a rather large residential transaction as we spoke. He informed me that we were issuing the title and there was a large cash-out. He went on to say that the borrower, his wife and their young son were present. He then stated that he got a call that his co-worker said was urgent. When he took the call, a lady on the other end identified herself as the wife of the borrower in this transaction. She indicated that she was calling to make sure her husband remember to re-schedule their closing because he was away on business and would be gone for a week. The closing agent, obviously not seeing what was happening, said, “oh no, your husband and son are here at the closing with some lady.” The woman responded, “we don’t have any children.” The closing agent “inadvertently” hung up on her. That’s when he called me and asked what to do. I said, “well, you won’t have to do much because I bet the wife is on her way! You better run for cover. And by the way, we won’t be insuring this deal.”



I think the appropriate phrase is “to whom” do I attribute my “success.” First and foremost, God. Sometimes I am amazed at how my career has progressed over the years. This is not an industry or career that most people aspire to, and I doubt that anyone enters law school with the thought of going into the title industry. However, I thank God for my success, and of course, I attribute much of my success to my mom (now deceased), my dad, my grandmothers and my family in general. They instilled in me many of the work ethics and habits that it takes to succeed.



Living person: Oprah Winfrey. I think she has accomplished things that most women only aspire to. Historical person: Without a doubt, Jesus.



I have always wanted to write a book.



I have several of them, but one of my favorite books, movies and now Broadway play is “The Color Purple.”



At this very moment, nothing, which is not abnormal for me. I enjoy quiet time. This could have something to do with having a 12-year-old daughter and seven-month-old daughter.



Working out is a great stress reliever. Lying in bed reading a good book is nice, too.

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