Our Values Profile: Protecting Customer Money

Last June, a transaction handled by Pennsylvania-based White Rose Settlement Services Inc. was going smoothly. Then, an attorney client’s email was hacked a week before the $9 million deal was scheduled to close. Due to the quick action of company President Shonna Cardello and her team, the money was recovered.

In addition, in November 2017, another client lost $54,000 due to fraud, but Cardello’s team was able to recover the funds within two months. Also, in January 2018, the company’s escrow checks were found for sale on the dark web to anyone for any amount. Cardello quickly closed the account to prevent any losses.

“Shonna and her team jumped into action to guard and defend against the attempted fraud,” said Robin Kelsh, executive director of the Pennsylvania Land Title Association. “Shonna didn’t hesitate to lead her staff and other parties involved to remedy these and many other instances. She delivers to her clients daily and adamantly protects her customers to ensure a positive outcome for all.”

Cardello was one of three ALTA members honored at the 2018 ALTA ONE conference with an inaugural ALTA Our Values Award. The awards program showcases the title insurance industry’s Our Values initiative, which serves as the industry’s cultural compass and highlights the core ideals ALTA members embrace.

Cardello won the We Protect Award for her efforts to protect her clients from wire fraud.

“I’m honored to have received this recognition and to work with an incredible staff,” Cardello said. “Together, we work to protect and educate our clients, ensuring we exceed their expectations every step along the way.”

Our Values Profile

Name: Shonna Cardello

Title: President

Company: White Rose Settlement Services Inc.

How would you describe your company’s culture?
Staff is the most important. Take care of your staff because they take care of the clients.

How does the organization support these values?
I try to make sure the staff feels appreciated through individual praise and tangible acknowledgements to fit their needs. We invest in training and education, so my co-workers can be the best version of themselves.

What makes you proud to work at your company?
My co-workers who go above and beyond for our clients and the loyalty of clients who continue to use the company. The success we’ve had over 23 years through hard work is simply amazing!

What role do company values play in hiring and performance reviews?
A huge role. We hire to fit our culture and values. I can train someone in title, but I cannot train them to have a positive attitude, be loyal, embrace ethical behavior and be determined to succeed.

ALTA Our Values Awards

ALTA is celebrating our members who live these values in the best possible ways with the ALTA Our Values Awards. These awards are given annually to individuals who have put one or more of ALTA’s core values—leading, delivering and protecting—into action. In its second year, the awards program will include a fourth award for one entire ALTA member office or operational team that exemplifies Our Values.

We want to know how you, your friends or your coworkers go to extraordinary lengths to personify Our Values. ALTA is accepting nominations through June 7. Submit nominations at surveymonkey.com/r/ALTAvalues.

Winners will be recognized during ALTA ONE, Oct. 22-25, 2019, in Austin, Texas.