ALTA Member Profile: From Bartender to Innovative Title Company Owner

Mo Choumil | Founder/CEO | ATG Title

How long have you been in the title industry and how did you get started in this profession?

It’s been 27 years already! I actually started as an abstractor back in 1993, but kept my focus sharp and decided to take the proverbial plunge and launch a title company in 2001.

What excites you about what you do or what is the most challenging aspect of your job?

My typical business day involves meeting people for coffees/lunches. I mostly meet with business partners, office managers at different locations, and recruit prospects. I’m mostly excited about growing the company—not only financially, but also culturally. I’m also motivated by self-development, for both the team and myself. I’m always looking for ways to improve systems and processes to increase efficiency and enhance our user’s experience.

What’s your best industry “war” story?

My best story revolves around COVID-19 and how we managed to not only survive, but also thrive. Thanks to systems we put in place prior to the pandemic, we’ve mobilized all operations to function remotely. Companies should always be proactive and have a longer-term vision. This helps tremendously under a crisis such as the one we’re facing now.

Why is the title industry a great career opportunity for those entering the workforce?

It’s a great niche industry that provides ongoing challenges and constant learning experiences. Things can become challenging, but the rewards are endless when you help navigate a customer through the title process.

What advice do you have for professionals starting their career in the industry?

Find a mentor in the company you are working for. There are plenty of successful veterans that want to share their knowledge and wisdom.

How has the industry evolved since you began your career? How has your company had to change in order to remain competitive?

Since the beginning, I’ve always looked for ways to utilize technology in order help improve efficiency. I’ve always put an emphasis on enhancing user experience. Unfortunately, the industry was super slow to adopt tech. I’m glad that the industry has finally evolved over the past few years.

What have you learned about yourself or your company since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?

I’ve learned a lot about and have been impressed by the agility and preparedness of my team. I am glad to have a team that appreciates all the technologies we’ve adopted in the past few years. It really came through in helping us to adapt and switch to remote workforce within a few days. They’ve also been able to handle a massive influx of business despite the pandemic’s effect on daily life.

Which ALTA committees do you participate in? Why do you participate?

I participate on the Homeowner Outreach Program Committee. We are big on educating the consumer. This committee made sense as they are founded on this very principle of educating consumers.

Tell us something that others in the industry may not know about you.

I used to be a bartender! And most don’t know that I’m originally from Casablanca, Morocco.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?

Tony Robbins. Simply put, he is the best business development/life coach that there’s ever been. He teaches not only lessons to grow business and self-motivation, but also personal finance and wealth creation.

What’s your favorite movie and book? Why?

My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. The movie displays how the power of hope provides a reason for the inmates to continue to live. Basically, it teaches you to never give up. As for my favorite book, it has to be Rich Dad Poor Dad. Author Robert Kiyosaki discusses how to truly develop wealth. The book proves that rich aren't born rich. That concept is a myth, and everyone should understand that.

What’s in your music playlist?

Lots of reggae. I’m big on Bob Marley. I also like techno dance music from artists such as the Dutch DJ Armin Van Buuren. I’m also a fan of some 80s music as well.

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