What does it really take to build a thriving title company from scratch while overcoming life's darkest moments? In this deeply personal conversation, Mike Ruder shares how tragedy, addiction, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to people shaped both his life and the rapid growth of Legacy Settlement Services. If you're looking for practical sales wisdom, leadership lessons, and a reminder that personal growth fuels business success, this episode is one you won't forget.

What you'll learn from this episode

• Why consistency beats market conditions when building a successful title sales career

• The simple sales system Mike used to grow lasting relationships and generate repeat business

• What separates thriving title companies from those that struggle to retain great people

• How gratitude and follow-up strategies can dramatically increase referrals and client loyalty

• The importance of becoming your best self before chasing business success

Resources mentioned in this episode

• HubSpot

• Qualia

• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer | Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback

About Mike Ruder

Mike Ruder is the founder and CEO of Legacy Settlement Services, a rapidly growing title company serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Since launching the company in 2020, Mike has built Legacy into one of the highest-volume title agencies in Maryland by combining a people-first culture with innovative sales systems, technology, and exceptional client service. A respected leader in the title industry, he is passionate about mentoring sales professionals, building high-performing teams, and creating an environment where employees and clients thrive. Beyond business, Mike openly shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction and adversity, inspiring others to embrace resilience, lead with authenticity, and pursue both personal and professional growth.

Connect with Mike

• Website: Legacy Settlement Services

• LinkedIn: Michael Ruder

Connect With Us

Love what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected.

• Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast

• Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com

• Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil

Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai.

Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com.

Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

AI may be dominating the headlines, but Pat Stone believes the real opportunity lies in asking better questions, not fearing the technology. In this episode, the WFG chairman shares his perspective on AI adoption, cybersecurity, automation, and why human expertise, curiosity, and communication will remain the industry's greatest competitive advantages. If you want to prepare your title business for the future without getting lost in the hype, this conversation is full of practical wisdom from one of the industry's most respected leaders.

What you'll learn from this episode

• Why curiosity, not fear, is the best response to AI's rapid evolution in the title industry

• The growing cybersecurity threat and why it may be an even bigger challenge than AI

• How automation can eliminate repetitive work without replacing the professionals behind the transaction

• What young title professionals should focus on to stay valuable over the next 20 years

• The biggest opportunity for independent agents to leverage AI through their underwriters and technology partners

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Inman News

• Housing Wire

• The Title Report

• Technology is key to bridging the talent gap facing title and escrow

• MyHome - WFG National Title

• Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds by Charles Mackay | Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle

About Pat Stone

Patrick Stone is the founder and executive chairman of WFG National Title Insurance Company, part of Williston Financial Group (WFG). A highly respected leader in the real estate and title insurance industry, Pat has held multiple C-suite leadership positions throughout his career and has served on the boards of Fortune 500 companies. Under his leadership, WFG has grown into one of the nation's leading title insurance and real estate services providers, recognized for its innovation, customer-focused approach, and technology-driven solutions. Widely regarded as one of the industry's most influential voices, Pat has received numerous honors, including the HousingWire Vanguard Award, for his visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the real estate sector.

Connect with Pat

• Website: WFG National Title Insurance Company

• LinkedIn: Patrick Stone

Connect With Us

Love what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected.

• Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast

• Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com

• Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil

Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai.

Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com.

Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.

Success in title isn't determined by the market; it's determined by what you do every single day. In this episode, David Bravo Jr. shares how losing everything during the Great Recession became the catalyst for rebuilding his career, creating the Power Hour, launching Title Reps Only, and leading Monarch Title with a people-first mindset rooted in relationships, consistency, and service. Whether you're a new sales rep or a seasoned title professional, this conversation is a powerful reminder that showing up will always outperform shortcuts.

What you'll learn from this episode

• Power Hour strategy that transformed client retention, prospecting, and long-term business growth

• Why showing up consistently still beats every app, automation, and marketing tool

• How Title Reps Only evolved into a nationwide movement by breaking down company walls and encouraging collaboration

• The role AI should play in title sales without replacing genuine human relationships

• A winning mindset for thriving in any market, regardless of interest rates or industry conditions

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Title Bible by David Bravo Jr. | Paperback and Mass Market Paperback

• Title Bible 2.0 by David Bravo Jr. | Kindle and Hardcover

• Title Reps Only Conference

• The Title Report

• Gary Vaynerchuk

About David Bravo Jr.

David Bravo Jr. is the CEO of Monarch Title Company and founder of Title Reps Only (TRO), a professional community dedicated to empowering title representatives through education, networking, and industry collaboration. With extensive experience in title insurance, business development, and leadership, David is passionate about helping title professionals strengthen relationships, grow their businesses, and elevate the standards of the industry. Through his leadership, speaking, and mentorship, he equips professionals with practical strategies for building trust, driving growth, and creating lasting success in the title and real estate sectors.

Connect with David

• Website: Monarch Title Company | Title Reps Only (TRO)

• LinkedIn: David Bravo Jr.

• Facebook: David Bravo Jr.

• Instagram: @davidbravojr

Connect With Us

Love what you're hearing? Don't miss an episode! Follow us on our social media channels and stay connected.

• Explore more on our website: www.alltechnational.com/podcast

• Stay updated with our newsletter: www.mochoumil.com

• Follow Mo on LinkedIn: Mo Choumil

Stop waiting on underwriter emails or callbacks—TitleGPT.ai gives you instant, reliable answers to your title questions. Whether it's underwriting, compliance, or tricky closings, the information you need is just a click away. No more delays—work smarter, close faster. Try it now at www.TitleGPT.ai.

Closing more deals starts with more appointments. At Alltech National Title, our inside sales team works behind the scenes to fill your pipeline, so you can focus on building relationships and closing business. No more cold calling—just real opportunities. Get started at AlltechNationalTitle.com.

Extra hands without extra overhead—that's Safi Virtual. Our trained virtual assistants specialize in the title industry, handling admin work, client communication, and data entry so you can stay focused on closing deals. Scale smarter and work faster at SafiVirtual.com.