Meet Heidi Hartman, an experienced professional with a passion for title work and a heart for helping others. With decades of expertise, she's been a key player in the industry, known for her dedication, compassion, and ability to bring teams together. Discover how Heidi's unique journey and insights continue to shape her role at Venture Title & Escrow.
How did you get started at Venture Title & Escrow?
After many years in the business, I was working for a company that was no longer locally owned. I told my husband that I wished I could finish my career at a smaller, locally owned company where I could help train the next generation. Then, I got a phone call offering just that opportunity, and I jumped at it. Mark and I started talking, and I was all in right away.
How did you get into the title business in the first place?
It was totally by chance! I was 20 years old, living in Sun Valley, and didn’t really know what I wanted to do other than ski. I was selling my car when I met a girl who worked in escrow. She told me she was leaving her job, and I asked if I could apply. Although she changed her mind about leaving, she mentioned they had an opening in title. I had no idea what title was, but I needed a job, so I applied and was hired on the spot. The rest is history!
What are some key milestones in your career?
One key milestone was when I did my first title search. My boss, who had been working on a claim for a sand and gravel company, handed it off to me, thinking there was no solution. After spending weeks researching, I found access that no one else had seen. The respect I gained from that discovery was a major turning point for me, and it solidified my passion for the work.
We see a lot of ups and downs in the real estate industry. What has been the most challenging time in your career? What team experiences have meant the most to you?
The most challenging time was during the big recession. I was in a leadership role and had to lay off most of my team, which was absolutely heartbreaking. It was tough working in an industry that facilitated foreclosures on people’s homes. These weren’t just strangers; they were friends and neighbors. My own family struggled to pay our mortgage because our income had dropped. Overcoming that challenge was about putting one foot in front of the other, coming in each day, and doing what needed to be done with compassion. A testament to that is that many of those I had to lay off were willing to come back when I was able to rehire them.
The best experiences have been when we come together as a team, appreciating each other’s strengths. Starting a company together, building a team, and getting excited when the business started coming in—those moments mean the most. It’s a testament to the fact that none of us can do it alone; it takes everyone working together.
What’s something you wish you knew earlier in your career and what advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
I wish I had known the importance of listening more and speaking less. In the early part of my career, I felt like I had to have a voice in everything to have a seat at the table. Looking back, I realize that while I helped many people, I may have also discouraged some by not giving them the opportunity to speak up. It’s something I’m still learning, but I wish I had understood it sooner.
My advice is to figure out quickly if this is your thing. Don’t just stick with it because it’s a job; find the piece of it that excites you. If you don’t enjoy it, move on to something that makes you happy. Also, collaborate at every opportunity, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to make changes if you realize it’s not for you.