Most title reps chase deals—Cory Thompson builds relationships.
He’s seen what happens when a seasoned agent steps away. Some reps struggle. Some clients drift. Some companies lose decades of trust overnight.
Not Cory.
From the start, he made it his mission to ensure relationships didn’t just continue but grew stronger.
"Too many younger reps lean on tech to establish relationships," Cory says. "But that just doesn’t work. Past generations got it right—real relationships require real time together."
That belief shapes everything he does—how he connects, how he hires, how he plans for the industry’s future. "You can train someone on the technical side," he says. "But personality—the ability to connect with people—that’s something you can’t teach."
Mentors, Mergers & the Next Big Shift
Cory’s approach wasn’t built overnight. He learned from the best. John Monacelli taught him resilience and adaptability, and John Voso drilled in the power of persistence and long-term vision. Their lessons are more relevant than ever.
Because the industry is quickly changing.
One of the biggest shifts is how retirement is driving the next major transition. For decades, small-town agents have run independent title offices. Now, they’re stepping away.
That’s creating a wave of acquisitions and transitions—and Cory is right in the middle of it.
"That opens up a huge opportunity for younger professionals," he says. "They need to step in, modernize the industry, and take it forward."
But there’s a problem.
Title searches—the backbone of the industry—are a dying skill.
"Unless the younger generation steps in to understand this process, we’re going to have a real problem," Cory warns.
Relationships Still Win in a Digital World
Technology has reshaped title. But it hasn’t replaced trust.
"Some reps are getting away from real relationships," Cory says. "They rely on automation, emails, and tech-driven touchpoints.
But at the end of the day, people want to do business with people they trust."
For Cory, trust isn’t built through emails and automation. It’s built through:
- Time – Showing up when it matters.
- Consistency – Doing what you say, every time.
- Genuine Connection – Helping others without expecting something in return.
"That’s what my mentors instilled in me," Cory says. "Help people. Build real relationships. Everything else will follow."
The Future of Title & Escrow: 5, 10, 20 Years Ahead
Cory sees four big shifts coming:
- Mass Consolidation – Smaller agencies will continue to be acquired, streamlining the industry.
- Underwriters Will Lead Acquisitions – Helping title agents navigate retirement and transition planning.
- Technology Will Enhance, Not Replace – The best companies will find balance between efficiency and human connection.
- The Talent Gap Will Grow – If new professionals don’t learn title searches, the industry loses a crucial skill.
For Cory, adapting to change isn’t enough.
Carrying forward the principles that built this industry?
That’s what really matters.
"I’m proud of the relationships I’ve been able to pick up and grow," he says. "A lot of those were passed down to me, and it’s my responsibility to make sure they continue."
As for the next generation?
His advice is simple: Be genuine, get to know people, and invest in relationships—not just transactions. In the end, your legacy isn’t just about what you do; it’s about the people you impact along the way.
The Growth & Scale Report is published by CloseSimple, and explores strategies for growth and tools for scaling your title or escrow company. The report emphasizes the art of balancing growth and scale, with a focus on personal and organizational success stories. It aims to share insights from industry leaders who have navigated these challenges, providing a platform for broader conversations in the business landscape.
