We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Cunningham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I have been in the title industry for 20 years now. I have been a receptionist, typist, processor, funder, and closer. I have worked for many well-known title companies throughout the Davidson County, Tennessee area. I love what I do. My husband and myself are entrepreneurs by heart. 2 years ago, my husband started persisting that we open up a title company and I wasn’t sure that I was ready to do so. To appease him, I reached out to our insurance underwriter for steps and requirements to open up a title agency. The representative sent me information on it, and I registered and took the required class. I was content with the company I was working for. I loved my hours, salary, and the benefits. Right after a year of me being with this company, the attorney left, and my interest in that company diminished. I then decided to go ahead and started planning to get my title producer and agency license. I was excited that I passed the test on the first go. It really boosted my confidence (not only in myself but my knowledge for this industry). My underwriter representative was so hands-on and helpful throughout my entire process. She arranged for me to get introduced to vendors that I will need to be successful in this line of work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Tennessee native. I am a married woman with 2 children and a fur baby. I went to National College of Business and Technology (NCBT). After completion of my degree (2002) in Business Administration, they (NCBT) hosted a job fair that was designed to get the graduates a job in their desired field. I interviewed for a title company as a typist and was offered the job. I worked for this company a little over 4 years. I really didn’t understand what I was doing but because I typed so fast, that was all they were worried about (getting the files turned around quickly). From there, I was a receptionist and over their final title policy. In 2008 the economy took a change and the company I worked for shut down. My husband company that he was working for decided to shut down and relocate him to another state. We relocated to Villa Rica, GA with his company. While in GA, I went back to school and earned my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and opened up a nonprofit daycare center. 2011 the unthinkable happened again and my husband job was eliminated. We then decided that we would start up our very own transportation company and to move back to Tennessee to be with family. In 2014 I returned back to title and started learning the ins and outs of it. I fell in love with my career choice. I love working the files from start to finish.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I offer a unique closing experience. My clients leave knowing that I have answered all their questions about their transaction. They feel confident knowing that I show compassion for whatever walk they are having (selling, divorcing, death, purchasing, etc.). When clients close with me, they get fun, energetic, experienced closer. They are not rushed to sign papers that they are not comfortable signing. They leave with smiles, and I also make sure that their transactions go streamlined as possible and I always stay in communication. I set the expectations high. They leave with closing gits from me as their title company. I feel they could close anywhere in the state of TN, but they will get superior service, by closing with me.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being knowledgeable and well-rounded. Being able to multi-task. My personality and character have also played a major role. Meaning what I say and saying what I mean. And the biggest thing is following up and being available. Your clients should never feel that you are too busy for them. Being approachable and understanding.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.readynowtitle.com
• Instagram: Ready Now Title
• Facebook: Ready Now Title Services, LLC

Image Credits
n/a All photos, I have rights too.