Mark Plassman, vice president of business development with Fidelity National Title, tells ICBR about his company and why they belong to Indiana’s commercial board.
ICBR: Why did your company become a member of ICBR?
Plassman: To further engage and better understand the needs of our commercial brokerage customers.
ICBR: What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
Plassman: We don’t just issue title policies. We do so much more as an active participant on closing a real estate deal(s) that unfortunately goes unnoticed.
ICBR: How did you get involved with your industry?
Plassman: I was born into the title business! At a young age, I was given an opportunity to learn ALL facets of the real estate transaction and how a title company plays an active role in closing the deal. Through my family’s title agency, I initially worked my summer and winter breaks doing anything and everything they needed me to do. That led to a full time job after graduating from college which took me through the sales, management and all the title insurance and closing aspects of our business. Thirty (30) + years later, I work in a business development role in our commercial title and closing group here in Indianapolis, IN.
ICBR: Do you have any mentors? If so, who? How has he/she inspired you?
Plassman: I have had a number of mentors that have taught me / provided me all the technical knowledge of our title insurance and closing business. However, the one that has had the biggest impact is my father who was in the business for forty (40) + years. He taught me how to take chances and how to invest in our business in order to grow. He taught me never to fear failure. It’s the only way you can learn your vulnerabilities in order to improve and grow.
ICBR: What is the weirdest question someone has ever asked you about your company or what you do?
Plassman: While I was closing a transaction earlier in my career, I was asked, “Mark, is it ok if I lay my gun down on the closing table while I sign my documents?”
ICBR: Most recent accomplishment?
Plassman: Recently attended our company’s national leadership conference in Jacksonville, FL, and won best group presentation which I spoke and presented in front of my national peer sales executives.
ICBR: Anything to add?
Plassman: I appreciate the professionalism that I have experienced from everyone who is involved with ICBR and welcome the opportunity to work and grow as member of this organization now and into the future.