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Jo Ann Simons recently joined the Northwoods team in Eagle River. She spent her summers growing up and working in St. Germain during high school and while in college at UW-Madison. She is looking forward to working with clients in the Eagle River area and surrounding communities.
I’m relatively new to the title industry, having joined just over a year ago as a Production Assistant. I’m excited to continue learning and growing with the company as I build my experience in this field.
I’ve called Eagle River home for over 10 years, where I live with my three kids. We love spending time outdoors—camping, fishing, hiking, and soaking in the beautiful scenery that the Northwoods has to offer.
With over 30 years of experience in the title industry, I’ve built a career that I genuinely enjoy. I started in Order Entry at a title company in Wauwatosa, WI, where I spent ten years growing into roles such as IT Liaison, Title Department Supervisor, and Secretary to the President, Vice President and Sales. I then moved on to a title company in Waukesha as a contract employee, where I took on a wide range of responsibilities—essentially, whatever was needed to keep things running smoothly. Over five years ago, I relocated up north and began working with Paul. Since then, every day has been rewarding, and I continue to enjoy contributing my experience and passion to the team.
Jessica Folta joined Quality Title in March 2022. Her role encompasses construction and production, and she contributes to the smooth operation of Quality Title’s services.
Since July 2019, Niki Dowds has been an integral part of the Quality Title team as a production assistant.
Kelsea Blom has been an integral part of the Northwoods Title team as a dedicated title examiner since August 19th, 2021.
Coming soon.
Paul earned his Juris Doctorate from Drake University in 1984 and founded the Duerst Law Office the same year. In 1992, he expanded with County Land & Title, laying the groundwork for Quality Title Group’s growth. As Owner of Quality Title Group and Owner/Attorney of Duerst Law Office, S.C., Paul continues to drive excellence in real estate and law.
Sara Holtz, Director of Operations/HR Manager at Quality Title Group, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. She has spent nine years in the title industry, starting as a searcher and progressing to a closer before assuming her current position. Before her tenure in the title industry, Sara had 18 years of experience in banking.
Sara Mortensen has been at Northwoods Title for nearly four years, although she’s been in the title insurance industry for almost two decades. She has an Associate’s Degree in marketing from Nicolet College. Sara currently serves as a commissioner for the City of Rhinelander Police and Fire Commission.
Sandy Kirby brings a rich background to her role as a Production Specialist at Northwoods Title in Eagle River. She grew up with real estate law as her father was a real estate attorney in Illinois. Sandy worked for him through high school and from 1991-2000, representing First American, Attorney’s Title & Guaranty, Chicago Title and Republic Title. She graduated with her paralegal degree in 2003 and moved to Eagle River, where she worked for a short time at Vilas Title and eight years as a paralegal for Attorney John L. O’Brien. She’s not been at Northwoods Title for nearly six years.
Laura Durkee joined Northwoods Title as a Closing Agent on May 24th, 2021.
Kim Schaeffer, a Searcher at Northwoods Title, began her career in loan processing at a national bank, where she first became acquainted with title insurance. Transitioning to the title industry in 1996, she has been a dedicated Searcher since 1997. Kim has a business degree from UW Superior.
Hanna Garcia has been a closing agent with Northwoods Title since April 23rd, 2023.
Terri Placek brings expertise to her role as a Closing Agent at Northwoods Title. With an associate degree in secretarial science from North Central Technical College and 12 years of experience as an administrator for a local Realtor, Terri is knowledgeable about real estate transactions. She has been with Northwoods Title since 2001. Terri has experience as both a Closing Agent and a Construction Coordinator, ensuring smooth and efficient processes for clients.
With over two decades of dedicated service, Michele Manshaem has been integral to Hometown Title since its inception. Beginning as a data entry specialist, Michele’s journey evolved to include online searching, receptionist duties and assisting with closings.
Since joining PCT in November 2021, Ashley has worked in various roles, including Receptionist, Production, Closing Assistant and Construction Specialist, and is currently training to become a Closing Agent.
Dean Elbe brings over 35 years of experience in the title industry, starting his journey after graduating from UWRF with a Bachelor of Science in 1988. Joining the Merrill office in 1998, he has become a passionate advocate for the industry. Dean is also actively involved in conservation efforts, volunteering on the State Board of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the Tomahawk Capther of the Ruffed Grouse Society. He enjoys mentoring new hunters and sharing his love for the outdoors.
Samantha Richardson joined WCT in April 2019 as an office manager and closing agent. She holds a WI Title Insurance License and graduated from the WLTA Title Examiner Certification Program.
Amanda Krause, a UW-Eau Claire alumna, has been in the title industry since 2020. With certification from Title Examiner Courses, she brings expertise and dedication to her role as a searcher.
Bonnie Gudmundson has over a decade of experience as a title examiner. She has served County Land & Title since June 2005.
Brenda Gardner holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and brings a wide range of expertise to the title industry. With seven-and-a-half years of experience and a Title Insurance license, she also has a background in banking, spanning almost five years. Brenda has experience in both Production and Search roles.
Cortney Fleming has worked in customer service for 11 years. She joined CLT in 2020 as a Closing Assistant and has since advanced to the role of Closing Agent. She also serves as a Construction Project Coordinator for residential construction and works as a Closing Agent for Quality Title in our Merrill and Antigo offices.
Darla Zastrow holds a Master of Science in Conservation Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and an Associate of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County. With 12 years of experience as a Title Examiner, including a decade at County Land & Title, Darla brings valuable insight to the field. Additionally, she has 20 years of instructional experience in the Department of Biological Sciences at various University of Wisconsin campuses.
Heather Kielman, a dedicated Production Specialist, brings over five years of experience to her role and holds an Administrative Professional Associate’s Degree. Outside of work, Heather enjoys baking and collecting old books.
Jodi Nieslowski is a Closing Agent with a diverse background. She studied Communication Technologies with a minor in Public Relations at UW Platteville. Since 2009, she has pursued her passion for photography. Joining County Land in 2011 as a receptionist, she progressed to roles involving production, finals and construction before her current role as a closer. Jodi serves on the Wisconsin Builders Association Parade of Homes Committee and recently joined the Wisconsin Area Builders Association Board of Directors. She is a certified Wisconsin Land Title Association course graduate with an insurance agent license.
Kimberly Donat has over a decade of experience as a Title Examiner with County Land & Title and Portage County Title. She has additional experience as a licensed real estate agent and licensure as a title intermediary in Wisconsin. Kimberly is a WLTA Title Examiner Courses graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and a Technical Degree in Microcomputer Software Applications from Northcentral Technical College.
Sam Iczkowski has been with County Land & Title since its inception, contributing over 30 years of experience. In her role, she manages the entire staff and handles real estate closings for high-level clients.
Na Xiong has been a valued County Land & Title member for three years. She initially joined the team in Production. Over time, she transitioned to the Construction Team and now works as a Legal Assistant, supporting clients of Duerst Law Office.
Nancy Kostroski brings over seven years of experience in the title industry to her role as a Searcher at County Land & Title, where she’s been a team member since 2020. Before joining CLT, Nancy gained experience working for two other local title companies.
Becky Creekmore has almost 17 years of experience in Customer Service and the title industry. Her journey began in February 2007 at Advanced Title Concepts. Since April 2014, Rebecca has been a part of County Land & Title, where she was recently promoted to Senior Closing Agent. She handles Closing Agent training for all QTG offices.
Sheng Vang is a Production Specialist at County Land & Title, where she has been employed since 2016. In addition to her primary role in production, Sheng provides bookkeeping assistance and supports administrative tasks for the Operations Manager.
Terry DeBroux joined County Land & Title in October 1999 as a temporary employee. Impressed by the company culture, she transitioned to a permanent role, starting as a production specialist and advancing to the office manager position. Currently serving as the bookkeeper for Quality Title Group, Terry is a licensed title insurance agent and a graduate of the Wisconsin Land Title Association certificate courses.
Brenda Kisling, a seasoned professional in the title industry since July 2021, brings a wealth of experience to her role as a searcher. A WLTA Title Examiner Courses graduate and a licensed title insurance agent, Brenda also has over 30 years of customer service experience with a national manufacturing company.
Bridget Cunningham began her title insurance career when she joined Hometown Title Co. in January 2003. As the office manager and closing agent, she oversees operations and ensures smooth transactions. Additionally, she manages new construction project disbursements and holds Wisconsin Land Title Association certifications. Bridget is also a licensed title insurance agent.
Linn Hall is a seasoned professional in the title industry with 17 years of experience. She holds a Business and Marketing degree and has been a part of the County Land & Title team for 11 years. Before becoming Marketing Coordinator, Linn owned and operated a title company in the Wausau area. She is a graduate of the Wisconsin Land Title Association certificate courses and received her insurance agent license.
Kyleigh Her has been a Production Specialist since February 14th, 2022, bringing her skills and dedication to the County Land & Title team’s operations.
Dawn Olson joined Hometown Title as a closing agent on February 17th, 2016. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and is a Wisconsin Land Title Association certificate course graduate.
Maryann Fath has been in the title industry for over 30 years. She previously worked for a law firm and spent over eight years in the banking industry. She manages Northwoods Title out of the Eagle River office and is also a Closing Agent.
Since December 19, 2016, Vanessa Horne has served as a title examiner with Portage County Title.
Aaron Moore has been a Title Examiner at Portage County Title since November 4th, 2019.
Lisa Matis has been with Northwoods Title for two years as a receptionist and a production specialist. Although she is relatively new to the title business, she brings a background in customer service and production to her role.
Kaye Frederick brings 15 years of banking industry experience and eight years of title experience to her role as a Closing Agent. She was recently appointed Commercial Construction Coordinator. Having earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Kaye’s expertise ensures smooth transactions and efficient coordination of commercial construction projects.