At Capital Title, we believe that educating and equipping our staff with the knowledge and confidence to succeed is paramount to our success. That is why we have started the Escrow Officer Training Program, which accomplishes exactly that.
In our industry, there’s often a gap between assisting with transactions and being ready to lead them independently. This program closes that gap by offering structured education, mentorship, and real-world application.
Our first round of graduates are almost through with a year of training within the program, driven by Allison Mayo, Capital Title’s VicePresident of Escrow Growth & Development.
To gain a deeper understanding of the experience, we interviewed folks from the first graduating class to hear their individual accounts of what the program provided to them.
Today, we are highlighting the experience of Lindsey Ruegsegger, an Escrow Assistant from the Capital Title New Braunfels office.
Q: Before starting the program, what career goals did you have in mind?
A: Prior to starting with the program, I had already received my escrow license, however I was not quite ready to be a closer.
Q: Are there any notable memories from your time within the program?
A: It was awesome getting to know people from other offices and having that support.
Q: What sort of real-world experience have you gathered from the program?
A: Ali gave us homework to balance a lender CD that she had already closed on. This was very helpful in that there were some of tricky calculations I had not seen before but may in the future!
Q: Since starting the program, what sort of achievements would you like to share with us as a result?
A: Class isn’t over just yet! I do plan to get my feet wet in the closing room.
Q: If you could only choose one, what would be the most important thing you learned from the program?
A: The program helped piece together the hands-on experience I learned over the last few years. I never learned the history of Title, and starting there is rather important to how everything fits together.
Q: What advice would you give to others starting the program?
A: Keep your notes organized, pay attention, review your notes, and share your knowledge with your officemates!
Learn more about our Escrow Officer Training Program here!
Stephanie Patino is an experienced professional within commercial real estate with over a decade of experience working in title insurance. She has successfully closed complex transactions for a wide range of development projects. From acquisition to construction and sale, she has effectively managed the many moving parts involved in these multi-faceted deals, which ensures smooth and efficient closings in multifamily, retail, mixed-use, professional offices, and industrial developments.
Outside of the office, Stephanie is currently a member of and serves on a committee for CREW Fort Worth, an organization of professionals that are dedicated to the advancement and achievements of women in CRE. She’s also a member of The Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth.
Personally, Stephanie is passionate about her family and a proud mother of two beautiful ambitious girls. One of whom is a gold medal winner at the USA Taekwondo state and regional championships, and her younger daughter is equally competitive in volleyball.
Eric Dahlberg is a highly respected leader in the commercial title services sector, currently serving as the Executive Vice President and Senior Commercial Escrow Manager at Capital Title Commercial in Dallas. With a career spanning national commercial transactions, Eric’s expertise in real estate rules and regulations is unmatched. Clients, some of whom he’s assisted for over 17 years, value his unwavering commitment and attention to detail.
Eric’s journey in the title industry began after law school, where he worked with the Small Business Administration on disaster relief loans. He then honed his skills at LandAmerica National Commercial Service before joining Capital Title in February 2020.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Eric is deeply committed to his community. He’s been involved with LightHouse for New Hope since 2009, providing grief support and counseling. He’s also served as Vice President and former President of the Dad’s Club at Prestonwood Elementary School’s PTA, advocating for education.
Outside of work and community involvement, Eric enjoys hosting gatherings with friends, golfing, and bird hunting with his faithful companion, Wrigley. Above all, he treasures his role as a father to two daughters and maintains a strong connection to his faith and church community.
Eric Dahlberg’s distinguished career, dedication to service, and positive impact in both his professional and personal life make him a respected figure in the title industry, leaving an enduring mark since March 2006.
Allie serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for the National Commercial Operations team in Houston, Texas. She has decades of experience in the commercial real estate industry, building and maintaining relationships with owners and developers across Texas and beyond. Her ability to connect people, extensive knowledge in the industry and emphasis on communication add value to the entire transaction process. Allie understands the importance of being a true title partner to her clients by keeping them informed, problem-solving and finding ways to ensure her clients succeed.
Mel John is President of National Commercial Services – Capital Title of Texas, LLC. where he directs the Commercial Team for this office and actively seeks new business opportunities.
As a title industry leader in the booming Dallas economy from 1973 till today, Mel has been involved in sales and construction transactions with the major developers of commercial properties from high-rise office buildings in Dallas and Fort Worth to multifamily and industrial properties throughout Texas and the Nation.
Born and raised in Stockton, California, Mel had easy access to the exciting world of sports and outdoor athletics. From high school football and baseball to summers surfing in Ensenada and Santa Cruz, snow skiing at Tahoe, ranching in the San Joaquin Valley with his grandfather, and even traveling to Sicily on a cattle boat, Mel’s teenage years were filled with sports and adventure.
In the mid 1960’s, Mel attained the rank of Sargent in the US Army, 101st Airborne Division, Ranger, Recondo and jump qualified with a tour to ski in the Swiss Alps in Obersalzberg, Berchtesgaden, Germany.
Returning to California with his young family, Mel attended the University of California – Los Angeles and obtained his degree in marketing and finance. The first 23 years of Mel’s title industry career began with Title Insurance & Trust in California. After multiple assignments to open new title operations in various states, Pioneer Title brought Mel to Texas where he later became Senior Vice President and Southwest Division Manager for TICOR Title.
Before joining Capital Title, Mel served as Senior Vice President for Title Partners, LLC/Chicago Title. During his 50-year career, Mel held senior management positions in Dallas including Senior Vice President of the Commercial Division for Commerce Title Company, Senior Account Manager for LandAmerica, and President of Safeco Land Title. Mel has been an active member of industry related organizations including the Texas Land Title Association and The Real Estate Council. He has served on councils for ULI – the Urban Land Institute, and various Forums for NAIOP – National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. Mel also served for 22 years as a Board Director for the American Red Cross and chairman of Swing for Relief – the Red Cross Golf Tournament.
Mel and Donna Vaughan were married in 1982, and with their two children Patrick and Tamara, have 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons. On most weekends, raising hay and cattle on their 213-acre ranch East Texas returns them to the activities of loving family life and the land in their Texas home.
Joanna is a respected title industry veteran with almost 40 years of experience in Fort Worth. She specializes in closing and underwriting commercial accounts with expertise in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. She possesses an astute knowledge of the most delicate closings, including REO, corporate bankruptcies, mergers and acquisitions, national acount work-outs and multi-site/multi-state transactions.
Joanna has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards that include: Region 2 “Outstanding Young Title Person” by the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) and the Life Time Achievement Award from CREW Fort Worth (Commercial Real Estate Women). She is also a two-time President of CREW Fort Worth and a two-time President of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (now known as the LPGA Amateur Golf Association).
Stacie Taylor, a distinguished professional in the title insurance industry, hails from the picturesque town of Lake Dallas, where her journey towards excellence began. With a career spanning over three decades, Stacie’s commitment to her craft and her community is truly remarkable.
Stacie embarked on her career in the National Title Services division of Commonwealth Title Insurance Company as an Assistant, and her dedication has only grown stronger over the years. Since her entry into the title industry in 1991, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience, setting her apart as a reliable, responsive, and client-centric expert.
Known for her innovative problem-solving and resourcefulness, Stacie is the go-to professional for navigating complex transactions and proactively addressing issues. Her expertise extends across various real estate sectors, including Multifamily, Office/Shopping Centers, Boat & RV Storage Facilities, as well as multi-state site transactions, making her a versatile and trusted advisor.
What truly invigorates Stacie about her profession is the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the Title Industry. She thrives on the constant challenges and regular changes that keep her engaged and her mind sharp, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field.
Beyond her illustrious career, Stacie is deeply passionate about animal welfare, a dedication rooted in her upbringing in Lake Dallas. In her spare time, she runs an all-breed dog rescue, saving countless dogs from euthanasia in local shelters and making a profound impact on her community.
When not working tirelessly in her professional and charitable pursuits, you’ll often find Stacie transporting dogs to safety or unwinding on a beach somewhere. Her enduring commitment to her hometown, her career, and her love for animals exemplify the exceptional individual that she is.
Raised in Dallas, Robert attended both Jesuit College Preparatory and Hillcrest High School before earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Journalism from the University of Arkansas.
Robert began his career in real estate in 2003 as a commercial real estate broker with Marcus and Millichap. In 2008, Robert moved to Hexter-Fair Title Company where he was a commercial and residential sales manager before getting his escrow officer’s license and joining his father, Bob Blanshard, as a commercial escrow officer.
An amateur photographer, Robert’s photographic eye is focused on racing, but he is known to shoot the occasional baptism, rehearsal dinner, and sunset overlooking the Dallas Arboretum. With dozens of races under his belt at racetracks such as Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Road Atlanta, and Circuit of the Americas, Robert has been blessed to have attended the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three times in the last five years.
As a recent addition to Capital Title of Texas, Robert is excited about the new possibilities as well as the potential to grow his business while continuing to offer his current clients the same exceptional support and service they’ve come to expect. It’s not something everyone gets to do: go to work every day with your father, and love what you’re doing.
Senior Vice President, Commercial Business Development
Matthew E. Comeaux, JD, joined Capital Title Commercial in October of 2020 after running a successful oil and gas mineral company. A true people person, Matt puts his relationships with his clients and their needs at the forefront of his business approach, always asking what value he can bring to the table.
Matt loves connecting his clients with people who can help them get their deals done smoothly. His entrepreneurial spirit is what connects him to those he serves.
Matt holds his BBA from Texas Christian University and Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. His passions are his family, his three children (Stratton, Miller, and Maddie) and his wife, Shelby. The Comeauxs reside in Dallas, where they were both born and raised. Matt is also a former president and board member of the Touchdown Club of Dallas, which benefits the Ashford Rise School of Dallas.
Prior to joining Capital Title of Texas, LLC, Lisa attended college and law school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas – receiving her Bachelors of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business and her Juris Doctor from the Dedman School of Law. For the first 7 years of her legal career, Lisa was in private practice specializing in real estate and corporate law in both Dallas and New York. She represented clients in high-level complex commercial, real estate, finance and securities transactions. She then became the General Counsel to a real estate investment company based in New York which focused on acquiring and selling shopping centers across the northeast.
In 2013, Lisa switched gears into the related field of title insurance when she began working for the National Commercial Services division of First American Title Insurance Company in New York as Senior Underwriting Counsel. During her tenure at First American in NYC, she underwrote and closed complex multimillion and billion dollar commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase and sale of hotels, multifamily high rises and apartment complexes, shopping centers, major commercial office buildings, healthcare facilities, energy projects, ski resorts, beach resorts, golf courses, supermarket and convenience store chains and industrial facilities, amongst others. She also underwrote and closed commercial refinancing transactions, construction loans and development projects, HUD transactions, leasehold purchases, equity interest and asset purchases, multisite transactions and 1031 exchanges.
Lisa moved back to Texas with her family in 2017 and continues to serve her clients with Capital Title. Her experience in both private practice and the title industry along with her business background have allowed her to become an accomplished closer who truly understands and can anticipate her client’s needs.
Lisa is a licensed Escrow Officer in the State of Texas and is a current and active member of the Texas Land Title Association, Dallas Bar Association, Texas Bar Association and New York State Bar Association.
Executive Vice President, Commercial Business Development
Brian A. Ficke is a distinguished executive with a career spanning 30 years in the title insurance industry. Since joining Capital Title Commercial in January 2020 as the Executive Vice President of Business Development, Brian has been a driving force in forging strong connections and fostering relationships within the commercial real estate sector.
Brian’s extensive background and deep knowledge of the commercial real estate industry set him apart as a trusted advisor in the field. His wealth of experience enables him to provide valuable insights and solutions to his clients, consistently exceeding their expectations.
Born and raised in Dallas, Brian is a third-generation native of the city, deeply rooted in the community. He is an alumnus of Highland Park High School and The University of Texas at Austin.
In addition to his professional achievements, Brian is an active and engaged member of the community. He is a dedicated member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas and serves as a Board Member for the Momentous Institute and Treasure Street Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Brian also holds the position of Director of the Scholarship Committee for the prestigious Dallas Country Club and is a valued member of the Advisory Council for the Clayton Dabney Foundation.
Outside of his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Brian finds joy in spending quality time with his wife, Leslie, and their three children and four grandchildren. His commitment to his family mirrors his commitment to his work and community—steadfast, passionate, and dedicated.
With his impressive career, extensive community involvement, and deep connections in the commercial real estate industry, Brian A. Ficke is a true pillar of the Dallas community and a respected leader in the title insurance field. His dedication to excellence, both professionally and personally, continues to leave a lasting impact on those he serves and the organizations he supports.
Jennifer’s career is defined by her unwavering commitment to excellence, problem-solving prowess, and passion for delivering exceptional service in the title industry.
Originally from Katy, Texas, Jennifer has made her professional mark in the bustling Dallas area. With over two decades of experience in the title industry, Jennifer’s journey began in commercial lending before she was hand-selected by a fee attorney to join the title sector. Her tenure in the industry has been defined by a consistent track record of successfully navigating complex multi-state/multi-site commercial and residential transactions.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail, unparalleled research skills in curative matters, and unwavering responsiveness, Jennifer has earned a reputation for delivering top-notch service that exceeds expectations. Her ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging issues has become her hallmark.
Jennifer’s educational foundation includes an AAS degree from Blinn College, which laid the groundwork for her illustrious career. She is an active member of the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) and contributes her expertise to the TLTA advisory board, showcasing her commitment to advancing the industry.
Jennifer thrives on problem-solving, a skill she has honed through her paralegal degree, which she passionately applies to researching and resolving complex issues. Her dedication and expertise have garnered recognition within the industry, earning her titles such as MVP and Top Producer.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jennifer finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends. An avid equestrian enthusiast, she can often be found at the barn and horse shows alongside her eldest daughter. Additionally, she embraces the opportunity to unwind at golf tournaments with her youngest daughter, highlighting her love for both family and leisure.
Executive Vice President, Commercial Business Development
Jeff Patman has had a long and successful career in the world of corporate real estate spanning over 20 years. He is recognized for his exceptional ability to serve the diverse needs of clients from all across the nation. His expertise lies in meticulously analyzing market trends and solutions while effectively leading a team that provides outstanding service for all commercial title needs, both in Texas and across the nation. Jeff’s career is distinguished by his disciplined work ethic and a strong commitment to ensuring that each client is well taken care of.
Additionally, Jeff is a member of SIOR, which stands for the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. This is a professional organization that represents individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of industrial and office real estate.
On a personal note, Jeff is a devoted father and husband, emphasizing his commitment to family. He is also a proud graduate of TCU, Texas Christian University, which suggests his dedication to education and personal growth.
Emily Eckeberger is a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Associate who joined Capital Title Commercial in late 2021. Hailing from the bustling city of New York, Emily decided to return to her roots in Dallas, Texas, leaving behind a successful career in corporate recruiting to pursue her passion for connecting individuals and businesses with their perfect match.
From the moment Emily transitioned into her role, it was evident that her knack for identifying the ideal “fit” was a game-changer. Her innate ability to build meaningful connections with people and convert those connections into valuable business opportunities set her apart in the industry.
Born and raised in the heart of Dallas, Emily boasts an extensive network across the metroplex. Her deep-rooted ties to the community, combined with her genuine interest in fostering relationships, have been instrumental in her rapid success within the organization.
Emily’s journey towards excellence began at Texas Tech University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2017. Her academic background, coupled with her natural charisma, laid the foundation for her thriving career in business development.
Outside of the office, Emily is an enthusiastic explorer of the Dallas restaurant scene, always on the hunt for the next culinary gem. She finds solace by casting her fishing line into the serene Texan waters, cherishing moments spent in the company of cherished friends and family. But Emily’s heart truly belongs to her loyal companion, Chonk Norris, her beloved Welsh Corgi, with whom she enjoys playful escapades.
With her unwavering passion for connecting people and her impressive track record of success, Emily Eckeberger continues to make waves in the world of business development, creating opportunities that benefit both individuals and organizations alike.
For over 37 years, Bob Blanshard has been working in the title insurance industry, closing commercial real estate transactions. “I really am lucky to be in a profession that I truly enjoy” says Bob. “Sadly, I know many people who are not happy in their profession, and I recognize that I am one of the fortunate few who is.”
Bob grew up in northeast Arkansas, and, after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas, he served as an instructor pilot for four years while on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Upon his discharge from active duty, he joined the Arkansas Air National Guard and returned to the University obtaining his law degree while working full time as a mortgage loan officer.
Bob’s first job in the title insurance industry was working as an examiner for a national title insurance underwriter. His business acumen was recognized and thus began his career closing commercial transactions. He enjoys the work leading up to a real estate closing and is happiest when he is able to provide the best service for his clients. As a military pilot for 28 years, he likes to find that “smooth air” ensuring that the closings have no surprises and everyone walks away satisfied.
After his five years of active duty service in the Air Force, Bob flew in the Air National Guard with pride and distinction for another 23 years. He served in both Desert Shield and Desert Storm where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. When not working he enjoys playing golf and traveling with his wife, MaryCook.
A proven industry leader coupled with a long standing commitment of exemplary service, Bob is a new and welcome member of the Capital Title of Texas family serving as an Executive VP and Escrow Officer. Bob continues to look for additional business opportunities while striving to offer only the best to his clients and customers.
Senior Vice President, Commercial Business Development
Beau Davis joined Capital Title Commercial in April of 2019 to help build a new commercial team. He has an extensive background as a relationship-cultivating salesperson with a knack for problem-solving.
Beau focuses his efforts on putting his clients together with debt and equity partners, allowing them to develop deals, and get them across the closing table.
Beau pursued a Communications degree at Texas Christian University and still spends a lot of his free time cheering on the Horned Frogs.
Beau resides in Dallas where he is an active member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the Touchdown Club of Dallas, which benefits the Ashford Rise School.
