info@leadingedgetitle.com (248) 352-0022

Meet the Team

Leading Edge Title Agency was formed by top industry professionals. Their diverse backgrounds encompass real estate, mortgage lending and title insurance. We came together with one goal in mind, to provide outstanding title insurance services specially tailored to meet the different needs of every type of client. Our wide range of experience means we know what is needed to make every transaction a successful one.

We understand that people are the key to any great company, and we are proud of our team of professionals. Collectively, our management has over 150 years of industry experience. Our underwriting is provided by companies nationally recognized for their commitment to technology and expertise in the industry.  

Our affiliation with them, as well as the American Land Title Association and Michigan Land Title Association, allows us to provide continuing education to our staff regarding current issues facing our industry. At Leading Edge Title, you can always count on receiving expert service from a trained professional.  

Our Staff

Kara Gresser
President - Owner

(248) 352-0022 x: 201 kgresser@leadingedgetitle.com

Kara began working in the title industry in 1988 and quickly realized it was something she was passionate about. Kara has worked every aspect of this industry and in 2001 she obtained her Title Producers License. In 2013 Kara decided to open her own title company – Leading Edge Title; a 100% female-owned company. Her goal was to run a company that would provide agents and lenders the customer service they deserve, while also making the work environment relaxed and enjoyable for her employees. Even though this was a huge leap for Kara, both professionally and personally, Leading Edge has become one of the biggest accomplishments in her life. She brings a breath of fresh air to the staff with her wit and fun personality and she has succeeded in making the environment an enjoyable place to work while integrating a family atmosphere throughout the office. Under Kara’s direction, Leading Edge Title is successful, thriving and growing daily.
Jean Smith
Vice President - Operations

(248) 352-0022 x: 204 jsmith@leadingedgetitle.com

In 1997, Jean started working in the title industry as an Escrow Processor where she quickly learned how to fund and post-close. Jean’s background in reconcile management and disbursing helped her become an Escrow Supervisor where she helped organize and structure an entire escrow department before being promoted to Escrow Manager. With that experience under her belt, it was easy for Jean to make the transition to Funding Manager where she handled the day-to-day escrow accounts and post-closing issues, along with file and check balancing. In 2015, Jean was offered a position where she could use both her escrow and funding management skills as the Vice President of Leading Edge Title. Because of her extensive background in this industry, Jean brings ample knowledge to her Vice President role and she is helping each department grow within the company while also following compliance. Resident Producer License #: 0342744
Kristie Higgins
Office Manager & Title Manager

(248) 352-0022 x: 203 khiggins@leadingedgetitle.com

Kris has been in the title industry for 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the title aspects of this business. Kris started at Metropolitan Title in the 1990’s as a Final Policy liaison but was quickly moved to Abstracting and Examining and has been doing that ever since. She has her Michigan State Resident Producer License and also her Michigan Notary, which allows her to notarize any documents in the State of Michigan. Kris was Leading Edge Title’s first employee when they opened in 2013. Over the years she has advanced her abstracting and examination skills, she has grown professionally and personally and she has become the Office and Title Managers. Kris has long term goals, not only for herself, but for Leading Edge Title; as a member of the leadership team, she looks forward to seeing the company grow and makes it a daily priority to turn that goal into a reality! Resident Producer License #: 0406782
Adam Meadows
Vice President - Client Relations

Cell: (248) 894-6951 or (248) 352-0022 x: 213 ameadows@leadingedgetitle.com

Adam brings years of knowledge and experience to Leading Edge Title. He started in the industry as a switch board operator for a law firm back in 2003. Since then he has worked for both the law side and title side of this industry. For title specifically Adam has processed, closed, disbursed, managed escrow and in 2014 started managing sales and marketing for local title companies. His passion is marketing, sales and compliance but Adam also stays active in Escrow to ensure he can best support his clients! Resident Producer License #: 0443694
Rob Brownlie
Director of External Sales

Cell: (586) 612-0236 rbrownlie@leadingedgetitle.com

Rob is Leading Edge Title’s Director of External Sales. When joining our team 4 years ago he came to us with over 30 years’ experience in sales and management. Most of Rob’s professional background is in the mortgage and banking industry; he specialized in account development, sales management and mortgage lending, all of which helped make his transition to title very natural. Along with being an Account Executive, Rob is also a licensed title producer, a member of GMAR and a member of MMLA. Resident Producer License #: 0514447
McKenna Leinenger
Escrow Supervisor

(248) 352-0022 x: 210 mleinenger@leadingedgetitle.com

McKenna is an escrow processor and notary public with Leading Edge Title. Her previous background in event planning and customer service provided the perfect foundation for her to give our clients the service they want and deserve. Although McKenna started as a receptionist, her attention to detail and quick learning skills were noticed right away, and within 3 weeks of her start date she moved into our escrow department. In addition to processing, McKenna is also experienced in scheduling, disbursing, closing and recently promoted to Escrow Supervisor.
Patty Abbott
Receptionist

(248) 352-0022 x: 299 pabbott@leadingedgetitle.com

Patty began working at Leading Edge Title in October of 2016 as our receptionist. She brings over 20 years office experience to the company. Patty is a prompt, reliable team player with strong organization skills and a close eye for detail. With her background as a litigation assistant and specializing in mediation and foreclosures, Patty has learned how to multitask and effectively communicate in a fast-paced work environment.
Lloyd Williams
Escrow Pre-closing

(248) 352 - 0022 ext 217 lwilliams@leadingedgetitle.com

Lloyd is one of Leading Edge Title's newer employees and although he's brand new to the title industry, he's a fast learner who brings strong communication skills to the company. Lloyd is currently enrolled in college working towards his bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Information Technology. When Lloyd isn't at work or in school, he trains leader dogs for the blind, and also enjoys playing his guitar and hiking.
Heather Brough
Escrow Pre-closing

(248) 352 - 0022 ext 202 hbrough@leadingedgetitle.com

Heather is relatively new to both Leading Edge Title and the title industry. She started as a receptionist and rapidly advanced to the escrow department. Heather is friendly, determined, dedicated and a fast learner, all of which helped her fit right in with our team. In her free time, Heather enjoys riding horses, golfing and spending time with her husband, daughter, stepson and lazy French Bulldog, Max.
Melissa Maisano
Licensed Escrow Processor

(248) 352-0022 x: 219 mmaisano@leadingedgetitle.com

Melissa is a licensed title producer who has been working in the title industry since 2001. She began her career as a receptionist but with her attention to detail, and her desire to learn, she quickly moved into an escrow position and is now one of the most sought out escrow processors in the industry. With extensive knowledge in title clearance, escrow training, processing, disbursing, and final policy preparation, Melissa is a huge asset to the Leading Edge team! Resident Producer License #: 0827310
Kathy Williams
Escrow Processor

(248) 352-0022 x: 209 kwilliams@leadingedgetitle.com

Kathy has over 25 years’ experience in both the mortgage and title industries. She started as a receptionist then moved on to mortgage servicing, shipping and closing. When Kathy transferred from the mortgage business to title she became a pre-processor before settling into her current position as a full-time escrow processor. In her free time, Kathy enjoys outdoor gardening and baking for her family.
Janice Kight
Escrow Processor

(248) 352 - 0022 ext 207 janice@leadingedgetitle.com

Janice brings a wealth of acknowledge to Leading Edge Title Agency, she has 18+ years within the business. She started in the industry in foreclosing department then moved in to the REO part of the business and now moved into processing department. When Janice is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and 3 amazing dogs, she also enjoys, writing, painting and crafting.
Amirah Allison
Senior Account Representative & Closing Agent

Amirahs been working in the title industry for the past 4 years and has been a closer for the last 2. Going to work every day is a wonderful new journey for Amirah. She enjoys being a closer because she gets to meet new people every day. In her free time, Amirah loves to spend time with her two daughters; whether its taking them shopping, going to the park or just staying at home for family night, she cherishes every minute shes with them.
Ryce Akins
Senior Closer

Ryce holds a degree in Interior Design along with both his Title Producer license and Real Estate license. With his knowledge and experience in both industries, Leading Edge Title is excited to have him as a closer. Ryce enjoys spending time with his family and two Chihuahuas, who you may see around our office, if you stop in. Resident Producer License #:0844673
Tamineek Vermillion
Junior Examiner

(248) 352-0022 x: 218 tvermillion@leadingedgetitle.com

Tamineek comes to Leading Edge Title with 18+ years in the title business. She started off as a receptionist and was quickly taught to be a typist and title abstractor. Tamineek was recently promoted to Junior Examiner and looks forward to her growth in this new position. Tamineek cannot get enough of the yellow sun, she very much enjoys the outdoors and she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Pat Markes
Title Specialist

(248) 352-0022 x: 200 pmarkes@leadingedgetitle.com

Pat has been working in the title industry since 2001 and is one of Leading Edge’s title specialists. Her primary focus is order entry and customer service but she is also well-versed in title clearance, examining and even processing. Prior to working in title, Pat spent over a decade in banking, she volunteered at the schools, and she was a Brownie leader. Outside of work, Pat enjoys sewing, shopping and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cecily Hatter
Title Specialist

(248) 352-0022 x: 211 chatter@leadingedgetitle.com

Cecily has been working in title for 15 years and is currently one of our title specialists. Prior to her employment at Leading Edge Title, Cecily worked at General Motors in their payroll and pension benefits departments; she also attended Oakland Community College where she studied nursing. Outside of work, Cecily enjoys shopping and spending time with her 3- and 13-year-old sons.
Katie Smith
Post Closing/Funding

(248) 352-0022 x: 212 ksmith@leadingedgetitle.com

Katie runs Leading Edges funding and post-closing departments. She has an extensive background in accounting, reconciling, disbursing, recording and final policies. Katie is currently attending Oakland Community College and is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. In her free time, Katie enjoys playing with off-road toys such as quads and dirt bikes.
John D'Amico
Post Closing & Final Policy

(248) 352 - 0022 ext 216 john@leadingedgetitle.com

John began working at Leading Edge Title in July of 2018. He is part of the escrow department where he specializes in post-closing, final policies and escrow releases. John graduated from Oakland Community College in 2015 with a degree in Criminal Justice and in his spare time John is a Martial Arts Instructor.

Our Offices

Leading Edge Title Agency

37000 Grand River Ave., Ste. 100, Farmington Hills
, MI 48335
(248) 352-0022