We the People
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Our People Our Team Our Community Our Legacy
We celebrate an American institution— the spirit of community. Through our innovation, dedication and collaboration, First American has helped millions achieve the American dream of homeownership. We have gone the extra mile and explored new frontiers. Forged new relationships that transformed into lifelong friendships. Built a culture around integrity and trust. For more than a century, we the people of First American have contributed our personal best to accomplish more than we could ever hope to achieve alone.
We hire people we’d invite home to dinner.
Since 1889, First American has been a fundamental part of my family. Today, it is a publicly owned corporation with a place on the New York Stock Exchange and is more than 11,000 people strong. When my greatgrandfather, C.E. Parker, founded the company, there weren’t even that many people living in Orange County. It was his perseverance and sheer
force of will that persuaded the county’s largest landowner, James Irvine, to give First American its first big piece of business. Today, that same company continues to be our largest home-based customer, and I credit this loyalty to one thing—our people. First American has always been about people. My father, Don Kennedy, had
a simple hiring philosophy during his time of leadership at the company—if he liked someone enough to invite him or her home to dinner, he or she was hired. His vision was instrumental in taking the company from a local to a national company, and, eventually, a global one. Despite the highly cyclical nature of our industry,
First American has grown and thrived because of trust—something we have earned over the course of our 125-year history. The company puts our people before everything else, and our people put their loyalty in the company. It is this mutual dedication that has stood the test of time and makes First American a very special place. We’re here for the long haul.
— Parker Kennedy, Chairman, First American Financial Corporation
It was 1889. Grover Cleveland was President, the first issue of The Wall Street Journal hit the streets and Orange County splintered off from Los Angeles to make its own mark on the Southern California map. Two companies sprouted up to serve the growing
real estate needs and one enterprising businessman, C.E. Parker, consolidated them into Orange County Title Company. This was the beginning of what would become one of the nation’s leading title companies— First American.
Today, First American is distinguished by 125 years of service and has more than 600 offices across the country. Our operations offer title insurance, settlement services, property data and analytics, title data and technology, property and
casualty insurance products, home warranty services and many others. Over the years, we have grown organically as well as through strategic acquisitions—always with a focus on broadening services to support our customers.
In the time since First American opened its doors, the automobile replaced the horse and buggy; computers made typewriters obsolete; and the information highway launched a flow of data so profound, it changed the business paradigm forever. The landscape continues to change, as do the products and services of First American.
As one of the leading providers of real estate property data in the nation, we house and protect our comprehensive database in a state-of-the-art facility, designed with multiple redundancy systems and able to withstand an 8.5 magnitude earthquake. Advanced technology enables us to deliver information faster and with greater accuracy.
The integration of analytics imparts greater insights to support business decisions. Yes, we are continually evolving to serve the business objectives of our customers, but
one thing at First American remains steadfast despite the march of time: the integrity of our people.
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We
Care
“Our priorities are employees, customers and shareholders—in that order. That’s why our culture is unique. The way we see it, if we do right by our people, we succeed.” — Dennis Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer, Santa Ana, CA
Caring for one another is as natural as breathing at First American. It means fostering personal and professional growth. Being there for each other in times of crisis. Embracing cultural differences and expanding our understanding of the world around us. We are 11,000+ strong—strong because of the support we are given.
11,000
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Employee Engagement Survey
OUR PEOPLE
Listening and learning At First American, we value the opinions, thoughts and ideas of our employees. On an informal day-to-day basis, as well as through our biannual employee engagement survey, we encourage our people to tell us what we’re getting right and what can be improved upon. Survey responses are anonymous and kept confidential to foster the candid and honest results that make a difference. We celebrate what is working and make action plans for areas of improvement. We are never at rest, and listen to our employees as an investment in our future and our people.
Our engagement survey
has served as a catalyst to gauge the engagement and commitment of our employees. The scores are metrics
that help us measure our areas of strength as well as areas of opportunity.
The progress we’ve made as a company
since our 2011 and 2013 surveys is impressive. We have made significant improvements in the areas of pay and rewards,
communication, benefits, leadership, and
customer focus and competitiveness.
— Mark Rutherford, Head of Human Resources, Santa Ana, CA
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Health & Wellness
OUR PEOPLE
A path to well-being First American is among the few corporations in America that offer a total care system to support each individual’s physical, mental and financial well-being. Programs such as Healthy Steps provide the tools and resources to help our people enjoy a healthier life and cut their health-care costs. The integration of personal health assessments and biometric screenings with our medical plans allows employees to have a holistic view in which to weigh insurance options—enabling improved insights and health-management decisions.
Not many companies
have a dedicated Wellness Program Director, so I’m fortunate
to work on high-level
care strategy and
the development of
programs that can and do make a difference in
people’s lives.
— Julie Johnson, Wellness Program, Santa Ana, CA
2013 was a big year for Chris Poulsen—a career change and major lifestyle changes that led to him losing more than 60 pounds. “I see people I haven’t seen for six to eight months and they say, ‘Oh my gosh, what happened to the rest of you?’”
— Chris Poulsen, Direct Division, Warrenville, IL
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Warm Welcome
OUR PEOPLE
A charter of inclusivity Thomas Jefferson’s famous words from the Declaration of Independence are forever ingrained in the American psyche. Without this mind-set, we would not have such a wealth of talent, skills and personalities inside First American—a testament to the importance of diversity in the makeup of any organization. Woven throughout this rich fabric of people runs a common thread of integrity—a foundational characteristic that drives our company onward and upward.
“I was a cancer survivor—18 months out of the workplace, unsure of my mental acuity and bald. I was scared at every possible level, but First American gave me a chance. I was amazed and relieved at how I was treated. It is one of the best places to work.” — Stephanie Hathaway, Human Resources, Santa Ana, CA
Not all real estate companies are cut from the same cloth, as this new employee will attest. “The ‘First American’ way of doing things and our technology are TOP NOTCH!” — Elizabeth Hamner, Direct Division, Gurnee, IL
Who says you can’t return home? A former First American employee left to pursue new horizons and shared her revelation in an email to customers. “I wanted to let you know I have resigned and secured a Closer position back with First American Title—yes, my ‘old stomping ground.’ First American is a much better fit for me. I really missed the advanced technology, as well as the amazing people I consider my work family.” — Apolonia JnoBaptiste, Direct Division, Westchester, IL
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Eco-Friendly Practices
OUR PEOPLE
Recycle. Reuse. Repurpose. The three “Rs” are something we continually assess across the enterprise. First American has adopted ongoing sustainability practices that evolve as technology advances and we learn more about lessening our corporate carbon footprint. In an outreach effort to our employees, we sponsor periodic EcoFairs that demonstrate how our corporate sustainability practices can extend into the home—helping to further protect and preserve our planet’s resources.
87,755 Pounds of Air Pollution Prevented
4,488 Cubic Yards of Landfill Reduction
1,496 Tons of Paper Material Weight Saved 25,431 Trees Saved
10,471,448 Gallons of Water Saved
2,991,842 Pounds of Paper Recycled
We
Nurture
“Our First American universities and academies are training grounds. It is empowering when you have access to a higher professional path.” — Mark Rutherford, Head of Human Resources, Santa Ana, CA
A rewarding career is all about the journey. Nurturing personal and professional growth. Providing a stimulating and inspiring environment. Doing the right thing for each other and our customers. This is the world of First American. Learning and development programs are a core component of our daily life. They set us apart, enabling us to go above and beyond expectations. Our employees have online access to a broad array of First American universities and academies, each designed to deliver real-time information and training tools for their specific business units.
For individuals whose dedication merits accelerated growth, we offer distinct personal development programs: Emerging Leader Experienced Leader Women In Leadership Advanced Leadership Forum Leadership Boot Camp Internship Program
From those new to our organization to those who have been with us for decades, there is never a stop sign on the road to professional progress.
The only limit is our imagination.
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Emerging Leader
OUR PEOPLE
Coming into your own If you are a dedicated professional with a healthy dose of ambition, access to industry veterans is invaluable. The Emerging Leader program provides our supervisors, managers and directors the opportunity to explore their own leadership style within the First American environment. Nominations come from all around the country, and those selected work with an elite training group facilitated by guest speakers as well as our senior management. Nearly 45% of First American’s eligible employees have participated in this popular program, conducted several times throughout the year.
“It was a powerful, eyeopening experience. I learned so much about myself as a manager…how my style of management impacts others and how to tailor my style and activities to best suit individuals and situations I’m managing. It was one of the most beneficial programs I have ever attended!”
— Russell Carroll, Home Buyers Protection, Santa Rosa, CA
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Experienced Leader
OUR PEOPLE
Translating vision into reality As John F. Kennedy once said: “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.� At First American, we wholeheartedly agree. For those poised to take on a larger role within our organization, we offer the Experienced Leader program. Offered twice annually in conjunction with our academic partner, University of Southern California, the program engages our executives in an intensive workshop focused on building capacity, improving financial management and learning how to know, grow and keep talent.
“First American has consistently continued to invest in my professional development. Programs such as Experienced Leader have provided me with the opportunity to not only network with other leaders, but also to gain a broader perspective of our industry and to continue honing my leadership skills. In addition, the company’s perspective of employee development has encouraged me to develop local programs to further advance the skills of my team. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the First American family…a company with integrity that truly cares about the future success of its employees.” — Janette Waller, Direct Division, Scottsdale, AZ
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Women in Leadership
OUR PEOPLE
Propelling talent forward Within First American are exceptional women who exhibit the qualities of a leader. To ensure their potential is fully realized, our company became a premier partner of the Women in Leadership Institute. The organization provides an immersive learning experience designed to accelerate the development of emerging as well as established executives. At First American, it evolved into an annual program in which our participants actively engage in a yearlong effort, working on solutions to address company-wide initiatives.
Winners of the Passionate Champion Award at the 2013 Women in Leadership Institute.
“When the scope of my responsibility broadened within the company, there was a buzz amongst our female population. It struck me that we needed a way to advance women in our company. With the help of Human Resources, we found the right partner in the Women In Leadership Institute. Our company is very supportive—a wonderful place for women to work, and I would stack First American against any of our industry peers.” — Sally French Tyler, EVP, Division President, National Commercial Services, Atlanta, GA
“I have worked here for 17 years and did not realize how large our company truly was or how small my view was until I was able to spend time with these amazing leaders. Being in their space and learning from them proves that iron really does sharpen iron.” — Ana Villela-Murillo, National Production Services, Scottsdale, AZ
% of the First American workforce is female.
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Advanced Leadership Forum
OUR PEOPLE
Solving the big issues Seasoned industry veterans have a wealth of experience and knowledge they can contribute to the larger issues that face a corporation. The Advanced Leadership Forum is a meeting of the minds, exposing a handful of senior management to the enterprise-wide opportunities and challenges that face First American. The annual program is moderated by our CEO and a member of the USC faculty.
“What separates First American from other companies is the amount of time the executive staff invests in our leadership programs. The Advanced Leadership Forum is a great example. Thanks to the participation of our CEO Dennis Gilmore and our USC partners, the newest tool in our leadership box is the lens of perspective through which we can examine difficult strategic challenges.” — Nicole Thompson, National Commercial Services, Atlanta, GA
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Leadership Boot Camp
OUR TEAM
OUR PEOPLE
Taking that first step How does one become a leader? The First American Leadership Boot Camp not only opens the door to opportunity, it throws it wide open. Twice annually, managers may select employees demonstrating leadership potential to attend the coveted yet grueling weeklong series of workshops. The program is structured to advance skill sets that cover critical thinking, strategic analysis, process comprehension and successful implementation. Participants at the Seattle, Washington, event appreciate the Emerald City’s obsession with coffee and ready access to the brew as they complete the detailed research, all-night preparation and presentation of the championship challenge. Like anything of great value, the hardship of Leadership Boot Camp is worth the effort.
“The setting was intense and extremely motivating… so much to take in and so much to gain in a supportive environment with colleagues I respect and admire. The challenging boot camp consisted of in-depth leadership skill exercises, business case studies and informative education on our
company and our systems. The speakers and panels brought applicable value to my current role and the role I hope to grow into… beneficial information I have used daily since graduating. I sincerely appreciate this investment in my future… one that I felt very privileged to experience.”
— Dan Tift, Direct Division, Seattle, WA
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Internship Program
OUR PEOPLE
A Smart Start In the summer months, First American sees a whole new crop of fresh faces, thanks to our robust Summer Internship Program. Developed to bridge the talent gap and create entry-level opportunities for college students, it is a firsthand glimpse of what it is like to work for a large public corporation. Interns experience a new-hire orientation, enjoy Lunch-and-Learns with key executives, and attend educational presentations. Those who successfully complete the program may be considered for a Smart Start rotational assignment or a regular opening with the company.
“I had just completed my second year of law school and was looking forward to learning about legal challenges facing large companies. During my internship, I was continuously given challenging work and the autonomy to push myself and make mistakes. At the close of the internship, I chose to pursue full-time employment with First American because I believed that this was a place where I could have a fulfilling and challenging career. In one week, I’ll have my two-year anniversary and, so far, my experience has exceeded my expectations.” — Adam Schlesinger, National Commercial Services, Los Angeles, CA
“The internship program here at First American provided me with countless learning opportunities, while also providing valuable real-world experience. Being an intern in the IT department exposed me to the different areas in which I can potentially start my career. I’m grateful to have been a part of such a program where I was able to network with a diverse group of people who I now work with today.” — Daisy Hsiung, Information Technology, Santa Ana, CA
We
Honor
“The longer you’re here, you reach a point where you’re committed to something bigger than you. First American is a special place. Special in people and spirit.” — Chris Leavell, Chief Operating Officer, First American Title Insurance Company, Santa Ana, CA
the american
dream
is something in which everyone who works at First American is 100% invested. We have been helping people achieve homeownership for more than a century, and this rich heritage instills a deep sense of commitment to do the right thing by our customers and partners. Honoring those employees who excel, go the extra mile or make a difference, is a natural extension of who we are and what we believe in.
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DPK Circle of Excellence
OUR PEOPLE
Commitment has its rewards If there is one person in the company’s history whose achievements are legendary, it is Donald P. Kennedy. In honor of his legacy, the DPK Circle of Excellence program was established to recognize the outstanding performance of our Sales and Escrow employees. It is First American’s great honor to celebrate and reward their accomplishments.
“I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my fellow NCS colleagues as well as many of my accomplished colleagues throughout the company. You really made everyone feel so appreciated. Thank you for your support throughout the years.” — Jill Sharif, National Commercial Services, Boston, MA
“I was both stunned and flattered by the entire event…and honored to be in the presence of such a high-achieving group of colleagues. Looking around me more than once the last couple of days, I thought to myself: What a great group of people.” — Brian Lobuts, National Commercial Services, Washington, DC
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DPK Circle of Excellence
OUR PEOPLE
Memories in the making The 2013 group of honorees and their significant others flew in from all parts of the country to the beautiful La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs, California. They had the opportunity to meet each other as well as the entire executive management team—many for the very first time—and enjoyed a memorable and festive celebration that has since been designated an annual event.
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First American Recognition
OUR PEOPLE
Our best foot forward Pride in our work is rewarded in many forms. It might come as a thank you from a customer or a high-five from a team member. We realize there are many moments of greatness in a workday that do not necessarily make it to an awards ceremony. That is why we introduced the First American Recognition program. It empowers managers and peers to recognize an employee’s hard work and dedication whenever the occasion presents itself. Recognition points earned may be redeemed for prizes, gift cards and a wide assortment of products and services through retail websites.
“To me, the FA Recognition points are an awesome and versatile way to have my hard work and efforts recognized. FA points give the employee an opportunity to pick exactly what it is they want or need – from vacations to groceries. It’s an additional way that First American can show its appreciation to individual employees for going above and beyond.” — Rachel Abravaya, Home Buyers Protection, Santa Rosa, CA
“The FA Recognition program works so well because it operates on the premise that employees like to be recognized, and that employees also like choice. When a benefit such as the recognition program affects the way employees think about their work and the value they bring to First American, a true ‘winwin’ outcome is achieved, elevating individual and organizational performance to ‘world class’ levels.” — Jennifer Thomsen-Velez, Home Buyers Protection, Santa Rosa, CA
We
Celebrate
“Our department makes it a priority to coordinate activities such as potlucks and contests. These activities are a great opportunity to mingle with co-workers you might not interact with regularly. Employees really get into the spirit of the event, which serves as great team building.” — Agnes Morgan, Mortgage Services, Santa Ana, CA
“Celebrating the employee is key at First American. Our creative office celebrations are a signature part of working here, and our department is known for providing fun opportunities to interact and build rapport with our colleagues.” — Alejandra Cedillo, Mortgage Services, Santa Ana, CA
Community spirit is a full-time resident at First American, finding its way into offices, lunchrooms, lawns and even the occasional parking lot. Employee Recognition Committees have been formed to solicit ideas and feedback regarding uplifting activities to boost morale and employee appreciation.
In First American offices across the nation, this esprit de corps has resulted in festive internal gatherings, industry event participation and
”The Best Places To Work”
distinction at 14 different locations—a distinction that makes us incredibly proud.
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The Spirit of Inspiration
OUR PEOPLE
Fun goes a long way It is said that the little things in life add up to the moments that matter the most. We have a lot of those moments at First American. The Summer Potluck where everyone got acquainted with one another and shared food, stories and laughs. The Independence Day Pizza Celebration (otherwise known as the “anti-BBQ�) and the hilarious End of Summer Ice Cream Dash. From Halloween costume contests to Pie Day and Winter Olympic Challenges, we are always ready and willing to raise the bar in the pursuit of happiness.
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Best Places to Work
OUR PEOPLE
Striking the right balance Americans are blessed with the freedom to pursue their profession—whatever and wherever they decide it to be. When they choose First American, we know we are doing something right. In 2013 alone, the company garnered more than 12 awards across the country, distinguishing our branches as “A Best Place to Work.” It is cause for celebration, knowing we have successfully balanced professionalism with community—making work a joy instead of a chore.
“Best Places to Work” Awards in 2013
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Industry Health & Gatherings Wellness
OUR PEOPLE
Think pink To Work headline here Best Places As our ipsum industry evolves, we are right there with it, elit, sed do Lorem dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing staying the forefront Over the years, eiusmodat tempor incididuntofutchange. labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad we have participated in hundreds of industry minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamcoevents laboris nisi ut aliquip as as sponsored some gatherings neardolor and dear ex well ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure in reprehenderit in to our collective heart. notable occasion was voluptate velit esse cillumOne dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur the Partycupidatat held in Washington, sint Pink occaecat non proident,D.C. sunt It in coincided culpa qui officia deserunt with Mortgage Banker Association’s 100th Annual mollitthe anim id est laborum. Conference, and clients, vendors and prospects arrived wearing pink to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The evening culminated with First American donating $50,000 to the Susan G. Komen organization’s Passionately Pink fundraiser to help further its work.
50,000
$
was raised for the Susan G. Komen organization’s Passionately Pink fundraiser.
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We
Connect
“It’s important for a company to have complete alignment from top to bottom. We have a singlemindedness of purpose.” — George Livermore, EVP, Division President, Database Solutions, Santa Ana, CA
We are
one
First American. It goes without saying that good communication is essential for any organization to successfully advance its business goals and objectives. It also has an equally important role—to connect us at a human level. In our
ongoing quest to care for our at-large community, First American is harnessing technology to bring us closer together. Hitting the road for face-to-face meetings with employees, customers and vendors. Supporting each other in good times and bad.
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FALive
OUR TEAM
A lively hub In 2012, First American launched its new employee portal, FALive. The goal was to provide a central gathering place where employees from all over the country could connect and collaborate with one another, tune in to company updates, continue their education and training, as well as post ideas. Unbeknownst to us all, it would also launch a group of dedicated blogging enthusiasts whose posts are now as much a part of our daily lives as that first cup of coffee in the morning.
“FALive gives us access to give our opinions and learn from some of the best minds in the business.” — Laurel Good, Direct Division, Orlando, FL
As of this writing, there are nearly:
global registered users
blogs
spaces primarily representing divisions
groups composed of de
Transparent and accessible to all, FALive has become an integral component of First American life. partments and teams
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Quarterly Employee Update
OUR TEAM
Direct from the CEO Promoting transparency and knowledge about the company’s earnings and progress, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gilmore hosts a live company update every quarter. Thousands of employees tune in nationwide and are encouraged to submit their questions via the company portal, FALive, all of which are answered during the live event or afterward. In between updates, his blog posts address a wide range of topical subjects, ranging from benefit programs and organizational changes to accolades and awards. Listening. Learning. Empowering. If there is a secret sauce, this is it.
We treat people fairly. If we do right by them, These words from Chief Executive Officer Dennis Gilmore speak volumes about the culture of First American.
64 00 SECTION NAME OUR TEAM
Office Hours with Chris
The virtual town hall It is a rare day when a corporation’s Chief Operating Officer is personally recognized and known by thousands of its employees. Yet that is the case at First American. In one move, Chris Leavell opened the lines of communication by taking on a new role—prolific FALive champion. His live, one-hour Web chat called “Office Hours with Chris” is an employee’s direct line of communication to the executive management team. Broadcasts include a co-host from a rotating roster of senior executives, and discussions revolve around key initiatives, best practices and performance.
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Friendly Rivalry
OUR TEAM
Closing the distance Major national sporting events bring out the pride in all of us, and the First American offices of Washington and Colorado were no exception during the 2014 Super Bowl. The Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos were set to battle it out, and a flurry of posts on FALive promised victory for the regions’ respective teams. Not surprisingly, a bet ensued. The portal experienced more than 2,300 views as employees tuned in to monitor the spirited rivalry. In the end, the Broncos lost and Lynn Donner, State Manager VP of Colorado, and her team reached across the geographic divide and paid up with a congratulatory video to the opposing team— demonstrating that FALive connects our people on all sorts of playing fields.
We
Inspire
“First American grew from a family-grown, locally based company to a global enterprise; yet, it has maintained a familial culture. That’s what a lot of companies lose along the way. Our Chairman and CEO know people by name…know their families. It’s a personal place to work. Our ongoing challenge is maintaining that energy and synergy.” — Sally French Tyler, EVP, Division President, National Commercial Services, Atlanta, GA
Passion for our work, our people and our customers is what drives us to achieve great things. The trick is channeling it in constructive ways to further our growth—both as individuals and as a company. At First American, we have an abundance of expertise and goodwill that resides at every level, helping us to achieve our individual and corporate aspirations. Although there is no one thing that motivates all, we all are united by one key factor—the enthusiasm of a company that cares. Throughout the year, we are inspired by gold nuggets of know-how shared by seasoned industry veterans, motivational programs, public acknowledgements and
the occasional unexpected “Shout Out.”
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Two Minutes on Title
OUR TEAM
A blogging phenom “Who owns the beach?” This was one of the recent questions that John Hollenbeck, Corporate Business Director, Title Administration, posed in his highly popular blog, “Two Minutes on Title.” The longtime industry veteran had grappled with how to impart training and wisdom to the First American title community in a rapidly changing real estate market. With some skepticism, he decided to dip his toe in the proverbial water of social media and posted a few blogs on the newly launched company portal. To his surprise, they sparked an avalanche of interest and enthusiasm, and he has been blogging ever since. Today, “Two Minutes on Title” is a point of pride for this industry veteran who has served First American for more than three decades.
“ I’ve been witness to a tremendous amount of things over the years, and I realized I could give our people access to that knowledge through FALive.” — John Hollenbeck, EVP, Corporate Business Director, Title Administration, Santa Ana, CA
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Breakfast with Kevin
OUR TEAM
Power to the people President of Mortgage Services, Kevin Wall, is engaged in a ground attack. At least, that is what he informally calls his employee breakfast program. An advocate of bottom-up empowerment versus trickle-down management, he hosts regularly scheduled breakfasts where employees are invited to pitch ideas, expound on challenges and offer solutions. They leave with the authority to move forward and execute on a plan of action. “Breakfast with Kevin� has not only opened the door to a wealth of possibilities for employees, it provides a compass to get there.
“Kevin Wall’s
Breakfast Club provided me with a transparent vision of our company’s leadership and outlook. It was a meaningful one-on-one breakfast with our division leader, who allowed us to share stories and take part in understanding our importance amongst our peers. It helped me become more motivated, knowing we each play a huge role in the success and future of this company. We are all very different and diverse, yet we share similar goals.”
— Iliberto Franco, Mortgage Services, Santa Ana, CA
Hit the Streets
“Back in 2008, the real estate market was at a very dark stage and most of the people in the business were scared and depressed. I bought a cheap camera, plopped it on top of my computer screen and started writing, memorizing and taping a message each week. I decided to be a lamp for those who walk in darkness by demonstrating through my videos that the personal choice to be happy, successful and hopeful is stronger than any market.” — Kim Dickey, Direct Division, Largo, FL
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Peer-to-Peer Awards
OUR TEAM
Kudos all around From coast to coast and all points in-between, First American employees take the time to recognize those who go the extra mile, burn the midnight oil and come through in a pinch. It might come by way of a Peer-toPeer Award, official awards certificate, comical bobblehead pin or even a “shout out” from our CEO himself. Being surrounded by those who are inspired to shine makes us all shine—and for that we are thankful.
“The GEM Recognition Program is designed to discover those people who Go the Extra Mile. Employees are awarded a GEM certificate…and are recognized on the public boards in our office and often on FALive as part of our blog.” — Ashleigh Wallach, Professional Real Estate Services, Irving, TX
“What started off as a simple customer survey to rate our service has turned into an opportunity to recognize our employees for stellar service. We send a thank you email to the customers, and the survey is forwarded to the escrow staffer being recognized as well as his/her manager. The staffer truly appreciates knowing their hard work is valued by their clients and managers.” — Rebecca Vesconte, Direct Division, Overland Park, KS
Every quarter, First American presents a person or business unit with the Jane Kennedy Spirit Award. Jane Kennedy was a First American employee who shined her light on everyone in her path until she lost her battle with cancer. Each award is uniquely handmade of blue and red glass and speaks to the real meaning of spirit.
We
Support
“If you believe the story, my former boss traded me to Parker Kennedy for a box of pens. I was a young corporate attorney with a law firm in Los Angeles and First American was my client. Parker saw promise in me and opened the door to a different future. It’s because of him that I’m where I am today.” — Kenneth DeGiorgio, EVP, Corporate General Counsel, Santa Ana, CA
A company is only as good as the people who support it, so it is only natural that the company supports those people. Such is the way at First American. We are not chained to traditional notions that stymie progress or inhibit opportunity. Instead, we place greater value on honesty, authenticity, imagination and dedication. We support colleagues in times of need. And we remember those whose bright light has been extinguished.
Our people
are our company.
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Heels in Rochester
OUR TEAM
Looking out for our customers Sandy Wich was going about a normal workday when she got a call from a customer in a jam. The customer, a listing broker, was in the midst of prepping files for a closing and her copier had just broken down. Needing to impress the buyer’s broker with a smooth transaction, she called and asked Sandy if she could pick up the paperwork, take it to her office for copying and return it—all without using her car. A strange request, until Sandy learned that the other broker was also a First American client and would recognize her. Although it was a far-reaching request, Sandy ran out the door, down the two blocks there and back (twice!), delivering the copied files undetected, out of breath and in heels.
You have to go above and beyond for your
customers. I try to set a
good example. To this day, the listing broker sends and refers all of her business to First American, thanks to Sandy who said, “I know how much running a sharp business means to her and didn’t want to let her down. If it had been snowing, I’d have done the same thing.”
— Sandy Wich, Direct Division, Rochester, MI
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Lending a Hand
OUR TEAM
Help on the homefront Ask Allison Hill and she will tell you that good things happen in threes. She and her husband welcomed their first child in March, bought a new house in June and put their old house on the market in July. It was the fourth thing that sent her world into a tailspin. Her neighbor was denying potential buyers access to the property she was selling, citing a dispute over easement ownership. First American‘s state legal counsel stepped in and wrote three separate letters to the neighbor explaining the legal rights to the property while the Oregon state manager stayed in constant contact with Allison to calm her worries. Litigation turned out to be unnecessary and the matter was resolved civilly, thanks to a helping hand.
“I already knew I worked for a great company, but this experience really brought home for me how much First American’s leadership cares about their employees and doing right by them!” — Allison Hill, Human Resources, Lake Oswego, OR
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, employees in the Florida Panhandle office opened their doors and their homes to those First American employees in New Orleans who were left homeless amongst the wreckage of the worst natural disaster ever to hit the region. Across the nation, First American branches collectively raised more than
We’ve got your back. $500,000, which the company matched dollar-for-dollar, totaling more than $1.1 million to help provide food, clothing and other basic assistance. Our Canadian family pitched in as well, shipping in a truckload of clothing. During the recovery effort, First American ensured that none of the affected employees went without a paycheck.
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Memories Live On
OUR TEAM
Beans for a cure Every now and then, we are graced with special people in our lives who leave an indelible impression. One such person was Grae L. Bean. A member of our escrow operations in Seattle, Washington, she succumbed to cancer just days before an American Cancer Society Run in 2010. Since then, hundreds of contributions have poured in from colleagues supporting “Beans for a Cure.� These events range from jeans days and pie-eating contests to Relay for Life runs and special breakfasts. In honor of Grae, proceeds, which to date have exceeded $100,000, go to fight against cancer.
“Being a long-term board member and past president of the Anchorage YMCA, I jumped at the opportunity to raise money for such a great charity. Having no experience at rappelling, Deb and I enlisted a Navy Seal to give us some basic training at a local rock gym. It was more fun than we anticipated. It is fabulous when you can be involved in your community and have fun at the same time.”
7,200 pounds of apples — Terry Bryan, Direct Division, Anchorage, AK
one hundred
thousand
dollars
raised
That is how much was collected by the offices of Santa Rosa, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, collectively for the Food Bank in 2014. It helped to serve over 1,800 seniors and their families in those communities.
Adrenaline Rush The Anchorage, Alaska, office raised money for the local YMCA by sponsoring a “Toss the Boss” event. VP and State Manager Terry Bryan and Operations Manager Deborah Moore braved the winds from the JL Tower in Downtown, where they successfully rappelled from the roof. Phew!
84
We
Volunteer
“We were able to help out with the homeless shelter over the Christmas holiday, and we are looking forward to participating in the Habitat for Humanity home in the spring and the ‘Paint Your Heart Out’ program in the fall. I am so excited that First American supports employee participation where needed in our communities.” — Barbara Dumas, Direct Division, South Jordan, UT
The giving of our time to help others can be immensely rewarding. It grounds us. Connects us to neighbors, community and, sometimes, complete strangers. It reminds us of our own good fortune and instills the desire to do more for those less fortunate. Our efforts span from local to global—wherever there is a need we can fill.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. — Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
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Relief From All Corners
OUR COMMUNITY
Going the distance We have a genuine concern when natural disasters hit close to home, and that could be just about anywhere in the U.S. When an EF5 tornado cut a terrifying path through Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, our office was there to help local Realtors with a food drive to help area residents. Within hours of the Oso, Washington, mudslide tragedy, a call for donations was up on our intranet, FALive. Even those who live beyond our shores feel the outpouring of care from our people. The Natural Hazards Disclosures Group, along with our customers, raised over $18,000 to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Although we may be miles apart, the distance is never too great to reach out and lend a hand.
Mudslides – Oso, Washington
Typhoon Haiyan – the Philippines
Tornado – Joplin, Missouri
90
Making a Difference
OUR COMMUNITY
A proactive approach Flying high on a swing. Scooting down a slide. Mastering the jungle gym. We all remember the sheer joy of these carefree activities. In some parts of the world, however, playgrounds are nonexistent. First American has been helping to change that by volunteering with Kids Around The World (KATW), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families affected by poverty, war, illness and natural disasters. Between the efforts of our Database Solutions and Home Buyers Protection business units, children in parts of El Salvador and Africa now have access to that sweet bliss we know and love:  a playground.
Helping others NCS Minneapolis provides and serves monthly dinners to more than 150 people at the Open Hands Midway event.
$
10,617
First American received the “2013 Phoenix Most Funds Raised Friends/Family Award” for raising $10,617 for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.
We
Partner
“This was such a great experience and I was thrilled to be a part of it! I got very good at using a hammer by the end of the day (at least compared to how I was at the beginning!).” abitat for Humanity Build H Participant – June 12, 2013
— Ann Brogden, Information Technology, Santa Ana, CA
Fostering fellowship and goodwill is part of the First American way. We engage in partnerships and affiliations where our corporate family can make a positive impact for the greater good. Through the power of caring. Through the power of people. By combining our voices and hands together in one unified effort, we can do so much more.
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Habitat For Humanity
OUR COMMUNITY
Building a brighter future Habitat For Humanity’s vision is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” As a company dedicated to making the American Dream a reality, we are behind this mission 100% and applaud Habitat For Humanity’s building and repairing of more than 800,000 houses and serving over four million people worldwide. For our part, First American sponsors “Team Build”—events that support the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive one paid day when they take part in a company-sponsored Habitat build—hammering, painting and installing what will, in essence, become a new life for a deserving family.
156,000 Amount donated by First American to Habitat For Humanity (2012–2013)
dollars
“We had the opportunity to prefabricate a casita for an impoverished family only 3 ½ hours away in Ensenada, Mexico.” — Tanaka Axberg, Information Technology, Santa Ana, CA
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A
Tribute
“My Dad cared about people…had a great touch with employees and with customers. He wasn’t afraid to make mistakes and didn’t make many.” — Parker Kennedy,
Chairman, First American Financial Corporation
Over the past 125 years,
First American
has been a steward of business growth, cultural arts and the
advancement of education,
thanks in large part to our Chairman Emeritus, Donald P. Kennedy. A lifelong philanthropist and patron of the arts, he served as past chairman of the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts as well as on the boards of South Coast Repertory and the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art. His contributions to education are no less impressive, and his support for the creation of the Chapman University
School of Law lives on with the Donald P. Kennedy Hall named in his honor. In 1999, Orange Coast magazine dubbed him “Man of the Century� for the indelible mark he made on Orange County and the company he was instrumental in growing. His passing in 2012 marked a farewell to the man, but his legacy lives on in a company that continues to reflect his spirit, goodwill and love of people.
“We do what we do because we want to have a full experience in life— spiritual, mental, physical. This company values quality of life and allows for that. There’s a trust here.” — Larry Davidson, Division President, Specialized Groups
The roots of long-held traditions hold us firm…and the wings of bright, innovative minds expand our horizons. Our employees stand together through thick and thin, and we stand behind them. Continuing growth and innovation. Adapting to industry changes and regulations. Creating a desirable place to thrive.
The future is a bright place when
you have one
community wholeheartedly
committed to
one another.
Simply put, we
do what’s right.
As individuals, we
are empowered.
As a team, we
are accountable.
As a people,
we are one.
One First
American
the pursuit of Happiness This is a story about people coming together to create something bigger than themselves —a great place to work, grow and prosper.