Don Kipps, Branch Manager and Settlement Attorney at Highland Title + Escrow’s McLean office, is the focus of this month’s employee spotlight. The Highland Title + Escrow team enjoys sharing information about the people who make their company successful and ensure a positive settlement experience. Let’s shine the spotlight on Don Kipps.
Don was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia. After graduating from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 1983, he attended law school at George Washington University. For the next few years, he worked in a small law office that handled real estate transactions. That’s when he fell in love with the title business and left his small law office to start his real estate settlement practice in Falls Church. He led his practice for 20 years before joining Mike McFarlane at Highland Title in 2012.
Don’s decision to join Highland Title + Escrow was influenced by Mike’s reputation as an excellent attorney. Having crossed paths with Mike over the years, he recognized Mike’s knowledge and expertise in the title industry, in addition to the caring, supportive, close-knit work culture Mike had established at Highland Title. These observations and experiences made Don’s choice to become part of the team easy.
After his years in a small office, Don found a great advantage to having a team of knowledgeable professionals as coworkers to bounce ideas and concerns off of. He had heard others talking about having an extended work family. Still, it wasn’t until he found the solid and supportive team of caring people at Highland Title that he got to experience it for himself.
Like most title professionals, each of Don’s work days is different. He spends his days talking with agents and clients and answering questions while addressing issues with upcoming closings. He also reviews title work, answers questions from coworkers and gives guidance. Still, he admits the best part of any day is sitting in the conference room conducting real estate settlements.
Don truly enjoys being a part of a milestone in people’s lives. Every time he sees the buyers’ joy and excitement at the settlement’s conclusion, there is a smile on his face. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or a buyer purchasing their forever home, Don loves playing a role in making it all happen and knowing that Highland Title + Escrow, along with the real estate agent and the lender, made it a positive, exciting experience. The buyers’ excitement makes it worthwhile, and it never grows old for Don.
For anyone interested in working in the title or real estate industry, take note of this: Don has found great success and satisfaction, but you should be prepared to work hard. The title industry can be tough, but it is also very rewarding. Dealing with people’s dreams and finances deserves careful and focused attention as a home purchase is one of the biggest investments in their lives.
Don has a full work life, but when he gets out of the office, he loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, rock climbing and scuba diving. He is blessed with a wonderful wife, three awesome children and a precious grandbaby and spending time with them just adds to the joy he experiences daily. This, along with his very satisfying job with Highland Title + Escrow and a good cup of coffee, makes it easy to start the work day with a smile.
If you’d like to talk with Don, contact him at dkipps@highlandtitle.com or 703.662.0503.