BUILDING TRUST, ONE TITLE AT A TIME
At Bridge Out Ahead, we’re all about shining a light on the journeys beneath the surface—the detours, the hard work, and the grit that goes into building something that lasts. This week, we sat down with Jenny Giving, Team Lead at First American Title, to talk about the road less traveled in real estate: title work. If you think real estate is just buying and selling, you’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.
From Family Furniture to Financial Frontlines
Jenny’s story starts humbly up north in Nashwauk, where she planned to step into the family business—running the local furniture store. But life, as it often does, threw her a curveball. After studying Business Administration at UMD, she landed at Citifinancial in Grand Rapids and quickly proved she was no stranger to hustle. Within 18 months, she moved from customer service rep to branch manager, running her own office and proving that grit and honesty were non-negotiable.
Years in banking and finance sharpened her problem-solving skills and gave her a taste of leadership under pressure. But after 17 years, Jenny felt the itch to pivot—to find something new, meaningful, and challenging. Title work turned out to be that calling.
Why Title Work Matters (Even When No One Sees It)
If you don’t know what title work is, you’re not alone. It’s the backbone of every real estate transaction, the behind-the-scenes detective work that ensures buyers truly own what they think they do. Jenny describes it as a high-stakes game of problem-solving, where unexpected curveballs show up often, and the pressure is real.
But here’s the thing—Jenny and her team take ownership of those curveballs. They work the long hours, embrace the chaos, and never lose sight of the bigger picture: building trust with clients and getting it done right.
The Rough Patches—And What Keeps Her Going
COVID threw a wrench into Jenny’s career in banking, stretching resources thin and ramping up stress. In title work, the unpredictability only ramps up. “You have to be creative and resourceful,” Jenny says, “and be invested in solving the problem.”
What kept her moving? Family values baked deep: honesty, hard work, and resilience passed down from parents who were her biggest cheerleaders. Jenny’s competitive spirit, honed by years as an athlete, helps her face challenges head-on—because she knows the hardest work is often the most rewarding.
Leading with Heart and High Standards
Jenny’s leadership style has evolved from working hard to working smart—and direct. She admits she can come off as “on a mission” or blunt, but that’s because she’s focused on results and genuine care. “Speed of the leader dictates the speed of the team,” she says, a motto she lives by daily.
Her life is busy—with two active daughters and a role on the Coleraine City Council—but her commitment to excellence never wavers. Opening a new office in Hibbing by July is just one milestone on the horizon as she continues to build her team and career.
Toolbox Takeaway: Honesty Wins Every Time
If there’s one thing Jenny wants listeners to take away, it’s this: “Honesty wins every time. Hard isn’t bad—it’s where the best work gets done. Be a problem solver people can trust.”
In a world where shortcuts are tempting and stress is high, that kind of grit and integrity is rare—and powerful.
Want to hear the full story? Tune in to Bridge Out Ahead to listen to Jenny’s journey live. And remember: no matter the detours or setbacks, the road ahead is still yours to build.
Listen Now And Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6jI_ta0OtQ
Legacy Bridge Real Estate, brokered by Grand Properties, proudly sponsors this episode. Building wealth, building legacies—one home at a time.
