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Our Team
Freedom Title Corporation goal is providing experienced and rapid response to the needs of commercial/industrial and developer/builder clients. To achieve this goal, it takes the talent and dedication of many people, and at Freedom Title we have the best in the industry. Success requires vision and leadership from an executive management team. With more than 100 years of combined experience in the real estate industry, Freedom Title’s executive team is exceptionally qualified.
Senior Staff
Larry Howard
President & Founder
As President of Freedom Title, Larry Howard brings over 50 years experience in the title and escrow industry, and in-depth knowledge of the related construction and real estate industries to his customers and affiliates. Surrounded by a leadership team that offers over 100 years of industry expertise, and a company culture where the people really care about each other and about their customers, Freedom Title is a well-known and respected name in the states where their growing business operates.
Prior to his founding of Freedom Title in 1998, Larry’s extensive experience on all aspects of the title and escrow industry was repeatedly tapped to build and lead the operations, title and escrow, underwriting, and commercial and construction business development for the largest agents of some of the most respected national underwriting firms in the industry, including First American Title and Chicago Title. Further, Larry has specialized expertise in the areas of foreclosures, tax sales, and construction and commercial underwriting.
Larry takes an active role in the title and escrow, real estate, and commercial construction industries. He has served as the President of the Northern Illinois Commercial Association of Realtors, is an active member of the Commercial Industrial Committee for the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR), and is a Licensed Realtor in the IAR and the NAR (National Association of Realtors). Larry also maintains the depth and breadth of his multi-industry knowledge as a member of International Council of Shopping Centers. Finally, Larry is an active member within the community at large, and received the “Heart of Gold” award from the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.
Elyse H. Spencer
National Commercial Escrow Agent/Paralegal
Elyse H. Spencer, National Commercial Escrow Agent/Paralegal, has more than 40 years of combined real estate experience. Upon graduation from college, she joined a law firm in the capacity of paralegal. The firm specialized in real estate law and was also an agent for a national residential title insurance company. Following that position, the remainder of her career to present has been concentrated in all facets of the title insurance industry. Positions held include client representative, title examination and clearance, escrow closing agent, closing services, and a vice presidency with a small northern Illinois title agency.
Her successful ability to work with national, commercial, residential, construction, REO and SBA accounts at all levels is a direct result of her experience and knowledge in these areas. Elyse strives to provide the best client support and assistance during and after the closing process.
Jamie Howard
Senior Escrow Officer
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Jamie Howard, senior escrow officer, has over 35 years experience in the title industry. She is well versed in residential closing and knowledgeable in FHA and VA RESPA regulations. She also has experience with 1st and 2nds closing piggy back, b/c paper and refinances.
With years of residential closing experience Jamie can put new buyers at ease in stressfully closing situations. Jamie has also helped coach new attorneys in understanding the “closing” routine.
During her “stay at home” years she was an active member of Park Ridge Community Women and Co-Chaired the annual Holiday Bazaar, volunteered as room mom at St. Paul of the Cross, and charter member of Faith Hope and Charity Guild at St. Paul of the Cross. Most recently she and her husband Co Chaired the annual Spaghetti dinner at St. Paul of the Cross Church. For the fall she is quite busy with St. Viator High School Football dinners on Thursday and games on Friday.
Jamie holds her degree from Western Kentucky University. Her major was in Business and a minor in Economics. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and was Panhellenic president her junior year. Ms. Howard came to Chicago after graduation and has enjoyed her years in the title industry.
Paul Guagenti
Senior Account Executive
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As Senior Account Executive for Freedom Title Corporation since June 1, 2016, Paul brings over 40 years of sales, marketing and service experience to our team. Paul is a relationship expert who owned and operated 2 cellular stores and outside sales during the years 1985 to 2000. Paul went into banking working with municipalities, school districts, businesses and commercial real estate until his arrival at freedom title in 2016. Paul has extensive knowledge in commercial and small business lending along with depository relationships. Paul understands the entire banking process from putting together loan packages, underwriting, cash flow verification, through the closing the loans. Paul brings a unique perspective as an entrepreneur and banker understanding what his clients need from a title perspective.
Paul has held many leadership positions with the LaGrange Chamber of Commerce, as executive director and president, with the Knights of Columbus as Grand Knight, a director with the West Suburban Chamber, a founder of H.E.L.P. Hodgkins Elementary Learning Program as well as a director of School District 105 Foundation. Paul is an avid baseball fan and an active participant with his community baseball teams and scout pack.