As the Operations Manager and Controller for Ohio Real Title, Rob Heckman is responsible for the administration and oversight of its business practices to maximize efficiency within the organization. With his B.S. in Business from “The” Ohio State University, Rob began his career in the mortgage industry before finding his way into the title industry in 1992. Prior to joining ORT, Rob worked as an Internal Auditor with First American, among other positions.
Rob credits his patience, attention to detail, and a rather dry sense of humor for helping him to be successful throughout his career and particularly at ORT. He appreciates the trust among employees to get the job done for the ORT clients, with very little micro-management.
And this commitment to the client only intensified over the past year, “[w]e wanted to ensure our clients continued to receive the best experience during an unprecedented time.”
We recently had the opportunity to talk with Rob about his work, as well as how he spends his time away from Ohio Real Title.
Fast Facts About Rob Heckman
How do you think Ohio Real Title is different from other title companies?
We are forward-thinking when it comes to technology and do not rest on our success. ORT is always exploring new innovations or unmet needs in the market to leverage for differentiation versus our competition. Our primary goal is to provide new and repeat clients the ultimate user experience during their real estate transaction with us.
How did your role at ORT change during the pandemic?
Heading up Operations, I spent a large amount of the day focusing on COVID-19 protocols and logistics for our staff and clients, ensuring everyone’s safety. As Controller, we had to find creative new ways to make payments and receive funds once we realized the postal and banking industry were not going to be at full capacity as the pandemic continued. We wanted to ensure our clients continued to receive the best experience during an unprecedented time.
How do you expect the changes that occurred in 2020 to impact your work in 2021, either in how you work or the industry as a whole?
Less in-person interactions, continual technology improvements that create less touchpoints, and increased flexibility to work outside the office.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your free time?
Tinkering around the garden or spending time relaxing on the patio, sipping a nice bourbon with my wife, Catherine.
What are you listening to/reading/watching?
I just finished Slowhand: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton and I am now circling back to some of the classics that I should have read a long time ago. Currently reading Rabbit, Run by John Updike and so far, it has kept my interest…wait, are the Indians playing?
What are three words that your clients and/or colleagues have used to describe you?
Sincere, supportive, and witty.
What are your words to live by?
Actually, being funny is mostly telling the truth about things.