Successful business leader and philanthropist Johnny Collins, II is the president of Community National Title, a successful full-service title agency in Dallas Fort Worth, TX. A forward thinking and passionate disruptor, and the son of a prominent real estate broker, he grew up in the business and carved his path in the title insurance industry. His parents taught him the importance of hard work and the key to building relationships at an early age. “I was fortunate to have been raised in a family that taught me a lot about strong relationships. There has never been a time that I can remember where my family wasn’t there for one another.” Cultivating strong relationships afforded Collins to make history as the first Black person to land a seat on Texas Land and Title Association’s board, where he serves as Agent At-Large Director. “On one hand, I’m saddened to be the first. However, I’m also aware of the responsibility before me and I’m super excited about the opportunity to contribute to the industry on this level.” Besides developing relationships, putting people first and the power of legacy is important to Collins. He believes that when knowledge is shared and paid forward, the better off the title industry will be. Although the title business has proven to be exciting and rewarding for Collins, he emphasizes, “Don’t make this walk by yourself, because the title business can be lonely if you don’t have internal relationships to help you along the way.”
An avid traveler, golfer and proud family man, Collins has been married to Grammy® nominated Toni Estes for 18 years. Both were driven and focused early, which explains their success. Estes’ career in entertainment started at three years old landing TV commercials.
FMM: You are the President of Community National Title, and the first Black person to be added to the Texas Land and Title Association in the organization’s 115-year history. Please share your background.
Well, I think it’s important to point out that I’m a second-generation real estate child. My parents bought and sold real estate from the mid-80s until now, so I had phenomenal real estate/business examples. From there, I found my way into the title business after my business partner talked me into the mortgage industry in 08’. We were actually the in-house lenders at a small but extremely profitable servicing company in Dallas. That gave us a great runway in understanding what was needed in the title industry. In 2010 we became a licensed title agent in the state of Texas and the rest is history.
Photo by Jay Taylor Studios
FWM: How is Community National Title helping clients to compete in the competitive Texas markets?
Great question. The actual consumer normally gets to us by way of a realtor or mortgage professional. Our relationships in these spaces pave the way for us. Our goal is to help our relationships achieve a smooth and successful closing. This is just simply the process of managing all the personalities within a real estate transaction to achieve the same goal. However, all transactions are not the same! Some are simple and easy. Some are simple and hard! Others require more work than the traditional process should, but in the end, the goal is the same. A smooth and successful closing. We help teach our clients the process versus just doing the work so that they can participate in the process and the level in which they choose. All clients don’t want to know everything, but some do. We give them the option. This ability and our people are the difference!
FMM: Your organization has been described as forward thinking. Please share your perspective on generational wealth.
Generational wealth is simply the ability to give the next group an extended runway. People will always be people and make mistakes. A lot of times in my community, in comparison to other communities, we don’t get the chance to make second and third mistakes because somebody has to go to work and pay all the bills. My goal is to make sure my kids have some emotional wealth and financial help along the way!
FMM: Please share your advice for clients.
Absolutely first off, whatever it is that you want to accomplish in life; make sure you “don’t let your lack of stop you’re in spite of.” No matter how intimidating the next step may seem, do it afraid! Like Nike, “just do it!”
FMM: You have increased the number of Black title agents through mentoring and CNAT University. Tell us about your work.
I believe the number of black title agents has gone up because of the exposure and understanding of the importance of title agencies has increased not because of me. Yes, we have mentored groups to help them get started, and in the game but it is really about them and their desire to do more in this industry. I’m grateful to be part of other people’s success.
FMM: What housing market trends are you seeing?
People are getting use to the new norm of higher interest rates. In comparison to a couple of years ago, buying power has been cut in half in some cases. I believe we need to make sure we get back to basics and understand our own financial health clearly and live within means. There are a lot people getting they’re butts kicked because of the rising tax rates in Texas. Not only that, but with the appreciation of homes, insurance is also increasing. Escrow shortages are at an all time high! The industry hi slowing down for the simple reason that home values are up and buying power is decreasing with rising interest rates.
FMM: How do you balance your work and family life?
I don’t do it very well. This is the part around entrepreneurship that’s tough. My wife and I are aligned on the things that have to be done for our business and family. We split duties as needed and make intentional time for one another. Honestly, I don’t really believe in work life balance. I believe you do what it takes to accomplish the goal. As long as my wife and I are happy, my kids have what they need and I have what’s needed when the people I love turn to me; I’M GOOD!
FMM: What is your vision for 2023?
My vision is my vision and not something that I normally share publicly. What I will give you is I want to increase my livestock, my lifestyle, my lineage and my legacy in the year 2023!