Community Title Network, LLC, a full service title and settlement services provider in the Mid-Atlantic, announced its fifth acquisition with the acquisition of Freedom Title Inc., a title agency conducting commercial and residential settlement services throughout the Metropolitan Washington DC and Virginia markets. The agency is headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. Freedom Title Inc. is led by founders, Mina and Dave Croson; Mina Croson will remain with the company for a short period in a consulting role.

“We are extremely excited to have the Freedom Title Inc. team join Community Title Network. This entire team is one of the most talented teams I have come to know as we went through our due diligence. Mina has built a tremendous organization, and they have a sterling reputation in both the commercial and residential markets for providing superior service and being great problem solvers,” stated Michael C. Ridgway, President of Community Title Network. “With this talented team joining our company, it creates a gateway for us to expand into the commercial title and settlement space, and with a presence in Fredericksburg as well, it enables us to expand more into the Virginia markets.”

The acquired agency was founded in 1989 by Mina Croson, the company’s operating principal. Since its formation the agency has grown to become a leading commercial title agency in the Northern Virginia market.

“We have been successful for over 33 years by focusing on integrity, reliability, and proficiency,” explained Mina Croson. “We are looking forward to becoming part of Community Title Network as they can help us leverage the technology investments required in the title industry, not only today but looking toward the future. This implementation and focus on technology will only improve our customer experience and help the team grow more effectively.”

“The reason their agency has become a leading title agency in the region lies with their people and their dedication to their customers,” Ridgway added. “By providing improved technologies, workflow, and other resources, together we will have the opportunity to grow even more in this entire region in the commercial space.”

Ridgway further stated, “As a smaller agency coming on board with us, this team is excited to leverage not only our innovative technology and workflow platform, but they are also excited to leverage the mentoring programs we have for each individual to maximize their career path. They are excited to use all the tools and resources in our platform to grow their business and to reach their potential.”

Meg Gawler has joined Community Title Network as Manager of one the newest locations in Frederick, MD. Meg has spent a lifetime acquiring knowledge and passion for the industry, having grown up in the real estate business. She started her career in 2000 working for a top real estate brand, and moved over to real estate title shortly after. She has a background in all moving parts of the title business, but has a passion for technology trends and marketing. Meg believes in building business together with her industry partners and offering top-notch customer service.

Meg is a Frederick native and has served on several Boards and committees with the Frederick County Association of Realtors and the Women’s Council of Realtors.

In her free time, Meg enjoys playing bocce and traveling. She is also a plant and flower enthusiast!

Jeff advises clients on a wide range of legal matters.  Jeff concentrates his practice on real estate, estate planning, trust and estate administration and commercial transactions.  He works with his clients to develop comprehensive estate plans, including the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, life estate deeds, while advising on the disposition of probate and non-probate assets and the efficient administration of estates.

His real estate practice includes representing buyers, sellers, borrowers, and lenders in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate transactions.  He also represents Qualified Intermediaries in I.R.C. Section 1031 Tax Deferred transactions, including Starker and reverse Starker transactions.

Jeff received his B.S. in Finance and his J.D. degrees from the University of Baltimore and the University of Baltimore School of Law, respectively. Later he pursued an advanced law degree and earned his L.L.M. in Taxation along with a Certificate in Estate Planning also from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Upon graduation from law school, he worked at a general practice law firm in downtown Baltimore, concentrating on general civil, domestic and criminal litigation, workers’ compensation, bankruptcy, real estate, estate planning and administration, along with business planning and rendering tax advice to individuals and businesses.  Later, Jeff joined Colony Title Group in Columbia, where he has practiced law for the last 22 years.

Jeff has been active in the Maryland State Bar Association, serving on the Solo & Small Firm Section Council for several years.  In 2012, he was honored to be the recipient of the David Hjortberg Award, given by the MSBA for his efforts in advancing professionalism and civility in the practice of law.  Jeff is admitted to practice before all courts in the State of Maryland and the United States Tax Court.

Jeff and his wife Elaine live in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He enjoys cooking, reading and travelling to satisfy his unfortunate addiction to the game of golf.