by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Walking into the Title America office on San Jose Boulevard, customers are greeted with a plate of freshly-made cookies, red-white-and-blue surroundings and a smiling receptionist asking how she can help.
That’s exactly how President Nikki Gullett envisioned the office being when she opened her first Title America in a strip mall six years ago.
Today, her 13-member mortgage title and closings company is housed in a facility she designed and decorated with employees and customers in mind. In the Title American building, each employee workspace has a window themes, a massage chair and a private room, plus a play room for clients with children.
“I had a vision of being able to create something not only for our clients, but also our employees. I knew a happy employee meant a happy customer,” said Gullett. “I wanted a cozy home environment.
“Our office, its location and decor are especially designed to make closings a convenient, comfortable, stress-free experience.”
As if the smell of chocolate and cookies wasn’t enough to ease one’s mind walking in, the Title America office is complete with a koi fish pond, a full kitchen and a large dining table where the office gathers at least once a month for lunch.
“If area Realtors stop in, we have cookies and coffee and a place for them,” said Mary Jill Sheffield, who has been with the company for two years, but in the business much longer. “It’s the best place I’ve been in 22 years. It’s so structured and that is what’s needed. The atmosphere is welcoming and it’s a pleasant place for people to do business.
Gullett said business owners carry a responsibility to provide a balanced environment for employees – especially in the real estate business.
“This industry is so stressful and intense. You have to find a way to balance everything. We like to be a light in this industry,” she said. “We’d like to be the type of company that stands for something different and unique.”
Gullett runs the business side and works marketing while her husband, John, runs the title side of the business. They have four children: Cody, 18; Ashlee, 13; Brittney, 11; Jonny, 7.
John is a drag racer and says his Mustang was the first to break 200 miles per hour. He’s also a student pilot, working to log flight hours to receive his pilot’s license.
Their daughter Ashlee also drives race cars. She’s a junior dragster.
“She really enjoys it,” said Gullett. “She’s really into helping her dad and has always been eager to step in.”
The family travels with John frequently, and Gullett says some of the trips are more difficult than others. But overall, it’s worth it.
“We’re different, but we are a great team together,” said Gullett.
While John is working on his pilot’s license, Gullett has also enrolled in school — for interior design.
“I love creating an environment for people to enjoy,” she said, adding that customers have tried to hire her to work on their living spaces. “There’s a gift here, and I need to polish it with school and classes.”