2016 SBOTY Finalist: Boone-Central Title Co.
Bert Hughes recently started referring to his team as “The Protectables.”
A senior vice president at Boone-Central Title, Hughes considers his company the protective shield for Missouri’s property rights. Their 22 staff members may not sport red suits and masks, like The Incredibles, but they work behind the scenes to protect mid-Missouri homeowners from costly hidden title problems like property liens, inaccurate surveys, and tax record errors.
The company traces its roots back to the opening of Todd and Bayless Abstract in 1898, which was later sold and renamed as Daniel Boone County Abstract Company. In 1991, the company joined forces with Central MO Abstract and Title, changed their name to Boone-Central Title, and moved into their current location on Broadway.
Today, led by president Karen Brown, they are the only title company in the region that completes title searches using a state-of-the-art title plant, a kind of database, that is comprised of geographical indices of all property in Boone County. Besides providing title insurance for their clients, the company also offers construction disbursements and 1031 exchanges as well as real estate closing and escrow services.
During the warm season, Hughes says the company can facilitate up to 60 property closings each day. “This year, the season has started early,” Hughes shares. “Interest rates are low and the weather’s been good.”
Hughes moved to Columbia in the summer of 1994, never planning to stay in the business (or Columbia) for long. “Then I realized how much I love being part of a major decision in people’s lives,” he says.
Hughes’ tenure is just a small part of a combined 410 years of experience in the title industry represented by the team. Boone-Central Title has been a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for more than 50 years, and their employees are active in many aspects of the organization.
The company was excited to be a finalist for Small Business of the Year, and Hughes pulled out all the stops to make it fun for their staff and the community. His plans even involved the opportunity for people to meet The Protectables in person — red suits, masks, and all.
Learn about the other SBOTY finalists: