Former Fidelity National Title and Chicago Title leader to focus on new residential and commercial markets
Proper Title, LLC, one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing title insurance agencies, announced today that Jeff Gross has been hired as president to expand its residential business beyond Illinois and Indiana as well as grow its national commercial services division. In this role, Gross will shape overall strategy while working in close partnership with Kathy Kwak, chief operating officer of Proper Title, as well as Kim O’Donnell and Dave Zawadzki, executive vice presidents of business development for the agency.
Gross’ appointment comes on the heels of Compass’ 2025 acquisition of Christie’s International Real Estate and @properties — a move that also includes Proper Title. With this expanded reach, Proper Title is accelerating its growth in both residential and commercial markets.
“Jeff is a highly regarded leader who will guide the continued expansion of an already fast-growing title insurance agency,” said Mike Golden, partner and co-founder of Proper Title and co-founder and co-CEO of @properties. “Proper Title has elevated the benchmark in title and escrow services, and Jeff’s leadership will build on that foundation. With Compass’ backing, we’re confident he and the team will increase the company’s volume of both residential and national commercial closings while delivering the exceptional service our clients and attorney partners expect from Proper Title.”
Gross brings more than 30 years of industry experience spanning residential, commercial, underwriting, sales and marketing. He joins Proper Title from Fidelity National Title’s National Commercial Services, where he served as vice president and Great Lakes commercial manager, overseeing residential and commercial operations, partnerships and joint ventures across various states. An Iowa native and former Chicago resident, Gross will be based in Proper Title’s Chicago Loop office. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a J.D. from Drake University Law School, and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Iowa.
“I’ve collaborated with Proper Title for many years and have been continually impressed with the agency’s culture, strategies, growth in residential and the launch of its national commercial services division last year,” said Gross. “The opportunity to help the agency reach that next level and scale its success on an even bigger national stage is something I could not pass up. I’m eager to deepen relationships with existing clients, expand into new markets, and ensure that all segments of Proper Title continue to grow.”
Proper Title currently operates 14 closing locations with 110 employees across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. Its national commercial services team closes transactions locally as well as complex, multi-state transactions across the U.S. in partnership with multiple national underwriters. Recent commercial real estate transactions closed by Proper Title include multi-site retail portfolios, medical office buildings, industrial/distribution facilities, multifamily buildings, condominium deconversions, student housing and agricultural properties.
About Proper Title:
Chicago-based Proper Title, LLC, is a full-service title insurance agency serving the residential and commercial real estate industries. Since its founding in 2013, Proper Title has substantially grown its transaction volume in just a few years with its commitment to servicing the needs of its clients and was named Fidelity National Financial Family of Companies #1 Issuing Agent in Illinois for 2021. The agency has earned the “Rising Star / Excellence in Action” award by FNF for the past six years in a row and was awarded Crain’s Chicago Business “Best Places to Work” in 2019 and 2020. Proper Title was also named one of Forbes America’s Best Startup Employers of 2021 and received the WFG National Title Insurance Company 2021 Wow Award. Proper Title earned REjournals’ “Title Company of the Year” award in 2022. For more information, visit propertitle.com.
Jeff Gross has been appointed president of Proper Title, Chicago.