Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead, then began his financial career in the early 2000s with Wells Fargo. He later joined a Regional Community Bank in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, during his tenure, the bank grew from approximately $650 million to $2 billion in assets.

Existing:

Co-Founder High Place Mortgage 

Launched the TITLE AGENCY December 19, 2024.

Raised in the industry, with a father who was a licensed real estate agent for 33 years, Ryan learned the business grind from the ground up. Some of his earliest memories are of sitting open houses with his dad on Sundays, watching football in between greeting visitors.

the TITLE AGENCY, designed as a boutique luxury-style firm, offers more than 100 years of combined, active, day-to-day experience and the commitment to answering virtually any real estate question. The team is dedicated to delivering white glove service and ensuring client success. One transaction at a time.

Beyond business, Ryan remains closely connected to his roots. His mother, Audrey, still resides in North Dakota. His sister Shanna and nephew Kirby live in Minnesota. Ryan lives in Arizona with his wife, Ari, and daughter, Avery, who also interns at the TITLE AGENCY.

Ryan’s mission: 

“To mentor, coach, and help banks, agents, and clients succeed, one transaction at a time.”

As an Arizona native, Kay has witnessed the remarkable transformations that have taken place in both the state and the title industry.

Beginning her career as an Escrow Receptionist, Kay persevered and advanced through the ranks to become a Vice President and Escrow Administrator at a prominent title company, and later served as Escrow Operations Manager at another Arizona title company. With extensive experience as a Senior Escrow Officer, she has successfully managed thousands of commercial and residential transactions.

Teaching is one of Kay’s true passions. Over the years, she has had the privilege of conducting renewal hours classes for the Department of Real Estate, engaging and inspiring audiences of more than 150 eager learners.

Throughout her career, Kay has built a reputation for maintaining open communication with both employees and clients, ensuring smooth and informed transactions. With decades of experience, there are few escrow situations she hasn’t encountered or embraced; though she always welcomes a new challenge.

Today Kay proudly serves as Chief Operations Officer at the TITLE AGENCY , continuing to make a positive impact in the industry and in the lives of those she serves and mentors.

Outside of work, she enjoys BBQ’ing, spending time with friends, and making memories with her four children and grandchildren. Creative at heart, Kay also loves crafting, painting, and sewing.

Kay’s mission: 

“As COO, my mission is to establish a foundation of operational excellence, innovation, and client-first service. I am committed to ensuring every transaction is handled with the highest level of professionalism and setting the standard for excellence in the escrow and title industry. ”

Elise brings a diverse background in design, strategy, and marketing to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at the TITLE AGENCY.

Beginning her career in fashion and education design before moving into UX/UI, she developed a reputation for creating systems that were not only functional and intuitive, but also guided by a sharp eye for design and user experience. Known for her ability to “figure it out” no matter the challenge, Elise built a foundation of resourcefulness and innovation that continues to define her leadership today.

Over the years, Elise expanded her expertise into branding, marketing, and real estate, where she became known for blending creativity with strategy. At the TITLE AGENCY she leads brand development and marketing strategy, overseeing creative direction, campaign design, digital presence, and client communications. Her role ensures that every touchpoint reflects the firm’s boutique, luxury-level promise while supporting the agents and clients who trust the agency with their most important transactions.

Elise’s work is deeply rooted in building clarity and confidence, whether that means shaping the agency’s visual identity, developing educational content for clients, or creating systems that make complex processes simple and approachable. She is passionate about elevating the client and agent experience and positioning the TITLE AGENCY as a trusted partner in Arizona’s competitive real estate market.

Elise studied in Seattle before returning home to grow her career. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, and exploring the fast-growing world of digital learning and AI.

Elise’s mission: 

“To craft meaningful brand experiences that inspire confidence, build connection, and set the standard for boutique-level service in the title industry.”

For the past 31 years, Tricia Hinrichs has built her career as a trusted escrow officer in Arizona, guiding clients, agents, and lenders through seamless real estate transactions with precision and care. Known for her calm presence and meticulous attention to detail, she has earned the confidence of her colleagues and clients alike, helping thousands of families and investors reach the closing table with confidence.

Tricia began her journey in escrow 1994, where she quickly distinguished herself as a problem-solver and client advocate. Over nearly two decades, she has developed expertise in handling everything from residential resales to complex investment closings, always with the same commitment to delivering clarity and peace of mind.

In 2025, she joined the TITLE AGENCY, drawn to the boutique firm’s vision of combining luxury-style service with the highest level of expertise. As part of a team with more than 100 years of combined, active, day-to-day experience, Tricia is proud to continue providing white-glove service and helping clients succeed one transaction at a time.

Raised in Arizona, Tricia has strong roots in the community she serves. Away from the office, she enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, and taking in the beauty of the Arizona desert. Whether hosting a gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet weekend at home, Tricia values connection, balance, and creating lasting memories.

Tricia’s Mission:
“To build lasting relationships through trust, service, and care, making every closing more than a transaction, but a milestone worth celebrating.”

Born and raised in Arizona, Melanie Young has been part of the escrow industry since 2003. She began her career as an Escrow Assistant, quickly advancing to Junior Escrow Officer, and now proudly serves as Escrow Officer at the TITLE AGENCY. Over the course of her career, Melanie has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented professionals in the field, shaping her skills and deepening her knowledge of every aspect of the escrow process.

Melanie thrives in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of escrow, finding motivation in the very chaos that challenges many. She credits her long-term mentorship, working with the same escrow officer for more than 23 years, as a cornerstone of her professional growth. Colleagues and clients alike value her approachable personality, steady communication, and dedication to putting both clients’ and agents’ best interests first.

Attracted to the TITLE AGENCY by its positive environment and collaborative culture, Melanie brings a fun, energetic spirit to her role while maintaining a sharp focus on accuracy and service. She is committed to ensuring each file is handled with care and every client feels supported from open to close.

Outside the office, Melanie enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with her husband. She treasures her family deeply,an incredible daughter, son-in-law, and grandson who live in Hawaii, and another amazing daughter living in South Carolina. Guided by the belief that “there is always, always, something to be thankful for,” Melanie blends gratitude and professionalism into every transaction she manages.

Melanie’s Mission:
“ To deliver five-star service with a smile. My mission is to combine deep expertise with a friendly and proactive approach, ensuring your experience is not only seamless but also memorable for all the right reasons. ”

Mike Abel brings a warm, approachable energy to his role as Corporate Counsel for the TITLE AGENCY. With a law degree and an LL.M. in International Taxation, Mike is licensed to practice in Arizona, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. His more than 25 years in the real estate industry are extensive and varied; he’s owned and operated several multi-state title agencies, served as corporate counsel for others, and personally overseen more than 50,000 real estate transactions worth more than $7 billion.

Mike’s passion for sharing knowledge shines through in his writing and teaching. He’s authored articles on topics like RESPA, FIRPTA, International Taxation, Contracts, and Mortgage Fraud, and has been a guest instructor at the University of Akron School of Law.

For over five years, he was Ohio’s leading provider of continuing education for mortgage professionals. Now, through his Arizona-based Abel Education Institute, Mike continues to empower the Realtor community with top-notch Continuing Education programs.

After brief stops in South Carolina and California, Mike settled in Arizona in 2006. He launched a title company that later became Greystone Title Agency, where he served as corporate counsel for 15 years. In 2024, as Greystone began to wind down, Mike connected with Ryan, whose vision for a new, client-focused title agency reignited his excitement for the industry.

Of course, when asked, Mike jumped at the chance to help Ryan in building the TITLE AGENCY a boutique firm with more than 100 years of combined expertise, dedicated to providing white-glove service and answering every real estate question with care.

Mike looks forward to helping all of their clients succeed in the goals and assist in overcoming any challenges they may face. Mike has always believed that your success is our business.

Mike’s mission:
“Mike is committed to helping clients pursue their goals and navigate challenges, with a belief that client success is at the heart of the business.”