TitleBytes News & Happenings

Meet the New MLTA President, Philip (Phil) Savich

An interview with Lisa Cicinelli

1. How long have you been in the title business and where have you worked?

About 30 years. I started in the industry in 1988, when I and a partner opened a law office and title agency in the Upper Peninsula. We also opened a bakery, but that’s another story. We soon stopped practicing law and quickly sold the bakery. In 2000 we sold the title agency too. I next went to work for a national underwriter as Senior Claims Attorney, and later worked for them as outside counsel. I was also acting as outside counsel for Old Republic Title, doing underwriting. In 2003 I went to work for Old Republic Title full-time, as State Counsel and I’m still there today.

2. How did you find your way into this industry?

By accident. When I moved Up North to practice law, a family friend with a title background said I should be in the title business too. He showed me how to do a title search in a local bar, on the back of a cocktail napkin. Somehow, we managed to convince a couple of underwriters that giving us contracts was a good idea.

3. How long have you been a MLTA member?

I really don’t know. Probably about 28 years or so. I really don’t remember my first MLTA event. But my first concert was Chicago at Pine Knob (now called DTE Musical Energy Thingy or something like that) in the early 70’s.

4. Which committees have you worked with during your MLTA history?

I’ve worked on a lot of committees with a lot of good people. All the work done in the committees is done by volunteers. So please volunteer! I’ve worked in Membership, Sponsorship, Legislative, Legislative Steering, a bunch of board committees like Convention, and maybe a few more. I think I’ve enjoyed the legislative matters most.

5. What are your plans as President of this organization?

There are a lot of good things that I want to continue, particularly the educational programs and legislative initiatives. We are trying something different next spring with our Summit Conference that will replace the previous spring educational programs. We will continue our boot camps later in the year. If you have any suggestions, please pass them on to the board. Our event venues must be booked many, many months before the event (and years ahead in the case of the summer convention) so don’t keep your thoughts to yourself.

6. How do you spend your free time?

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately getting my two sons situated in their new cities, Lansing and downtown Detroit. I also enjoy a round of golf on a difficult course, where I spend my time walking through the trees, sand, heather, and fescue, trying to flag down the beverage cart.