NWA Women in Business: Carla Long

Age: 53

Residence: Springdale

Education: B.A., political science, Southern Arkansas University; University of Arkansas School of Law

Professional background: Long established Elite Title in 1994 and remains proactive and aggressively involved in the industry. The company has been recognized by its national underwriters as being the only title agent in Arkansas to continuously maintain A+ status in yearly audits, while maintaining a zero claims history.

What are the attributes of a good leader? “Vision, courage, strategic planning, clear communication, creativity, integrity, humility and humor. As the scientist and inventor Robert Jarvik once said, ‘Leaders are visionaries with a poorly developed sense of fear and no concept of the odds against them.’”

What do you want Elite Title to accomplish in the next year? “To continue its quest with public awareness for consumers, who need to know it’s their choice to choose a title company. Title companies were designed to be independent, like Elite, allowing equal protection for all parties in a real estate transaction, but Northwest Arkansas has many title companies that are owned by local banks and real estate companies.”

Have you had to deal with gender bias in your career? How did you handle it? “As the founder of a company, starting out with two employees, I produced the majority of the work product and personally made a lot of deliveries to local banks. I remember male loan officers making remarks like, ‘Tell your boss I said Elite Title has the best-looking delivery girl.’ I would smile and nod, knowing he obviously hadn’t read the business card attached to my work product.

“Such situations did not bother me. I focused on the positives and grew my business by putting my head down, blinders on and working diligently to produce title work more efficiently and accurately with an impressive turn-around time.”

What advice would you give a younger version of yourself, just starting your career? “Change is a critical part of any organization, but it goes against the grain of most individuals, so it is paramount to instill its importance in employees from the beginning. It took me a few years before I realized Elite could stay ahead of the curve by openly discussing ways to make positive changes while encouraging employees to voice their input and make ‘wish lists’ of ideas to allow production and customer service to run more efficiently.”

What drives you to succeed? “My personality: I’m realistic, head-strong and believe in a healthy balance between personal independence and family. Passion: Individuals should choose to become whatever their passion leads them to be, and they should strive to be the best at whatever that is, whether it’s an at-home parent or a CEO. Adversity: No one escapes life without experiencing some type of adversity, and I’ve certainly had my share. But I choose to use it as fuel and not allow it to dampen my spirit.”

If you were going to write an autobiography, what would it be titled? “Living Proof.”

What or who has been the greatest influence in your career and why? “My UA law school professor, Dr. Robert Lawrence, and Tucker Abstract Co. in Bentonville. Dr. Lawrence suggested I intern with an abstract company, because of my love of legal research. I was hired at Tucker Abstract for $6 an hour, and the experience was phenomenal. I was trained by local, licensed abstractors and proudly became a Benton County Courthouse rat.”

Best mentor? “My maternal grandfather, A.O. ‘Bo’ Smith, a highly successful businessman, well-respected by all and a true Southern Baptist gentleman. He was very humble, and would never take credit for a good deed. Instead he always referred to himself as merely ‘the middleman.’ I never heard him lose his temper or utter a negative word against anyone. He looked for the good in everyone and everything. He taught me to put God and family first as the strong foundation for success in life.”

Success oftentimes comes down to “satisfied customers.” How to you go about making sure your clients, subordinates and peers are satisfied with your work/leadership/vision? “I make myself available 24/7 to employees and clients, working 90 percent of my time in the Elite office. I ask for and listen to feedback and implement any necessary changes.”

What do you do for fun? “Weekends with my grandchildren, playing with my Dobermans, Jax and Calista, and riding my 900 Polaris ATV at Mill Creek in Madison County with my husband, Rick, and friends.”

What’s one surprising or interesting fact about you? “I love to fly. I have a Cessna 150. The best view of Northwest Arkansas is from above.”