Honored Leader: Rachel A. Torchia, President
Company Name: Gateway Title, Inc.
Location: Brecksville, Ohio
Nature of Business: Real estate title and escrow service
company.
Founded: 1993
Revenue: $0-5 million
Growth Rate (2001): 20 percent
Number of Employees: 17
Average Tenure: 4.5 years
Key Workplace Traits and Programs:
Torchia on leadership: "The most valuable lesson I’ve learned – which is also the most valuable lesson I can impart upon my team – is learning to respond rather than react.
"You cannot lead someone past the point where you are. I began to confront people for their behavior. Having a bad day or problems at home ... could no longer be an excuse for mistreating anyone. We are still accountable for the way we handle things. Respond or react – it is a choice.
"You can cool down, take a moment, then continue the conversation later – or you can react in anger or frustration and alienate someone. It is a choice.
"Of course, even Gateway Title isn’t a perfect little world. We all – on occasion – forget to slow down. But the focus remains because we hold each other accountable. By far, that is the most valuable lesson we are continuing to learn."