Her Story
About Danielle
Danielle Santo is an experienced Escrow Officer and Notary with nearly 12 years of experience in the escrow and real estate industry. Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, she has built her career with First American Title, where she handles both residential and commercial escrow transactions. Danielle began her career as a Commercial Escrow Assistant and progressed into increasingly responsible roles, ultimately becoming an Escrow Officer after demonstrating her ability to independently manage transactions and client relationships. Throughout her career, Danielle has developed expertise in coordinating real estate transactions, supporting first-time homebuyers, working with brokers, notaries, and providing attentive customer service throughout the escrow process to all involved. She is also a commissioned Notary Public and has completed professional development programs, including Pathways and the Development Academy, strengthening her knowledge, leadership skills, and ability to serve clients effectively. Her accomplishments include recognition in the Million Dollar Club for generating more than a million dollars in revenue for two consecutive years, as well as being recognized among the top 20% of escrow professionals at First American Title. Danielle credits her professional growth to hands-on experience, mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. She values consistency, hard work, and balancing her career with family life as a single mother. Her mentors, including Bobbie Purdy, Vince Tocco, and K Madea, have played an important role in shaping her career and encouraging her development. Danielle encourages those entering the real estate industry to explore opportunities across escrow, title, and sales, emphasizing that the field can provide rewarding career opportunities through experience, dedication, and a willingness to learn.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Danielle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to nearly 12 years of experience in the escrow industry, growing from an escrow assistant to an escrow officer through hands-on experience, continuous industry training, and professional development. I completed two specialized training programs, earned my notary certification, and was honored with the Million Dollar Club Award for two consecutive years. These experiences have strengthened my expertise, confidence, and commitment to excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come through mentorship. My original mentor, Bobbie Purdy, along with my managers, Vince Tocco and K Madea, have played an important role in my professional growth. Their guidance, experience, and support have helped shape the way I approach my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to explore every opportunity—try escrow, title, sales, and different roles to discover what fits you best. This can be a rewarding and lucrative career path without necessarily requiring a college degree, and large companies offer many opportunities for growth and advancement.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the slower market caused by higher interest rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there are opportunities to adapt to new types of transactions, such as backyard escrows in California, which are creating new ways to serve clients and grow within the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are consistency, hard work, and continuous learning. As a single mother, I also value maintaining a healthy balance between my career and family, while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
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