Paula L. Woodring

I contribute my success not only to a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the ability to adapt to change, but also to my willingness to take risks, build meaningful relationships, and continuously evolve. I have never been afraid to step outside of traditional ways of thinking or challenge myself to grow personally and professionally.

I believe success comes from consistency, resilience, surrounding yourself with the right people, and creating a culture where people genuinely care about the outcome. I’ve learned how important it is to stay solution-focused during difficult times, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain.

Most importantly, I believe in people. I believe in building teams, creating opportunities, and treating relationships as long-term partnerships rather than transactions. That mindset has allowed me to grow RELTCO into a national company while still maintaining the personal service and integrity our clients value.

Success in any industry requires patience, dedication, and the ability to adapt. Embracing changes in technology, shifts in the market, evolving client expectations, and even unexpected life transitions is essential for long-term growth. Flexibility and resilience are key qualities that allow individuals and businesses to navigate an ever-changing professional landscape while continuing to thrive and deliver exceptional service.

Don’t be afraid of trying. Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there. If you are tenacious and have the ability to thrive in a market filled with peaks and valleys, you can succeed. And if you’re not naturally a “peaks and valleys” person, then you have to learn how to stay motivated through both the highs and the lows.

I strongly believe that if you have a dream, you need to go for it because living with regret is far harder than taking a chance. As long as you prepare yourself, surround yourself with a strong support system, and keep people around you who encourage you instead of tearing you down, you will absolutely have the opportunity to succeed.

Success doesn’t come from avoiding challenges. It comes from pushing through them, adapting, learning, and refusing to quit when things get hard.

Probably the biggest challenge in our industry right now is interest rates. The market dynamics have changed tremendously over the last few years, and it has created both positives and negatives. Unfortunately, many companies have not survived because rates have remained high for an extended period of time.

Our industry is heavily interest-rate driven. When rates are low, transactions increase, especially refinances, which are highly profitable for both mortgage companies and title companies. While RELTCO is very diversified handling everything from cell towers to SBA loans that are not always rate-sensitive refinances still play a major role in the overall profitability of the industry.

When mortgage companies experience a slowdown due to higher interest rates, that effect naturally trickles down to us because it impacts the volume of incoming orders. During times like these, you have to adapt. You have to get out there, sell harder, build stronger relationships, and continue pushing yourself to gain new clients because the market share from your existing clients may decrease.

At the same time, there is another side to it. Sadly, some title companies have gone out of business during these tougher market conditions. If you position yourself correctly and continue operating with consistency and stability, you can earn new business from companies that suddenly need a new title partner after losing the one they previously relied on. There can be opportunity in difficult markets, although it’s never easy seeing businesses struggle or close their doors.

I believe challenging markets ultimately separate companies that can adapt, diversify, and remain resilient from those that cannot. You have to be willing to evolve with the market rather than wait for the market to change for you.

More than anything, Paula Woodring simply wants to be known as a good person someone others, regardless of age or background, can look up to, admire, and find inspiration in. She believes true success is not measured only by business achievements, but by the lives touched along the way. If her journey can inspire even one person to believe in themselves, take a chance, and pursue their dreams with confidence, then she considers that one of her greatest accomplishments and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.