Leadership in Title: Craig Goldenberg

How Stepping Back Has Helped Empower Local Operations in the Northeast and Built a Foundation of Trust

The right tools make all the difference. As technology continues to change the customer experience in real estate, Stewart has embraced it by making investments in improved workflow, diversifying our offerings within the real estate transaction, gathering customer feedback and creating actionable plans to enhance our business. Many of these changes have been employee-led efforts, endorsed by regional leadership. It’s part of the reason we’ve been named a U.S. News and World Report Best Places to Work winner and a USA TODAY Top Workplace in 2025.

In this Leadership in Title interview, we highlight a leader who is building a “foundation of trust” with his team and our customers. As the Senior Division President of Direct Operations for the Northeast region, and most recently, Kansas and Missouri, Craig Goldenberg leads an “incredibly talented” team across some of the most diverse and dynamic markets in the country. From complex commercial transactions along the East Coast to high-volume out-sales with builder clients, to the unique world of abstracts in upstate New York, the local operations he oversees covers it all.

With such a wide range of professionals, Craig ensures our employees have the tools, support and guidance they need to succeed. Read how he balances advocating for his teams’ needs and taking a step back when they are flying.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the real estate title industry?

A: It started with a love of real estate, passed down from my mother, who was a title professional, and my stepfather, a real estate attorney. My summer jobs were in title and I was immediately drawn to the fact that every file had a story; a puzzle to solve. It was our job to unravel the knots and get it to the closing table.

I also loved the balance the industry offered: the mix of quiet, focused work and meaningful collaboration with others really suited me. Plus, where else do you get to combine history, law and real estate all in one role?

Q: What has changed the most since you started your career?

A: The speed, hands down. What used to take days now happens in minutes. Technology, customer expectations and the overall pace of the market have all accelerated.

When I started my full-time career in 1998, fax machines and couriers (especially in Manhattan, where I worked) were the main way we moved information. Fast-forward to today, and digital tools; email, scanning, cloud platforms—have completely transformed how we work.

But what hasn’t changed is the importance of being a trusted, responsive partner. No matter the medium— email, text, call or carrier pigeon, what clients really want is someone who communicates clearly, timely and shows up when it matters. That’s still where we shine.

Q: Finish this sentence: Success is built on _____________.

A: Integrity, consistency, and knowing when to lead from the front and when to step back and let your team fly. (A good sense of humor doesn’t hurt either.)

Q: The real estate market has faced challenges over the last few years. How do you ensure your team stays agile and resilient to ever-evolving market conditions?

A: We focus on what we can control: preparation, mindset and adaptability. I encourage my team to stay ahead of trends, support one another and never get too comfortable with the status quo. We celebrate the wins, learn from the losses, and when the market shifts, we don’t panic, we pivot.

We also challenge conventional wisdom by approaching decisions analytically, keeping bias in check and focusing on data over assumptions. Over time, we’ve embraced that change isn’t the exception, it’s the norm. As a result, change management has become part of our culture, not just a response.

Most importantly, we’ve built a foundation of trust. That allows us to challenge each other constructively, view the market with clarity and not take feedback personally. It’s how we stay sharp, resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge for customers in your area? How are we helping them navigate it?

A: Across our region from the coast of Maine to the heartland of Missouri, customers are navigating a variety of challenges shaped by both local dynamics and national market pressures.

On the residential side, affordability remains a top concern. Low inventory and high prices continue to create roadblocks, especially in areas like Northern Virginia, Maryland, and parts of New Jersey where competition is intense, and bidding wars are still common.

Commercial clients are facing hesitancy and increasing complexity. In markets like Washington, D.C. and New York, deals are often slowed by permitting hurdles, tighter lending standards and evolving investor expectations. Meanwhile, in places like Missouri and New Hampshire, we’re seeing a rise in owner-users and first-time investors, which brings a different set of questions and needs.

We help our customers navigate this by bringing clarity to complexity. Our team combines deep local knowledge with the resources of a national organization. From historical title issues in upstate New York to land use concerns in the Midwest, we identify challenges early, communicate proactively and tailor our solutions to the unique demands of each transaction.

We’ve also invested in training and technology to help our partners, agents, lenders and attorneys stay ahead of changing regulations and rising expectations. Whether it’s resolving a title defect, structuring a multi-parcel deal, or ensuring secure handling of funds, we stay focused, responsive, and calm under pressure.

At the end of the day, our customers know we’re not just here to close a deal, we’re here to be a trusted partner for the long haul. That trust is our most valuable asset, especially in a market that’s constantly evolving.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities in your area?

A: There’s a significant opportunity in helping clients navigate complexity, whether it’s multi-state transactions, expanding commercial development, or staying ahead of constantly evolving regulations. Our region is incredibly diverse, with everything from dense urban cores to rural farmland, legacy properties, waterfront real estate, and high-growth corridors. That diversity creates opportunity, but also demands local expertise, flexibility, and strong execution.

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are full of hidden gems and under-the-radar high-value markets. Places like coastal Maine, parts of New Hampshire, and central Virginia are seeing increased interest from investors and developers looking for value beyond the usual hot spots. At the same time, commercial revitalization in areas like Baltimore, Kansas City, and suburban D.C. is driving activity in mixed-use, industrial and multi-family sectors.

We're uniquely positioned to help unlock those opportunities with the right mix of tech, talent and boots-on-the-ground insight. Our teams understand the regional nuances like cooperative requirements in New York, agricultural zoning in Missouri, or environmental considerations in Maryland and we know how to get deals done efficiently and securely.

As buyers, sellers and investors look for ways to move faster and smarter in a complex market, we’re there to guide them, bringing a steady hand, trusted counsel and the tools to make opportunity actionable.

Q: What makes Stewart Title unique as a business partner and title services provider?

A:  It’s the perfect balance of strength and service. Stewart has the resources, technology and reach of a national powerhouse but we lead with local understanding and heart. That means our clients get the best of both worlds: the confidence of working with an industry leader and the personalized, responsive support of a local partner who truly knows the market.

We’re not transactional, we’re relational. We don’t just show up at the closing table; we show up early, make it a priority to stay involved and help solve problems before they become roadblocks. Our teams take the time to understand each client’s goals, whether it’s a first-time homebuyer in Missouri or a commercial investor juggling a multi-parcel deal across Maryland and Virginia.

We also invest in the success of our partners, agents, lenders, attorneys because we know that when they grow, we grow. Through training, technology and hands-on support, we help elevate the people and businesses we work with.

Relationships matter. Reputation matters. And our clients feel that...deal after deal, year after year.

Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your leadership role at Stewart?

A: Seeing people grow into their potential, hands down. Whether it’s someone stepping into a leadership role, gaining confidence in a new skill set, or finding a creative solution to a tough problem, those moments of growth are incredibly fulfilling. I get to work alongside passionate, talented professionals who genuinely care about the work we do. Watching them succeed, individually and as a team, is the best part of my job.

What’s especially rewarding is helping people recognize strengths they didn’t even know they had. Sometimes it’s just about giving them the right opportunity, a little encouragement and the space to figure things out. Watching someone go from cautious to confident, or from contributor to leader, is something I never get tired of.

It’s also incredibly satisfying to build a culture where people feel supported, challenged and appreciated. When your team knows you have their back, they perform at a higher level and they bring that same energy to our clients. That ripple effect of good leadership shows up in better service, stronger relationships, and a company culture people genuinely want to be part of.

Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact.

Q: Stewart was recently recognized as a Top Workplace and U.S. News and World Report Best Places to Work winner. What makes our company a unique place to work?

A: At Stewart, people genuinely matter. You’re not just a number or a title, you’re part of a team that values your ideas, your growth and your voice. There’s room to lead, room to learn and plenty of support along the way. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, you’re encouraged to contribute and take ownership of your role.

What really sets Stewart apart is the culture. It’s collaborative, driven and refreshingly authentic. There’s a shared commitment to finding solutions for our clients and you feel that your colleagues are genuinely invested in your success. It’s not about silos or egos; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together to deliver.

People are here to do great work, you don’t have to navigate hidden agendas to get things done—you just need to bring your best, support your team, and stay focused on serving the customer.

That kind of environment doesn’t just make for a better workplace; it makes for better results. And it’s a big part of why people stay and grow their careers here.

Q: And one last question, what’s your coffee order or morning drink of choice?

A: Large black coffee, no less than 2 cups a day, no more than 3.

We thank Craig for sharing his approach to leadership and how his team is helping our customers navigate the ever-evolving real estate market.

Stay tuned for more Q&As for our Leadership in Title Insights series and make sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for more real estate and title industry updates and resources.

Interested in reading more of our Leadership in Title series? Check out our other Q&As:
Leadership in Title: Wyomia Clifton, Group SVP, Direct Operations
Leadership in Title: Sean Stoner, Group SVP of M&A/Corporate Development
Leadership in Title: Emily Kain, Chief Human Resources Officer