Founders

Brian Pitman & Jay Southworth

Brian Pitman, President/COO, was born and raised in Sherman, TX. He left Sherman to attend The University of Texas at Austin, where he was involved in several campus organizations, including the original Spirit and Traditions Board that helped reinstate the Torch Light Parade and Hex Rally. He worked on his people skills bartending at the Texas Tavern on campus and at the Bass Concert Hall. Like many Longhorns after graduation, Brian had to find employment outside Austin, and returned to Sherman to work as a real estate agent and broker. He got his start in the title business in 1991, joining Chapin Title Company in Sherman where he managed the operation. In 1998 Brian fulfilled his dream of getting back to Longhorn country. He and his wife Shelle moved their family to Austin, where he became Division President of First American Title Company, remaining at the helm until he resigned to form Independence Title with Jay in 2005. Brian has been active in the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA) for many years and served as the President in 2010-11. He received the association’s highest honor in 2008 when he was named “Title Person of the Year.” Brian and Shelle have three children, Kelsee, Reid, and Trevor Pitman.

Jay Southworth, Chairman/CEO, is a native Austinite who began working as a courier for Austin Title Company when he was 19 years old. Jay was a natural leader and over the next 18 years, he served as Assistant VP/Plant Manager, Executive VP/General Manager, and by 1999 was named President of Austin Title, where he remained until partnering with Brian to form Independence Title. Jay is a die-hard Longhorn fan and faithful follower of UT football, basketball and baseball and has recently adopted the Horned Frogs of TCU in support of his oldest daughters enrollment there. Jay is a good listener, has a genius for numbers, and nominates Brian whenever public speaking is required. Jay and his wife Nancy have three children, daughters Sarah and Paige and son Hayden. Both Jay and Nancy have been actively involved in various activties in the Westlake community for the past 25 years. As a way to help support the current challenges in education funding, Jay currently serves on the Board of Directors and on the Finance Committee of the Eanes Education Foundation.

Jay and Brian bring a wealth of experience, industry knowledge, and lifelong relationships to Independence Title, and have become a powerful presence in the Texas title industry. As the top decision-makers, they are active in the day-to-day operations of the company they have built, and are a phone call away from any team member or client.