Bob Wuerfel has worked in the land title industry for almost 30 years, starting as a manager trainee at a local title agency after graduating from Hope College in 1988. He is now the president of Lighthouse Title Group, which has grown to 25 locations across Michigan and in Wisconsin. Lighthouse Title Group handles over 100,000 real estate transactions and provides title insurance, closing services, and other products for residential and commercial property transfers. Bob aims to lead with values of service, community involvement, and mentorship.

1. APRIL 2016 8
Lighthouse Title Group
By Chelsea Hall
Bob Wuerfel graduated from Hope
College in 1988 with a degree
in business administration, but not
before securing a job. “I had an
on-campus job interview at Hope
and landed a manager-trainee posi-
tion at a local title agency in 1988,”
he said. “I have been in this field
ever since.”
A certified land title profession-
al (CLTP) and title president at
Lighthouse Title Group, Bob has
seen significant changes and growth
in his almost thirty years in the in-
dustry. “Lighthouse Title Group has
25 statewide locations and is now in
Green Bay, Wisconsin as well,” he
explained. “Also, we are part of the
Lighthouse Group that also has ben-
efits, commercial, life and personal
insurance.”
Whether it’s closing on a retail
property, refinancing a warehouse
or buying a second home, Light-
house Title Group has someone who
can help no matter where you are
located in Michigan. “We under-
stand that no two closings are alike,”
said Bob. “As your trusted advisor,
it is our responsibility to ensure you
have the title coverage you need.
When you work with Lighthouse
Title Group, you benefit from our
long list of individual products
and services as well as the top-rate
relationships we have with our five
underwriters.”
Bob was quick to point out that,
while he does preside over the title
agency at Lighthouse, it wouldn’t
be possible without the dozens of
shareholders, managers and leaders
he works with. He added, “I enjoy
being part of a group that has
evolved over 15 years and continues
with forward visionary thinking, led
by our Group/CEO Tom Helmstet-
ter.” When it comes to inspiration,
Bob said it’s pretty simple: “I strive
daily to lead and mentor well,” he
said. “I look to take my church and
family values and try to weave these
into my leadership style.”
Speaking of family, Bob and his
wife, Shayne, along with their three
children Corinne, Alex and Anna,
have lived in their north side home
for over twenty years, and have quite
enjoyed their life there. “We enjoy
the trees and awesome natural ar-
eas,” shared Bob. “Also the proximity
to schools, church other activities.”
The team at Lighthouse Title Group
is committed to the communities
they serve, and for Bob, that means
Holland and its residents. “I love
seeing clients and community mem-
bers outside of work at downtown
shops, sporting or school events,” he
shared. “We support and sponsor
many non-profits and events such as
Tulip Time.”
Impressively, Lighthouse Title
Group has handled over 100,000
title files since forming in 2001.
“Notable projects around Holland
include the transfer from the city to
Hope College of the football stadi-
um, working with a local bank on
the downtown hotel that opened in
March as well as the land purchase
by the city for the new power plant,”
said Bob.
For his dedication and performance
with Lighthouse Title Group, Bob
was named one of Business Direct
Weekly’s Top 40 Business Leaders
Under 40 in 2004, and was the 2013-
14 president of the Michigan Land
Title Association (MLTA) where he
earned the Robert J. Jay award for
dedication and service to the land
title industry.
Bob remains dedicated to growing
the business every day, learning
where opportunities for improve-
ment are and most importantly, still
enjoys his career. “For me, every day
can be different and challenging,”
said Bob. “I like that diversity.”
Lighthouse Title Group is located
at 877 E. 16th Street in Holland.
Visit their website at www.
lighthousegroup.net.
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