In June 2025, Micro Title marks a major milestone: 40 years of dedicated service in the real estate title insurance business. From its humble beginnings in 1985 to its status today as a respected name in Navarro and Hill Counties, Micro Title has remained firmly grounded in family values, innovative approaches, and a relentless drive for excellence.
The company was founded in 1985 by BJ Waggoner and her son, Lance Waggoner. However, the roots of the idea were planted in 1984, when BJ was working in the oil industry in Colorado and Lance was working as a landman in East Texas. As Lance recalls, “There was a big lake coming into the area, and we thought that would generate a lot of real estate transactions and title insurance activity. So, we said, why not start a business of our own and work for ourselves?”
That entrepreneurial leap marked the birth of Micro Title. The early days were anything but easy. High interest rates, a lack of online learning resources, and an imposing industry learning curve meant long hours and a deep commitment to learning. “We literally studied paper manuals and stayed up late into the night just to learn how to use the software,” Lance explains. “Our first real estate closing lasted nearly three hours when it should have taken thirty minutes. That was a wake-up call. From that point on, I was determined to master every part of the business.”
BJ played a dual role as both a mentor and a mother. Her decision to help create Micro Title was driven more by her desire to support her family than by her professional ambitions. That spirit of collaboration formed the foundation of the business and continued to guide its daily operations. Today, BJ works from home, focusing on title policy issues and advising the Hill County office with her wealth of knowledge.
The Waggoner family dynamic has only grown stronger over the years. In the late 1990s, as the business expanded, the family recognized the need for an in-house attorney to manage the development of legal instruments, including wills, deeds, and other related documents. “Around 1995, we encouraged my brother David to go to law school,” says Lance. “He agreed, and once he earned his law degree, he joined the company. Having David on board has been a tremendous asset to our business and clients who require the development of legal documents.
Another key player in the Waggoner family operation is Dan Waggoner, who oversees various facets of the title business, especially the management and distribution of online data services. Dan’s efforts have played a crucial role in improving operational efficiency and building strong relationships with county clerks across the state.
From the outset, Micro Title has been characterized by its commitment to innovation. While many rural title companies have maintained traditional paper-based methods, Lance used his interest in technology to create one of the first fully computerized title operations outside of Texas’ urban centers. Lance recalls that early computer systems were rudimentary at best and utilized green or orange monochrome monitors that were difficult to view, possessed no internal hard drives, and operated only on floppy disks—but they laid the foundation for future growth.
“We didn’t even have the internet during the first eight years of operation,” Lance recalls. “Eventually, we purchased dial-up modems to connect to other computers, but it was nothing like what we have today…not even close. Our data is now stored securely using Amazon data centers across the United States, and our systems are cloud-based and fully integrated. That transition has been vital to our ability to serve clients quickly, securely and accurately.”
Despite the company’s high-tech transformation, its most valuable asset remains its employees. Micro Title is proud of its team members – several of whom have been with the company for over 24 years. As explained by Lance, “the backbone of any enterprise is its people – and our staff members bring strong compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.” Our company’s values are deeply rooted in our Christian faith. “Trusting in God’s guidance, nurturing a supportive family environment, and maintaining absolute integrity have been central to our journey” says Lance.
Over the years, the Waggoner family has actively supported local, regional, and state-level initiatives, especially those involving Texas youth. Through donations and sponsorships, Micro Title has contributed to 4-H and FFA events, livestock shows, educational contests, and scholarships.
Looking ahead, Lance envisions a future where Micro Title continues to evolve without losing its core identity. That means investing in industry-leading technology, supporting employees, and elevating assistance to our clients and our community.
As Lance reflects on four decades of operation, he remains grateful for the foundation his family laid. “It all started with a mother and son wanting to work together and make a difference. We have come a long way since those floppy disks and green screens, but the central premise of our business has not changed. We are still a family helping other families — with many more years to come!”
Micro Title will commemorate its 40-year milestone with an anniversary celebration, honoring its employees, national underwriters, realtors, and loyal clients who have been essential to its success.
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