ABOUT US
GUIDED BY CARE, DRIVEN BY TRUST
Our team is experienced, dedicated, and takes a proactive approach to every transaction we are entrusted with. Our team members are title and escrow professionals who have a passion for serving our customers and ensuring the best experience in the industry. We have seasoned professionals who have served our community for more than four decades alongside young professionals who represent the next generation of our industry. We are honored to put our collective experience and enthusiasm to work for each client and each deal we have the privilege to work on.




MEET OUR TEAM

Alexis Juilleret
Administrative Assistant - Traverse City
I have been the Administrative Assistant at Searchlight since June 2024. While I have not been in the Title business long, I have greatly enjoyed learning and helping people navigate the closing process. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends & family or reading a good book.
Email: ajuilleret@choosests.com

Beccy Clennan
Operations Manager - Traverse City
I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with a team that cultivates a culture of innovative solutions, streamlined efficiencies, and enhanced customer satisfaction. In our rapidly evolving industry, I am dedicated to continuous learning and professional development to help myself and our team stay abreast of industry trends, regulations, and best practices. With over two decades in the industry, I have gained invaluable hands-on experience and incredible mentorship and have a true passion for title and escrow. Outside of work, I focus on Faith, Family and Friends. I love the beautiful outdoors and anything that helps me continue to live life to its fullest.
Email: bclennan@choosests.com
Phone: 989.429.2595
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Cari Haag
Closing Officer - Manistee
I am the Office Manager for Searchlight Title Services in Manistee, Michigan. I have been in the real estate industry since I graduated from Michigan State University in 1996, and have specialized in title since 2015. Outside of my career, I enjoy spending time with my family and partaking in many athletic pursuits.
Email: chaag@choosests.com

Carrie Trojanek
Closing Officer - Traverse City
With 22 years of experience in real estate, including a decade in the title industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my work. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management, which has equipped me with valuable insights into both the real estate and business sectors. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy gardening, raising chickens, reading, and spending quality time with my family.
Email: ctrojanek@choosests.com
Phone: 231.715.3508​​​​​​​

Dede Reece
Closing Officer Commercial - Traverse City
I have been in the title business for 26 years. One of the aspects I enjoy most about this industry is working with new home buyers and walking them through the process. I have done extensive work on the commercial side as well. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with my family.
Email: dreece@choosests.com

Don Peplinski
Senior Title Examiner Commercial
I have been in the title industry examining for 44 years specializing in commercial exams. I'm a lifelong University of Michigan fan and spend my free time with my family and dogs.
Email: dpeplinski@choosests.com

Eden Kircus
Closing Officer - Alpena
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I am a Closing Officer/Processor at Searchlight. I have been in the Title industry for three years, and was in mortgage lending for ten years previous to my move into the title world. I am a mama to five beautiful girls and one handsome boy. In my free time you will find me at some ball field or camping with my family. I look forward to assisting you with all your Title needs.
Email: ekircus@choosests.com

Emilee Bruce
Real Estate Title Examiner and Commitment Specialist
I am a Title Examiner for Searchlight Title Group. I have been working in the title industry for over 4 years, starting as a searcher and then training to become an examiner. I enjoy researching the history of properties and putting all of the pieces together like a puzzle. In my free time I enjoy making art and spending time outdoors.
Phone: 231.715.3513​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Emily Pols Roda
Real Estate Title Examiner and Commitment Specialist
My journey into the industry started in an unusual way about 14 years ago through oil, gas and mineral examination. After many years spent traveling the United States preparing Mineral Ownership Reports and Abstracts; I just knew I would always want to come back to my home state of Michigan and serve the greater community of my childhood. Real Estate Title Examination has allowed me to continue my love for searching ownership while also allowing me the stability to put down roots and enjoy being a mother and wife. Beyond the joys of what mother and wifehood bring, I like to compete in soft tip darts, color, do arts and crafts, and find new ways to build upon my relationship with God.
Email: epols@choosests.com
Phone: 231.878.2924
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Karen Rosa
Office Administrator
My role at Searchlight is fluid, from data entry to clearing jammed printers; I’m the fix-it gal. I enjoy the diversity and challenge of daily operations. I brought 20 years of banking and 17 years of administrative experience that I tap into daily. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy sharing time with Babe, my three-year-old Goldendoodle, my family, and my friends.
Email: krosa@choosests.com
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Lisa DeWolfe
Closing Officer - Frankfort
I'm the Senior Closer at Searchlight Title in Frankfort, Michigan. I started working in the title industry in 2010 when I returned home from South Florida and love living and working in Benzie County.
Email: ldewolfe@choosests.com

Matt Powis
President
I have the opportunity to work with some really amazing people from clients, realtors, lenders and most
importantly the Searchlight Team. My focus has always been to provide our local communities a trusted
and valuable resource during their home buying and selling process by leveraging the use of technology
and an all-star group of staff members. In the past decade, I have gained vast knowledge into the
operational and business sides of our industry and put that to use providing the best client experience
possible. When out of the office, I am a passionate sports fan of many teams. I enjoy spending time with family
and friends, which typically revolves around a sporting event.
Email: mpowis@choosests.com
Phone: 231.222.5266​​​​​
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Melissa Kasarskis
Construction Specialist and Processor
I help serve as your Construction Lead. I have been in the construction business for 35 years owning a successful business with my Husband and Son. I also take part in the Processing team on the purchasing side of Title. I am Mom of 2 children and “MiMi” to 5 amazing grandchildren. On our time away, we love riding our Harley and taking exotic cruises.
Email: mkasarskis@choosests.com
Phone: 231.938.6073​​​
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Michelle Mitchell
Funding Specialist
My primary function is as a funder. I review statements and issue checks and wires accordingly. I have been working in title for almost 10 years with the prior 7 years working on the lending side of things. I have been at Searchlight Title since we first launched in the fall of 2018 and have enjoyed watching the growth we have achieved. We have a really great team that I truly enjoy calling my co-workers.
Email: mmitchell@choosests.com
Phone: 231.252.0386

Rob Wolowiec
Real Estate Title Examiner and Commitment Specialist
I have been title examining for nearly 30 years. I enjoy the complexity and details of the search and working on a great team. I enjoy all the opportunities that Northern Michigan has to offer, including hiking, biking, and golf.
Email: robert@choosests.com
Phone: 231.383.1301

Sandy Bannister
Closing Officer - Cadillac
I am a Closing Officer for Searchlight Title in the Cadillac office. I love working with people during the final step of one of the biggest purchases they will make in their life. I have been in the title business for just over six years and previously worked as a processor for a mortgage company for just over five years. When I'm not working, I enjoy baking, crochet, and camping with my husband of 36 years.
Email: sbannister@choosests.com
Phone: 231.668.9844

Sharilyn Booms
Closing Officer - Cadillac
Coming from 30+ years of Mortgage Lending, Commercial Lending, and being the Branch Manager of a Bank, I switched gears to Title only and love it. Working for the agents and their clients fulfills my heart as I get to watch buyers purchase their new “forever homes”. Providing professional services to all the buyers, sellers and agents is a 150% goal of mine. Being a part of the Searchlight Team is rewarding and is the best Title Company in Northern Michigan.
Email: sbooms@choosests.com
Phone: 231.577.4040