Meet The Team

Meet Susan Higgins, the owner of Western Illinois Title Company, a leading title insurance company serving clients in West Central Illinois. Susan has 23 years of experience in the title insurance industry and is a trusted expert in her field. Her "Farm girl" work ethic is in her DNA and is present in her work ethic today, having grown up on a row crop and livestock farm in rural Henderson County IL.

Susan's journey into the title insurance industry began uniquely as she taught middle school science for 20 years after graduating from Northeast Missouri State University, NKA Truman State University. Despite initial trepidation about leaving the teaching profession, Susan quickly discovered her passion for the title insurance industry! Over the years, Susan has gained invaluable experience and knowledge in all aspects of the title insurance business, including title searches, escrow, and closing processes. From her passion for education, Susan worked with the Illinois Land Title Association committee that developed the training to enable those involved with this profession to earn the designation of Illinois Title Professional and/or Illinois Escrow Professional. Susan even had the opportunity to serve as the President of the Illinois Land Title Association from August of 2020 to August of 2021.

In 2000, Richard Lutz, Pat Coker and Susan founded Western Illinois Title Company with a vision to provide top-notch services to its clients in our rural corner of Illinois. Her commitment to her clients' needs has helped her build a reputation for excellence, trust, and integrity. Susan understands that buying or selling a property can be a stressful process, and she and her team are dedicated to making the process as seamless as possible.

Susan is an active member of her community and church, as well as volunteering in various local charitable organizations. She is a member of the Illinois Land Title Association and the American Land and Title Association, two organizations in which she strongly believes. She is passionate about giving back to the community, continuing education in her profession, and helping those in need. In her free time, Susan enjoys cooking, entertaining, spending time with her family, and examining title!

Introducing Rich Lutz, the accomplished owner of Western Illinois Title Company and Bi-County Insurance, two leading companies providing exceptional services to clients in Western Illinois. Rich is an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in the insurance and title insurance industry, and he is a trusted expert in his field.

Rich's insurance career started soon after he graduated from Western Illinois University, where he gained a solid educational background. He held several early positions in the industry, building his expertise and experience. In 1985, Rich founded Bi-County Insurance, a full-service insurance agency catering to the individual and business insurance needs of the local community.

In 2000, Rich expanded his services to include title insurance with the establishment of Western Illinois Title Company. With his vision for top-notch services, he has earned a reputation for excellence, trust, and integrity. Rich's commitment to his clients' needs has enabled him to build strong relationships with clients who value his expertise, professionalism, and personal touch. He is known for taking the time to listen and understand each client's unique situation and needs.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Rich is an active member of his community and has volunteered his time and resources to various local charitable organizations. He cherishes his family and friends and is well-respected as one of the most generous members in the community. In his free time, Rich enjoys golfing, attending sports events, and spending quality time with his family.