Ebby Halliday Brings in New Texas Premier, HSTX Title President as Martin Ripoll Retires

After 40 + years as a leader in the title industry, Ebby Halliday’s Martin Ripoll announced his retirement from Ebby Halliday Companies affiliate Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title.

Attorney Don Tomlinson is assuming the veteran title leader’s role and has been named President of Ebby Halliday Companies affiliates brands Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title.

Ripoll helped create Texas Premier Title in 2011. Over the last decade, he and his team have closed more than 30,000 real estate transactions and collaborated with thousands of real estate professionals to provide a stellar closing experience. Ripoll is known as both a true student of and a teacher in the title industry, and helped develop and launch the careers of countless professionals. His dedication to employees, real estate professionals, and clients is renowned in the industry, as is his commitment to service and willingness to solve any issue or challenge.

Don Tomlinson assumed the role of president on June 21. He and Ripoll have been working closely together during the transition period.

Tomlinson comes to the Ebby Halliday Companies from parent company HomeServices of America sister-company Long & Foster, where he has served as Regional Vice President of RGS Title since 2013. As president, he will help oversee and lead the entirety of title operations, including Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title.

“During my roles as Managing Attorney and Regional Vice President, I learned something new each day,” Tomlinson says. “This type of role has been my goal for many years, and I’ve spent my time at RGS honing the skills I would need for it through additional education, networking, reading, and listening.”

Martin has built something special that will last long into the future, says Tomlinson.

“It’s an incredible accomplishment. I have to respect the foundation he built while looking toward the future. My approach will be to take things step-by-step,” says Tomlinson. “Current team members are working hard every day, and I will support them while also finding new avenues of growth.” 

Tomlinson is coming from a similar, very active market in the Washington, D.C. area at Long & Foster. He plans to use his understanding of the area’s commonalities but also adjust to the unique elements of the North Texas market. He says he is thinking about the rest of this year but also planning for five, 10 and 20 years from now.

“While Martin is responsible for elevating Texas Premier Title to the level it is today, we are confident Don is the right leader to continue the upward trajectory with his visionary thinking,” says Catherine Sims, Vice President Core Services. “We are looking forward to having his title savvy and expertise here in Texas.”

Tomlinson says he is also looking forward to a lot of things about Texas.

“The people really stand out to me,” Tomlinson says. “I’ve only met a few on prior visits, but they have been incredibly welcoming. It will be a big move for my East Coast family. We’re really looking forward to becoming part of the community and getting to know the people and places that make Texas unique.”

Texas Premier Title and HSTX Title are full-service title companies owned by the Ebby Halliday Companies. Strategically located branch offices throughout the D-FW area provide clients the ability to close at a convenient location. The Ebby Halliday Companies include real estate brands Ebby Halliday Realtors, Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, and Williams Trew, as well as core-services brands Prosperity Home Mortgage, Home Team Insurance, Texas Premier Title, and HSTX Title.