Title Industry Remembers Wayne Stanley, Founder and CEO of Bowe Digital
May 8, 2025
The title industry is mourning the loss of Wayne Stanley, founder and CEO of Bowe Digital, who passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, generosity and deep connection across the title insurance community.
The 38-year-old Stanley, who died May 1, was a friend and inspiration to the industry and beyond. Stanley had the ability to blend creativity with strategy. He pushed the title industry to be bolder, more human and more connected. His voice and vision helped elevate the role of title professionals across the country.
“Wayne wasn’t just our leader,” said Heather Lunsford, Bowe Digital’s chief operating officer of Bowe Digital. “He was my mentor, my best friend and a part of my family. We talked every single day—about work, life, nonsense and everything in between.”
From the start, Bowe Digital emphasized family. The company’s name honors Stanley’s maternal grandfather. Some of Stanley’s siblings had a direct hand during early days of the company. Brother Glen Stanley designed the original logo, and sister Koko Davis assisted Stanley with content creation and planning until, Lunsford became the company’s first official hire a few months into the journey. Stanley’s mother, Dorinda Davis, serves as Bowe Digital’s director of special projects and is the company’s primary handler of accounts, billing and other key tasks.
Stanley was more than a marketing expert—he was a visionary, mentor and tireless advocate for the industry. Through his time at Bowe Digital and ALTA, Stanley transformed how title companies approached branding and communication, always emphasizing authenticity and impact.
Stanley worked at ALTA from 2012 to 2017, where he led public affairs and played a critical role in launching the Homebuyer Outreach Program (HOP), a now-industry-standard approach to educating consumers about title insurance.
“Our industry has lost a dedicated professional who made invaluable contributions to ALTA,” said Diane Tomb, CEO of ALTA. “Beyond Wayne’s professional accomplishments, we’ve lost a cherished colleague whose presence brightened our workday and whose wisdom we could always rely on. Wayne will be deeply missed, but his impact on our industry and our lives remains indelible.”
At conferences across the country, Stanley’s enthusiasm was infectious. He was a regular speaker at ALTA events and state land title association conferences, where he shared candid advice, cracked jokes and never missed an opportunity to uplift others.
“He made everyone feel important,” said Lisa Steele, chief operating officer for Mother Lode Holding Co. “Whether you were a new agent or a seasoned executive, Wayne took the time to listen, support and cheer you on. His encouragement meant the world to so many.”
Stanley believed in the title industry, its people and the power of great storytelling to build trust with consumers. His creativity and compassion shaped the way many title professionals communicate with their customers and consumers today.
Under Stanley’s leadership, Bowe Digital became more than a marketing firm—it became a movement. His emphasis on clarity, consistency and customer-first messaging helped redefine how the title industry connects with clients and communities.
“Wayne believed that small businesses deserved big ideas,” said Nicole Timpanaro, CEO of New Jersey-based Fortune Title Agency. “He helped us not just market our services, but tell our story. He made us better and was an amazing person and friend.”
Even as his business grew, Stanley remained deeply involved in relationships with clients and partners. He brought energy to every meeting and showed up with ideas, encouragement and usually a quick-witted quip.
In the days following the announcement, hundreds of industry professionals took to LinkedIn and social media to share their memories and condolences. The common thread: Stanley made people feel valued. He made work feel meaningful. He made marketing feel personal. He made people laugh.
“Wayne Stanley forever changed the way the title industry marketed its value,” said Jeff Bates, CEO of D. Bello. “Our industry is better because of it, and so are all of us who had the joy of knowing him.”
Before ALTA, Stanley worked in Washington D.C., for longtime U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar following his graduation from Franklin College in Indiana in 2008. He relocated to his hometown of Kokomo, Ind., when he launched Bowe Digital.
HousingWire recently named Stanley a Rising Star for the second year in a row for his leadership of Bowe Digital and his ongoing contributions to the title industry. In his award acceptance, Stanley attributed his success to a commitment to “lifelong learning” and improvement that started in college.
“It was a pillar of what the institution believed kept your eyes open to new possibilities throughout your life and career,” Stanley said when he was honored. “As I’ve gotten older, I think that philosophy has morphed into more of a 'stay curious' mentality.”
Memorial Service
Family, friends and colleagues are invited to visit with the family from 3-7 p.m. EST, Friday, May 9, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Stanley’s life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Stanley’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Love Pet Project, 11818 Sycamore St., Zionsville, IN 46077. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].