Meet The Guaranteam

Wendy ethen, ESQ.

President & Visionary

Miss Positivity

wethen@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0412

Wendy is the president and visionary of Guaranty Commercial Title as well as an attorney and a Certified Real Property Law Specialist. Wendy launched the company in 2004 with a desire to run a title firm that demanded more from its team of professionals. Since its beginnings, she has worked tirelessly to develop Minneapolis’ premier title firm and provide thoughtful, personalized solutions to Guaranty Commercial’s amazing clients. She has built a team where all attorneys are closers, closers are engaged from the start and the process from the beginning to the end of a transaction is relationship driven.

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Wendy Ethen, President & Visionary

She is proud that the GuaranTEAM works on transactions that change the community for the better. The work is complicated, but the experts at Guaranty Commercial don’t take themselves very seriously. The work culture is centered on getting the transactions to the finish line, while having lots of fun with coworkers and clients.

Wendy brings two decades worth of experience in the title industry to her position. Her clients rely upon her unmatched knowledge and tremendous insight to determine the strategy that helps them reach their real estate ownership objectives. Wendy’s expertise spans complex financing and development projects including multifamily, affordable, senior, office, industrial and retail commercial real estate transactions.

Being a part of improving the community fills her heart. Wendy is involved with Minnesota Housing Partnership, Mill City Farmers Market, Spedco, Rethos and many great industry groups. One of her favorite projects has been Keg n Case Food Hall, and she’s very proud of the many affordable housing projects that Guaranty Commercial has been lucky to help solidify.

Wendy earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and received her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law. She has also completed the E-200 Program presented by the Small Business Administration, a mini-MBA program, and the CCIM curriculum.

In her free time, Wendy loves exotic travel and has been a scuba diver for 30 years. She loves being near or in the water – anywhere!

Cindy Flynn

SVP People & Operations

Guaranty’s Dr. Phil

cflynn@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0410

Cindy is the GuaranTEAM SVP People & Operations, leading our Human Resources department and daily operations. She loves that Guaranty is a Traction-run company with a work culture built around our core values. Cindy’s past experience in Operations, Mortgage, and Management give her the keen ability to help guide the strategic mission of the GuaranTEAM while maintaining and elevating the infectious culture at Guaranty. Outside of work, Cindy holds the title of “Nana” to her granddaughters and enjoys spending time with her family.

Mary Roehl

VP Sales & Marketing

Master Of Wanderlust

mroehl@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0419

Mary focuses on cultivating new business relationships for the GuaranTEAM, as well as leading our strategic marketing and communication efforts. Mary loves being part of a nimble team that delivers top-notch results for clients, and is focused on building a more diverse, equitable Twin Cities – one transaction at a time. Mary is an expert on bridging communication between our clients and team members as she focuses on Creating Rewarding Relationships with each party involved in the transaction.

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Mary Roehl, VP Sales & Marketing

On the weekends, you can find Mary traveling to her favorite city Chicago, spending time with her family and enjoying new restaurants and dishes across Minneapolis’ rich culinary scene.

Elizabeth Sheehan, ESQ.

VP Examination & Underwriting

Nature Lover

bsheehan@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0411

Elizabeth is an examiner and underwriter for Guaranty Commercial. Our customers benefit from her expertise and knowledge of the commercial real estate market and legal landscape. In her role, Elizabeth strives for clients to feel a personalized touch in their interactions with the GuaranTEAM. As an examiner, Elizabeth works with Guaranty’s all-attorney closing team to ensure tall title concerns are identified and resolved.

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Elizabeth Sheehan, VP Of Examination & Underwriting

Elizabeth is a former Director for the Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) and is a member of the follow organizations; Minnesota State Bar Association, Real Property Section, Commercial Real Estate Women Network (CREWNetwork) and the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN,) and the Hennepin County Title Standards Committee.

Matthew Foli, ESQ.

Senior Examiner & Counsel

Wellness Guru

mfoli@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0413

Matthew extensively researches properties on behalf of our clients to ensure all title concerns are identified and resolved. Additionally, he provides legal counsel in examining files, navigating underwriting concerns and creating innovative solutions to title defects. Matthew also is the GuaranTEAM’s resident yoga instructor and loves to bring his passion for wellness into the workplace. As our Chief Wellness Officer, he’s been known to lead fitness walks with the team and has the best advice on healthy snacks.

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Matthew Foli, ESQ., Examiner & Counsel

Matthew’s career as a real estate attorney has spanned more than two decades. Before joining Guaranty Commercial, Matthew was a county deputy examiner of title and served as chair of the Minnesota State Bar Association Real Estate Property Section in 2015-16. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School.

 

Julie Givens

Commercial Post-Closing Officer

Private Eye Givens

jgivens@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0423

Julie plays a key role in our transactions by preparing and sending insurance policies to the owner and lender, along with recorded documents to put a final stamp on each project. She loves working at a boutique title company because its size allows us to work together more closely and efficiently for our customers. A favorite project has been the East Town Apartments, which has helped people obtain affordable housing.

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Julie Givens, Commercial Post-Closing Officer

Julie has nearly thirty years of experience in the commercial and residential arenas of title insurance. She’s worked in customer service, construction disbursing and closing. Her background and knowledge position her as a resource for her closing team and our clients. 

Jeanne Pommier

Commercial Closing & Recording Officer

Dancing Queen

jpommier@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0422

Jeanne brings over 40 years of experience in the title industry to Guaranty. Her roles within the title industry have spanned from Escrow Closer to Recording Officer, which makes her an expert resource for GuaranTEAM members and our clients in the various areas of title. Jeanne loves being part of a small and nimble team that works together to create rewarding relationships with our clients.

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Jeanne Pommier, Commercial Closing & Recording Officer

Jeanne exercises her creative gene by being a member of the bell choir at her church. Outside of work you can find Jeanne relaxing with a crochet hook in hand and loves spending time with her children and grandson in California.

Tristan Bell

Commercial Assistant Closer

Caffeine Queen

tbell@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0420

Tristan brings project management skills and expertise in improving communications and efficiencies team-wide. In her role as an Assistant Closer, Tristan provides high-level support to the Guaranteam Closers. Outside of the office, you’ll find Tristan playing with her rescue dog, exploring local parks, and spending quality time with family. 

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Tristan Evenson, Commercial Assistant Closer

She loves reading and can tell you almost anything about the Harry Potter universe (Team Hufflepuff). She also enjoys giving back to the community and loves to support local pet rescues throughout the Twin Cities.

Diane Johnson, CPA

VP Disbursing

Master Plate Spinner

djohnson@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0418

Diane manages our construction disbursing services, including reviewing draw requests and disbursing draws, lien waiver audits, equity audits, and more! Diane brings three decades of experience in commercial real estate construction, property management, development and finance to the team. Before joining Guaranty Commercial, she was the Chief Financial Officer at a national development firm. She loves working at Guaranty Commercial because of the company’s attitude of “how do we solve an issue” for a client.

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Diane Johnson, CPA., VP Of Disbursing

Diane earned a degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University and received the 2006 Networking Story of the Year Award from MNCREW.

 

Chris Ann Schneider

Disbursing Officer

Dog Momma Extraordinaire

cschneider@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0424

Chris has been working in the real estate construction industry for over 30 years in various accounting positions ranging from Senior Accountant to Controller. Her experience in this industry has given her an in-depth understanding of complicated commercial construction, residential construction and specialty construction contracting transactions.

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Chris Ann Schneider, Disbursing Officer

What she enjoys most about her role at Guaranty is working with clients to help them through the multifaceted disbursing process of the commercial deal. Chris reviews monthly draws from owners, developers, and contractors to ensure loan funds are disbursed in a timely manner. Through her work, she aims to go the extra mile for each client. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with her two German Shepherds, Mathis and Bigsley, gardening and riding her bike.

Pam Lienemann

Assistant Closer

K-9 Wrangler

plienemann@guarantytitle.net

612.238.2261

Pam joined Guaranty Commercial Title in 2021. She enjoys the fact that each commercial closing is unique and views every file as an intricate challenge just waiting to be solved. She values her GuranTEAM colleagues, and how we all work together to customize the closing experience for our clients. To her, the knowledge base at Guaranty Commercial Title is unmatched.

Pam says the Minneapolis area is full of communities that are truly made for its citizens and appreciates the many walking trails and nature preserves located here.

John Meyer, Esq.

Commercial Attorney Closer

Resident Tank Driver

JMeyer@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0425

John focuses on coordinating and completing real estate closings, using his legal expertise and managing each file like his own. He loves the satisfaction of seeing the GuaranTEAM’s work impact the local community and the economy. John is the Vice President of the Metro Independent Business Alliance and the President of the Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans and often works with Veteran causes in our broader community. Currently a Major in the Minnesota National Guard with over 20 years of service, John is an avid homebrewer until his kids start occupying all of his free time.

Sue Gliva

Controller

Number Ninja

Sgliva@guarantytitle.net

651.348.2238

Sue manages Guaranty Commercial’s financial activity. As a former business owner and certified CPA, she brings decades of leadership and experience to the role. Sue loves the camaraderie among her teammates, and says our competitive advantage is that we provide the extra service and details necessary to deliver an outstanding client experience. Sue serves her local community as an elected City Council member and a former local school board member. When the work day is over, you may find her trying out new restaurants (and never skipping a cupcake for dessert), traveling to national and state parks with her husband or cheering on the Vikings, as their number one fan.

Molly Breunig

Disbursing Agent

Spreadsheet Slayer

Mbreunig@guarantytitle.net

612.843.9498

Molly focuses on the review and disbursement of funds for Guaranty Commercial. She loves being part of an all woman disbursing team that cares deeply about their clients. The GuaranTEAM’s “no problem is too hard to solve” mentality and willingness to dig in and come up with creative solutions for our clients is what makes us stand out, according to Molly. She enjoys giving back to the community through her work and by volunteering as a youth sports coach, making an impact on kids who may not have positive role models or stability in their lives. Molly also has kids of her own, and spends time with them, her family and friends any chance she can get. She is an avid college basketball fan, and enjoys taking advantage of local tennis courts and breweries.

Kathleen Geherin

VP Sales National Account Manager

Social Swing Master

KGeherin@guarantytitle.net

612.422.1823

Kathleen focuses on business development, connecting with market segments to highlight the Guaranty Commercial team and our strong reputation in the marketplace. She loves that the GuaranTEAM shares her passion for the commercial real estate industry and delivering exceptional client experiences. She is also a proud member of MNCREW. Not a Minnesota native, Kathleen has come to appreciate the green spaces and outdoor activities the state has to offer. She has gotten involved in the community through her work with the St. John II school, where she recently helped reopen their library. In her spare time, Kathleen loves to write, create flower arrangements, practice interior design and travel with her husband and two daughters.

Maile Ott

Commercial Closing Leader

Concert Connoisseur

Mott@guarantytitle.net

612.746.0417

Maile brings 21 years of experience in transactional real estate and 16 years as a paralegal to her position as our Commercial Closing Leader. She has held nearly every position necessary to run a successful title company, including leading the startup of a new general contracting business, where she fulfilled her vision of creating a full-service, in-house title company with revenues of $1 million within two years and profit margins of 53%. Maile’s favorite part of the job is cultivating relationships with her customers and teammates and strategizing with the GuaranTEAM to identify new business lines and efficiencies to streamline the closing process.