Tom Hauer
Customer Service Manager
We’re excited to feature Tom in our December Employee Spotlight!
Years at Capitol Lien: 16 years
What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout
your career? One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is to never shy away from new learning opportunities. Whether it’s stepping into unfamiliar territory, taking on a challenging project, or learning a new skill, embracing these moments can lead to tremendous growth. I’ve discovered that every experience, even those that feel daunting at first, holds valuable lessons that contribute to personal and professional development.
Equally important is learning from mistakes. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also some of the best teachers. By analyzing what went wrong and understanding how to approach things differently, I’ve grown more resilient and adaptable. This mindset has helped me turn setbacks into opportunities and has allowed me to continuously improve.
Share a professional success story that you’re proud of. One professional success story I’m particularly proud of involved working with an attorney who was facing significant challenges in establishing his client’s right of access over an adjacent property. The client maintained that they had always had this access, but despite our efforts and the detailed reports we produced for the project, the attorney was initially unable to substantiate this claim in a way that satisfied the legal requirements.
Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the attorney and I took the initiative to dig deeper into the Torrens registration files related to the properties in question. This meticulous review led to a critical discovery: a document that should have been included as a recital on the burdened property but had been overlooked. This document was the missing piece of evidence that linked the client’s claim to a legally recognized right of access.
With this new information in hand, the attorney was able to present a compelling case to the Hennepin County Examiner of Titles. This ultimately resulted in the proper establishment of the access rights for the client. It was a rewarding experience to see how my attention to detail and collaboration with the attorney made a tangible difference in resolving the issue.
How do you think your role helped shape your team’s culture? I believe my role has helped shape my team’s culture by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. One of the ways I contribute is by maintaining a positive attitude, even in challenging situations. Positivity can be contagious, and I’ve found that it helps to keep morale high and encourages the team to stay motivated.
I also make a conscious effort to listen and be realistic. This approach helps create a sense of trust and ensures that everyone feels heard and understood. Recognizing that there are often multiple perspectives involved, I aim to approach situations with an open mind, valuing the diverse opinions and ideas my team brings to the table. This not only leads to better decision-making but also reinforces a culture of respect and collaboration.
Another aspect I prioritize is being accessible to my team. By making myself available, whether it’s to answer questions, provide support, or simply listen, I aim to create a sense of connection and reliability. I also strive to be fully present and dedicated to each and every interaction with my team members. These moments, no matter how small, contribute to building a culture where people feel valued and supported.
In short, I think my efforts to stay positive, listen actively, and support the team have helped cultivate an environment where collaboration, respect, and trust are at the forefront.
What do you love most about your job and why? What I love most about my job is the dynamic mix of meaningful interactions, constant activity, and intellectual challenges. I enjoy connecting with both clients and employees, staying busy with diverse tasks, helping others solve problems, and delving into the complexity and history of legal descriptions. The flexibility to work from home is an added bonus that enhances my work-life balance.
What techniques help you stay organized and productive? When working from home it’s easy to get distracted. Choose specific times to tackle projects and set aside quiet time. Always leave your phone in a different room.
What do you love to do in your free time? Spending time with my kids, watching and attending their activities. Looking forward to winter camping trips! Running, biking, bikepacking. Simply spending time outside.
What is one thing you can’t live without? A bike!
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? Anywhere with mountains!
What is your favorite meal or food? I love all kinds of food! For the most part I eat a vegetarian (there are always exceptions) diet to support my kids. It is my contention that I’m the best bean cook in the world. Whether it’s garbanzo, pinto, black or cannellini beans, I can prepare a wonderful meal with them.
What is your favorite quote? “When I was growing up, I always wanted to be someone. Now I realize I should have been more specific.” Lily Tomlin