An Interview with DeAnna Stancanelli
Interviewed by: Ronni Bleich
Name: DeAnna Stancanelli
NYSLTA Role: Agents Section Vice-chair
Company and Title: National Granite Title Insurance Agency, Inc.
Q. Why do you enjoy working with the NYSLTA?
A. I love learning about the industry. When I first became involved with the association, I had been in the industry for about 25 years and had only been focused on my business and it’s needs. After attending the first few meetings with the NYSLTA, it was eye opening to see the various challenges the industry faced as well as opportunities.
I enjoy working closely with industry professionals, all focused on doing their part to elevate the industry. We support and learn from each other. I have made some incredible friends. Its great energy and it has been a very rewarding experience.
Q. What do you plan to focus on this year, as agents vice chair and PAC of the NYSLTA?
A. Continue to monitor the RON bill and other legislation.
Fundraising for the Agents Section Political Action Committee.
Advocacy is top priority; we work to continue to cultivate and grow relationships with our legislators.
Q. What are you most proud of?
A. My Family. My husband and I have a blended family. We have 5 adult children that we are very proud of and love being with.
Q. What do you enjoy doing while not working?
A. I love spending time with my family – either lakeside upstate or simply home. I also love cooking and baking. I make a mean biscotti – my chocolate biscotti is a fan favorite. I always say, “cooking is a way to bring a family together.”
Q. When did you start in the title business and how did you get started?
A. In 1984, while in school, I answered an ad for a summer clerical job at a small family title agency. In the fall, I went back and worked part time and have been in the industry ever since.
Q. Do you have any pets? What’s he/she like?
A. I have 2 dogs: Noelle, an 11-year-old Beagle and Scooter, a 4-year-old French Bulldog/Pug mix. They are so sweet, love them!
Q. Who is the most influential person to you (alive or deceased)?
A. I don’t have one influential person in my life, but I have been fortunate to have 4 or 5 pivotal people in my life that have had great influence in the person I am today.
Q. What did you want to be when you “grow up”?
A. Although I don’t like being the center of attention, believe it or not, a soap opera actress.
Q. If you weren’t in the Title Industry, what job/career would you want to have?
A. A therapist.
Q. What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
A. I’d like to think I’m a good witch 😊
Q. Where is your favorite place in the world?
A. I love being on Lake George, the water and the mountains brings me a sense of calm.
Q. What is your favorite TV show?
A. I am a news junkie. Aside from the news, I have been watching Law & Order: SVU for years and recently enjoyed The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Schitt’s Creek & The Crown
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. Life is Beautiful
Q. What is the last song you played on your playlist?
A. Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen. I listen to it almost every day.
Q. What’s your favorite movie or song quote?
A. “You can’t always get what want.” ~The Rolling Stones
Q. What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
A. I’m embarrassed to say this – a beaver fur coat. C’mon, it was the 80s, don’t judge. I wouldn’t do that now.
Q. What is one thing you have learned about yourself during this pandemic?
A. I’m very adaptable.
Q. Have you tried anything new or different during this pandemic?
A. I tried to meditate every day.
Q. Tell me something not everyone knows about you.
A. I’m not as serious as people may think.