Humphrey & Guarantee Abstract, 217 W. Broadway, has sold to new owners, company representatives confirmed Monday.
The abstract company, founded by J. C. Humphrey in 1931, was sold Jan. 2 by former owner Todd Humphrey to Bailey Hans LLC.
Dirk Bagenstos, CEO of High Plains Bank of Alva, said he formed Bailey Hans to purchase and operate the abstract business.
Bagenstos is a native of Alva, has lived in Cherokee since 1991 and has pursued a career in banking for 27 years.
He said the abstract business was an attractive acquisition because “It’s a good business and we knew it was for sale.”
Bagenstos said operations will remain largely the same as they’ve been in the past, and Todd Humphrey will be remaining on staff to conduct the abstract work.
“We intend for the company to remain largely intact,” Bagenstos said in a press release. “All the names and faces will remain the same as all staff members, including Todd Humphrey, will be staying on. We are firm believers in don’t fix what isn’t broke.”
Bagenstos has brought onboard Enid native Eric Thompson to manage the day-to-day business operations at the abstract firm.
He said he and Thompson first met at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in the mid-1980s, and Thompson also has worked extensively in the banking industry.Thompson said he’s glad to retain the abstract experience of Todd Humphrey.
“It’s a very unique business, and we’re very glad to have him staying onboard with us,” Thompson said. “We’ve retained all the employees, and our customers should expect to conduct business just as they did before.”
Thompson encouraged Humphrey & Guarantee Abstract customers to continue working with what he described as “the oldest, most knowledgable closing and title company in Garfield County.”
Story provided by: Enid News & Eagle
Written by: James Neal
