Team Members

Darice Kabisch
Darice is a native of Fort Wayne and graduate of Snider High School and Indiana University. She began her career with Commonwealth Land Title Co of Allen County, Inc. and attorney David Peebles in 1976. It was the only true title insurance company in Fort Wayne at the time. She was the first woman agent in Fort Wayne and one of the only women in the state of Indiana.

Commonwealth Land Title merged with Dreibelbiss Title in 1999. Darice became president of Commonwealth/ Dreibelbiss Title Company. In 2011 she chose to return to her original career path, that being a title insurance agent and closer. This decision lead to the creation of Renaissance Title Company. As president, Darice has created a “re-birth” of her philosophy. That being to provide a “boutique” title company offering exceptional service and knowledge at all levels.

When not at the office, her passion for college and professional football provides her relaxation. She also enjoys decorating for Christmas. She says her home is often referred to as “Nisco North” by their children. Her husband, Bob, and Darice enjoy spending time with their four children and four grandchildren. The newest granddaughter just turned one year old and has total control over grandma! Bob has retired from the law firm of Hunt, Suedhoff, and Kalamaris but does continue to practice, just not at the crazy litigators pace.

Darice is a member of America Land Title Association, Home Builders Association, Upstar, and has volunteered for many organizations over the years. Her favorite role has been tutoring for Fort Wayne Study Connection.

Vanessa Ochoa
Vanessa is the smiling face you will see at the front desk. Her pleasant personality and positive attitude is evident the moment you meet her. Coming from an attorney’s office as an Administrative Assistant, she was a great fit for Renaissance Title. Vanessa answers the phone as well as orders deeds, surveys, pay offs and association letters.

In Vanessa’s spare time she likes to hang out with family and friends, cook Mexican food, shop, scrapbook, and attend baseball games. She loves to stay active as she is an instructor for Zumba and Salsa dancing, and in the summer months Vanessa plays soccer and softball.

She just bought a house and is busy settling in and decorating. She is excited to start using the new pool and hottub soon and recently became involved in 5k races to help raise funds for different charities. Those around her describe Vanessa as one to always help out with an optimistic attitude.

Carole Smith
As a Real Estate Broker, Carole has been involved in the real estate industry for over 40 years. Her career began with a small company in Anderson, Indiana. Due to her husband’s job transfer, they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1970. After working for an insurance company as private secretary for two years Carole re-joined the real estate industry as a salesperson for Banks Mallough Roth. She then was recruited as the first female salesperson for Roth Wherly Heiny. After having worked there for several years she moved to Mike Thomas Associates where she retired as their Corporate Relocation Director.

Finding retirement not to her liking and missing the real estate industry, she chose to return in a different capacity. As a top producer while a salesperson, Carole has developed relationships with several title companies in the city. However, there was no hesitation as to what company she wanted to represent. Based upon her own personal experience, it had to be Renaissance Title. She is currently Director of Marketing and Sales.

Carole has one daughter living in Indianapolis, Indiana and two grandchildren both attending Indiana University. She resides with her two dogs, Buddy and Boo. She is REALTOR Emeritus of the National Association of Realtors, past member and director of Upstar, past director of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, The American Cancer Society, as well as founder and retired member of The Council. Away from work Carole enjoys golf, scuba diving, travel, reading, and sharing time with friends and family.

Chris Raptis, Jr.
Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Chris is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelors of Science in Institutional Management. Having a deep passion for customer service, Chris began his career as a mortgage lender in 1996, working for various lenders and brokerage houses. In 2001 the opportunity presented itself for Chris to move into the closing side of the title industry. He closed and funded loans in the state of Indiana and was a customer service manager for Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida until 2007. Interested in a change in careers, Chris took a position as a sales representative for a Wine and Spirits distributor. He was highly trained in the hand selling aspects of spirits, representing the worlds largest supplier and destiller until 2012.

However, his desire to return to the title industry was achieved when Renaissance Title approached him to join their family as a marketing/closing agent. His appreciation and respect for the knowledge, service, and dedication of Renaissance allowed him to continue his passion for customer service.

Chris is father to a wonderful seven year old son, who keeps him busy with homework, baseball, football, and basketball. He says when he has free time, he can usually be found on the golf course with his friends.