The mission at Edwards Abstract and Title Co. is to change lives through bringing people together for the successful transfer or mortgage of property. It is a purpose that the company has been fulfilling for nearly 140 years.
“Our team is committed to promoting and practicing four basic principles of respect, honesty, loyalty, and integrity,” Edwards President, CEO, and Sole Manager Byron Jay Lewis wrote in an email. “Our definition of integrity is to do what we say we are going to do, and that is do our best to provide remarkable service.”
That dedication began in 1880 when Judge James Henry Edwards founded the company. Edwards had spent many years scouring archives and interviewing settlers in Hidalgo and Starr counties to gather land and deed records. He practiced law and operated his abstract business until his death in 1925. The following year, his widow and sons incorporated the company. In 1984, Jesse D. Hedrick purchased the company from the Edwards family, working to expand and grow it from its Edinburg location to offices across the Rio Grande Valley.
Lewis joined Edwards as counsel with Suzanne Scott in 1999.
“My mentor, Jesse D. Hedrick, had cultivated a relationship with me since we moved to Edinburg in July of 1986,” Lewis wrote. “He asked me to join Edwards to support Suzanne Scott and see how I liked it. It proved very rewarding to be able to come up with solutions and solve problems rather than engage in the adversarial process of practicing law. As it turned out, he was testing me to see if I would be a suitable leader to step in after his tenure.”
Hedrick died unexpectedly a few years later, shortly after Lewis purchased Edwards from him.
“My biggest point of pride is being selected and mentored by Jesse D. Hedrick to lead Edwards through tremendous growth and tremendous challenges, and still be operating as a successful business that the Edwards family and Jesse would be proud of,” Lewis wrote.
Under Lewis’ leadership, Edwards Abstract and Title Co. has continued to thrive. The company staffs full-service offices in Brownsville, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, and South Padre Island.
“We help our clients by using our experience, expertise, and relationships to bring people together for the successful transfer or mortgage of real property,” Lewis wrote. “We can provide title settlement services throughout the state of Texas.”
All clients can expect excellent and professional customer service from Edwards’ experienced team. The average employee has worked at the company for more than 15 years, Lewis wrote.
“My sincere hope is that people who choose to work with Edwards receive remarkable service to get their transaction successfully completed,” he wrote. “Along the way, they should have their calls, emails, or text messages promptly returned and be kept fully informed.”
Lewis recognizes that no one is perfect — even with the best possible knowledge and preparation. However, he and his team still strive to make things right.
“When we miss a goal, we engage best efforts and communication to remedy any shortfall and learn for the future,” he wrote.
Overall, it’s all about bringing people together — a vision for the past 140 years.
“My biggest passion at Edwards is people: our employees, customers, and our community,” Lewis wrote.
Learn more about Edwards Abstract and Title Co. by visiting edwardsabstract.com.
Edwards Abstract and Title Co.
