Stewart’s Forbes Recognition Spotlights Culture as a Cornerstone of Success

HOUSTON, TX – March 06, 2026 – Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC) has been named to the prestigious Forbes list of America’s Best Large Employers for 2026, a distinction that validates the company's long-term, people-focused strategy within the competitive real estate services sector. The announcement highlights a corporate philosophy where employee satisfaction is not just a goal, but a core driver of business performance and market leadership.

This recognition is the culmination of an exhaustive nationwide survey conducted by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista. The process involved gathering over 3.5 million employer evaluations from approximately 217,000 employees across U.S. companies with more than 1,000 staff members. The core of the survey asked employees a simple yet powerful question: on a scale of zero to ten, how likely would they be to recommend their employer to friends and family? The survey also delved into criteria such as salary, work environment, benefits, and opportunities for advancement, creating a holistic picture of the employee experience.

For Stewart, a global real estate services company with a history stretching back to the 19th century, this accolade is more than just a plaque for the wall. It’s a public affirmation of a deliberate cultural shift.

“The best companies are vision-driven and our vision is clear – to be the most respected title company in the industry,” said Fred Eppinger, Stewart CEO, in a statement. “Recognition like this reflects the strength of our people and our culture. A culture committed to being a destination for top talent where our employees can build long-term careers, do meaningful work, and make a real impact.”

The Anatomy of an Award-Winning Workplace

Stewart’s inclusion on the 2026 list is not an isolated event. It follows previous acknowledgments from Forbes, including being named to America’s Best Employers for Company Culture and America’s Best Employers for Women in 2025. This pattern suggests a consistent and sustained effort to cultivate an environment that employees value, a crucial factor in the Forbes methodology which weights recent survey data more heavily to reward continuous improvement.

The rigorous process behind the Forbes list ensures that the winners are not chosen based on company applications or marketing campaigns, but on the anonymously provided, candid feedback of their own workforce. This data-driven approach gives the ranking significant weight, signaling to the market, potential new hires, and clients that the company’s internal health is robust. Stewart’s success in this context indicates high marks across the board, from compensation and benefits packages to the less tangible, yet critically important, aspects of workplace atmosphere and career development.

Eppinger noted the fortuitous timing of the announcement, which coincided with Employee Appreciation Day. “It allows me the opportunity to personally thank our employees for the dedication and effort they bring to Stewart every day,” he stated. This public praise underscores a leadership approach that directly links employee contributions to corporate achievement.

Culture as a Competitive Moat

In the high-stakes, detail-oriented world of title insurance and real estate services, employee expertise and stability are paramount. A single error in a title search or closing process can have significant financial and legal ramifications. In this environment, a positive work culture becomes a powerful competitive advantage. High employee satisfaction often translates to lower turnover, which in turn preserves valuable institutional knowledge and maintains continuity in client and agent relationships.

Stewart's leadership seems to have built its strategy around this very principle. By fostering what Eppinger calls “one of the most entrepreneurial, responsive teams in the industry,” the company aims to differentiate itself not just on products or pricing, but on the quality and reliability of its human capital. When employees feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to provide the exceptional service that builds and sustains a reputation for excellence.

This focus on becoming a “destination for top talent” is a strategic move to attract and retain the best underwriters, closing agents, and operational staff in the business. In an industry facing constant technological disruption and shifting market dynamics, a stable, motivated, and highly skilled workforce is arguably the most valuable asset a company can possess. This Forbes recognition serves as a powerful recruiting tool, signaling to prospective employees that Stewart is a place where they can build a lasting and meaningful career.

A Blueprint for the Modern Employer

Stewart's achievement offers a compelling case study in the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility. The modern workforce, particularly in the post-pandemic era, places a high premium on factors beyond salary. The Forbes survey criteria—work environment, opportunities for advancement, and benefits—reflect this shift. Employees are increasingly seeking employers whose values align with their own and who invest in their well-being and professional growth.

The company’s public-facing initiatives, such as its “Culture of Caring” and sustainability programs, reinforce this narrative. By linking its internal culture to broader goals of community and social good, Stewart is building a brand that resonates with both employees and customers. Eppinger's statement about investing in “people and our infrastructure” points to this dual focus: creating a strong foundation of both human and technological resources to “seize the opportunities ahead.”

Ultimately, the journey to becoming one of America’s Best Large Employers is a testament to the idea that a company's greatest strength is its people. For Stewart, this recognition validates its vision to become the industry's most respected title company by first earning the respect of its own employees. This approach suggests that in today's transparent and interconnected world, the surest path to external success begins with internal strength.