"We've been prudent, cautious and careful to prove the application and process and now we are ready to roll out the commercial service, " a source at BridgeSpan tells GlobeSt. To handle expected growth, BridgeSpan is looking to hire 72 additional full-time employees, including engineers, product marketing professionals and title and closing specialists.

Leading the charge will be industry veteran Frank J. Gootrad, the former vice president and manager of special projects for North America Title Co.'s Northern California operation. Gootrad, whose hiring was announced this week, will head the commercial division from the company's San Mateo office at 1300 South El Camino Real.

At North American Title Co., Gootrad was responsible for the launch and management of the company's commercial/industrial/multi-family division in Northern California, which he says in one year generated more than $500 million in orders. Other experience includes executive positions with some of California and Nevada's best-known residential builders, including Broadmoor Homes/The Lusk Co., Champion Homes, Bedford Properties and Signature Properties.