Strange wording but perhaps he was using "partnership" in a more colloquial sense of the term whereby he wanted to create an air of familiar and familial work;  make the contractor feel that he (or she) and their crew are a part of a bigger "family" of business interests.  Bad wording in my view.  Too "marketing" / "sales force" driven, but then again, that's the nature of title companies in California today.  Many have escrow and sales staff at the head of their county and regional organization, with the old title dinosaurs long extinct.  So, with used car salesmen at the helm, you're their best buddy, friend, partner and lifelong chum and will give them the special partnership discount that they so desperately desire and deserve, right?  lol.  They are the client, you are a business professional with set rates;  the math is easy.  Stay strong.