By Stephanie Eidelman | President, Kaulkin Media

This week we officially opened our annual Best Places to Work in Collections program for registration!

Now in its fourth year, insideARM.com’s Best Places to Work program recognizes the most positive workplace environments in our industry.  Winners have enjoyed great benefits including enhanced reputation with creditors, morale boost, and recruiting support.

Compete against companies of your own size.  No need to feel that you can’t measure up against the benefits and resources of a large company, or the family feeling of a small company.  Rankings are determined within three size categories: small (15-74 employees), medium (75-249 employees) and large (250+ employees).

It works like this:

1. Employers complete a questionnaire on workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, benefits, and demographics. It can take about 8 hours to gather all of the info for this questionnaire – but hey, if it was totally simple, it wouldn’t produce meaningful results – and if you register now, you’ll have months to pull it together.

2. Employees are asked an in-depth set of questions — you choose online or via paper format; either way it takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

That’s it. Within about 6-8 weeks of completion, our partner, Best Companies Group, will produce a list of winners and we start to make announcements.

Rest assured insideARM staff does not have access to employee responses; Best Companies Group has no connection to the debt collection industry (with the exception of their role in this program).  If your staff is — ahem — less than kind, nobody will know but you.  But YOU should know!

Participating companies will receive a free one-page “Employer Benchmark Summary”, and will have the opportunity to purchase the full “Employee Feedback Report” that provides valuable data including a spreadsheet summarizing employee feedback, written employee comments, and industry benchmark information.

These reports offer incredibly valuable information at an unbelievably fair price, regardless of whether you are selected as a winner.  The value in having a 3rd party conduct this survey is that you get candid information from your employees; your HR department could never gather this type of information.  And if you chose to do it independently, you’d pay thousands of dollars.

Please, take advantage of this great opportunity to learn what your employees really think.  After all, aren’t they the ones driving your revenue?  If your staff is unhappy, do you think they are as productive as they could be, or that they are representing you and your clients as they should be?

Yes, it will require some time to complete the company portion of the survey, but it’s not due until mid- summer, so you’ve got plenty of time to deal with it if you get started now.

Simply participating will show your employees that you care.  And just read what your peers have to say about the benefits you’ll enjoy if selected as a winner!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m the president of Kaulkin Media and publisher of insideARM.com. Our mission is to “shift the public conversation about the ARM industry.” When we started in 1999 this was a really niche topic. Today, our arena truly is the news of the economy and touches nearly every consumer. After a brief “first-job” stint with a regional accounting firm, I worked for Disney as a stage manager for a few years, then went to UCLA to get an MBA. From there I went to AlliedSignal Aerospace and had probably my most challenging and rewarding professional experience, as a materials manager for a manufacturing line. In the mid-90’s I joined Citysearch.com, one of the original Internet startups. After several years of opening new markets and working with newspaper companies on their local and classifieds strategies, I joined the family firm, Kaulkin Ginsberg.

Press Release | May 11, 2011

HOUSTON, TX — Marion Financial Corp. is pleased to announce that two high school seniors have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship for the 2011–2012 academic years.  The recipients of the twelfth annual Marion Financial Corp. Scholarship Award are:

• Ashley Vandenbroek, whose mother is employed at Continental Service Group, Inc. (“Conserve”), plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
• Alexandra Huffman, whose father is employed at CBE Group, Inc., plans to attend the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa.

The purpose of the Marion Scholarship is to provide assistance to further the educational development of students who have an affiliation with the Accounts Receivable Management Industry.  The competition for this year’s awards was open to the graduating class of 2011 high school students who are employed, or the child of an employee, in the Accounts Receivable Management Industry. 

The Marion Scholarship is for high school seniors beginning their first year at any accredited public or private college, university or trade school.  To apply, students were asked to complete an application form and submit an essay entitled “Why Further Education is Important to Me”.  The recipients were selected based on their essay, grade point average and extra-curricular activities.

Marion Financial Corp. would like to extend their gratitude to judges Dan Desatnick and Loraine Lyons for their continued commitment to the scholarship selection process.

For more information, contact Tom Edens or Amy Vacek, Marion Scholarship Committee by phone at (713) 988-8000, or by e-mail: scholarship@marionfinancial.com.

Lawsuit accuses Boynton Beach debt collector of forging more documents

  Palm Beach Post | 02/14/11

Collection Agency’s Impact on Communities Acknowledged with the Silver Footprint

 PRLog.org | 02/14/11

AG Issues Debt Collector Scam Alert

  Oregon Business Report | 02/15/11

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Lawyer Exposes Junk Debt Purchasers

  SB Wire | 02/15/11

Portfolio Recovery Q4 Profits beats Streets estimate

  Reuters | 02/15/11

Washington lawmaker trying to protect debtors from jailing

  Crosscut | 02/16/11

Let’s face it–the credit and collection industry generates some pretty negative news stories from time to time. And, while I could rant about the $7.9M settlement that West Virginia AG Darrell McGraw recently reached with debt agencies or the fake courtroom that collectors out of Pennsylvania had going, I’m not going to. Ranting, well, it can get a little old.

Raving, on the other hand, never tires.

And, that’s why I want to take a moment to shed light on a story out of Texas involving a collection agency that recently raised funds for a good cause.

The agency, Southwest Credit, recently raised $9,649 for the United Way. The funds will be used to help “improve income, education, and health …”. You can read the full press release here.

What I thought was really cool was the fact that four employees chipped in and donated $1,000 each. Now, that my friends, is worth raving about.

THE LESSON

This past summer I traveled back to Michigan to attend a family reunion. For the past decade I have lived several states away and I’ve slowly lost touch with many of the cousins, aunts, and uncles who were in my life as I was growing up. Having an opportunity to catch up with so many relatives at one time was great. We shared pictures, told jokes, and reminisced about the old days. One person in particular was an uncle who I had not seen in more than 15 years, and it was during our chat when I first learned that he was a veteran of the Vietnam War who had been exposed to Agent Orange. His “war story” was remarkable, and prior to that I had no idea of his personal sacrifice and contribution to our country. It blew me away.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to honor all veterans and a time when many Americans reach out to connect with and support veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that there are more than 24 million veterans living among us. They include our friends, neighbors, coworkers, spouses, children, parents, and others we do not even know.

THE CHALLENGE

As Congressman Allen Boyd so aptly put it,

America’s fighting men and women sacrifice much to ensure that our great nation stays free. We owe a debt of gratitude to the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for this cause, as well as for those who are blessed enough to return from the battlefield unscathed.”

This Veteran’s Day take a moment to support a veteran and show your gratitude. It can be as simple as picking up the phone and saying thanks, donating to a charity such as ARMing Heroes, or part of an overall company event. American Profit Recovery’s employees, for instance, recently spent their lunch hour writing cards to troops overseas.

At the very least spend a sincere moment of silence reflecting on your freedoms and being grateful for those who sacrifice and risk their lives on the battlefield.

THE REFLECTION

1. Did you or your company do anything above and beyond in support of Veterans Day?
2. Do you provide any special payment options for consumers who may have a spouse deployed overseas?
3. What freedoms are you most grateful for?

Show your support!

Gary Jensen
Editor | collector mentor

To download companion worksheets to use with The collector mentor Challenge, please visit www.collectormentor.com/thechallenge.

Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of August 8, 2010

1. Woman suing loan company after debt collector goes to her work

(WFAA-TV, 08/13/10)

Being late on a loan has turned into a fiasco that a Fort Worth woman never expected. The debt collector showed up at her job and the ensuing drama didn’t end until police were called.”

2. Debt Collector Gives His Time and Money to Feeding Kansas Citys Hungry

(Debtcollectionagencysoftware.com, accessed 08/13/10)

What started four years as a selfless way to give back to people in his community has grown into a passion for Shawnee, Kan. resident Arthur Lott. Today, Lott purchases, prepares and delivers more than 450 meals to men, women and children at three Kansas City, Mo. homeless shelters each month.”

3. Article On Why The FDCPA Is Designed To Protect Debt Collectors

(Alabama Consumer Law Blog, 08/04/10)

When we think about who the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is designed to protect we don’t normally think of . . . debt collectors. In a new article we explain how the FDCPA is designed to protect honorable . . . law abiding debt collectors from those debt collectors that are abusive and dishonorable.”

4. Raleigh woman sues JCPenney Credit for unfair practices

(The West Virginia Record, 08/12/10)

A Raleigh County woman is suing JCPenney Credit Services, General Electric and NCO Financial Systems after she claims they engaged in unlawful debt collection, unfair or deceptive practices and invasion of privacy, among other things.”

5. 3 things you should never say to a debt collector

(Wallet Pop, 08/12/10)

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox offers consumers three tips for dealing with collectors. Do you agree?

6. Lawsuits Against Collection Agencies, Creditors Spike

(Credit & Collections Risk, 08/12/10)

The number of collection agencies and creditors sued under various consumer statutes spiked to 480 in the second half of July, compared with 389 in the first half, according to data from U.S. District Courts.”

7. Debt collector for $200 bill gets nailed for $1.5-million judgment

(Hanna Boucher’s blog, 08/12/10)

I have worked in the  collections field for over 20 years.  I followed the FDCPA and was compliant.  Most collectors I have seen have been in the grey area. Then there are even many more that I see violate the FDCPA completely while the company owners are aware of it.”

8. Collection law firm sued for attempting to collect debt

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A professional collection law firm is being sued after placing telephone calls to a Texas resident without disclosing they were attempting to collect a debt.”

9. Consumer files two lawsuits against debt collectors

(The Southeast Texas Record, 08/11/10)

A Lewisville resident has filed two lawsuits against debt collectors for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.”

10. Collection Agency Promotes “Good” Stories of the Collection Industry

(Collections Recon, 08/11/10)

American Profit Recovery,  a collection agency based in Michigan, Massachusetts and North Carolina, recently posted a number of short stories and profiles geared toward showing the general public and others that there are many aspects of the collection industry that go unreported, are misrepresented and intentionally covered in the media one-sided. The stories focus on how the agency has helped businesses and consumers come together in a diplomatic way to resolve debt, not just collect debt. The profiles can be read here at: http://www.collectionagencyblog.com“

Each week we bring you 10 of our most favorite stories from around the industry.

Week of July 4, 2010

1. State yanks license of collection agency

(SJ-R.com 07/09/10)

A Springfield, Illinois collection agency has been fined $55,000 in addition to having its license revoked.

2. Debt collectors get nasty

(CNNMoney.com 07/10/10)

CNN staff reporter Blake Ellis uses statistics from the FTCs 2009 annual report on the FDCPA to make the claim that debt collectors are “getting desperate and dirty.”

3. Debt Collector Shot Dead While Riding Scooter in Front of School

(GetOutofDebt.org 07/08/10)

A Malaysian debt collector was shot twice from behind in what appears to be an act of revenge.

4. Lawsuits Filed Against 471 Agencies, Creditors

(Collections & Credit Risk, 07/09/10)

In the second half of June it is estimated that 471 collection agencies and creditors were sued. Hopefully your’s wasn’t one of them.

5. New Colorado Collection Agency Requirements Misguided, Say ARM Leaders

(insideARM.com, 07/09/10)

Is it possible that Colorado is enacting legislation to deal with a problem that doesn’t even exist? Some think so. Do you agree?

6. Kaulkin Media Appoints Stephanie Eidelman President to Drive Change

(insideARM.com, 07/08/10)

Kaulkin Media has appointed a new president who is ready to shift the public conversation about the industry.

7. Collection Agency Runs Free Baseball Camp for 50 Kids

(insideARM.com, 07/08/10)

Former Brewers baseball player and current owner of National Recovery Service, Brad DeKraai, recently hosted a free baseball camp for Kansas children.

8. Susan Smith Recognized as “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Women

(MKS Financial Services press release, 07/08/10)

MKS Financial Services’ executive vice president Susan Smith receives honor of as The National Association of Professional Women’s “Woman of the Year.”

9. MicroBilt Corporation Launches New Blog, Newsletter and Forum Resources

(MicroBilt Corporation press release, accessed 07/05/10)

MicroBilt recently unveiled a new blog, newsletter, and forum which will provide useful information to members of the credit and collection industry.

10. FDCPA Plaintiff Attorney Suspended from Practicing Law by State

(insideARM.com, 07/02/10)

The Minnesota Supreme Court has suspended Thomas Lyons from practicing law in the state.

 PRESS RELEASE

HOUSTON, TX –May 6, 2010– Marion Financial Corp. is pleased to announce that two high school seniors have each been awarded a $5,000 scholarship for the 2010–2011 academic years. The recipients of the eleventh annual Marion Financial Corp. Scholarship Award are:

• Emily Stephens, whose father is employed at Resurgent Capital Services, plans to attend Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
• Alfred von Krusenstiern, whose father is employed at Coface Collections North America, Inc., is finalizing his options regarding several colleges and universities.

The purpose of the Marion Scholarship is to provide assistance to further the educational development of students who have an affiliation with the Accounts Receivable Management Industry. The competition for this year’s awards was open to the graduating class of 2010 high school students who are employed, or the child of an employee, in the Accounts Receivable Management Industry.

The Marion Scholarship is for high school seniors beginning their first year at any accredited public or private college, university or trade school. To apply, students were asked to complete an application form and submit an essay entitled “Why Further Education is Important to Me”. The recipients were selected based on their essay, grade point average and extra-curricular activities.

Marion Financial Corp. would like to extend their gratitude to judges Dan Desatnick, and Loraine Lyons for their continued commitment to the scholarship selection process.

For more information, contact Tom Edens or Jill Mussman, Marion Scholarship Committee by phone at (713) 988-8000, or by e-mail: mussman@marionfinancial.com.

In my last post I called attention to the awesome contest going on over at InsideARM.com (Share Your Best Collections Story and Win $50!).

The contest closed a few days ago, and the entries have been filtered down to the final five. The polls are currently open and I encourage you to stop by and vote for your favorite story.

Here is a brief overview of the finalists:

• KEEPING INSURERS HONEST – Read how one collector helped a consumer get to the bottom of a $240,000 account.
• COLLECTORS HELP SHOOTING VICTIM – Collectors in one agency raise $2,000 to pay off an account for a consumer who fell victim to a mass shooting in a mall.
• THANK YOU, GRETTA – Ever receive a thank you note from a thankful customer? Read along as Monica expresses her gratitude for one collector’s willingness to help her find a solution.
• STICK TO THE BUDGET – A collector helps a young couple develop a budget to pay their bills. Two years later they come back — debt free — for additional advice as they plan for buying a house.
• DREAM HOME – A collector receives a thank-you note after helping a customer close on her new house by clearing up misinformation.

Photo on Flickr c/o Theresa Thompson

 InsideARM.com is currently running a contest for the Best Collection Story! And, get this…the winner will get their hands on a crisp $50 bill! Cha-ching!But, you gotta hurry. The contest closes on April 30th! Here are the details c/o of InsideARM.com: 

 Debt collectors: We’re looking for the best collection stories in the industry. They can be inspiring, funny, poignant…whatever you’ve got. 

 We’ll pick the top submissions and then showcase the finalists on insideARM for a reader vote to determine a winner.. The story with the most votes wins a $50 gift certificate to Amazon.com. 

 This is the first contest in a series we will be running for ARM professionals. We want to show the world that collectors approach their work basically the same way as everyone else, even if our stories are unique to the collection industry. Be on the lookout for more contests, complete with prizes, very soon. 

 So send in those stories where you helped someone with a long-running debt, or received payment in full in nickels, or had a consumer speak to you in Scooby Doo’s voice. There are no guidelines, just please keep the stories clean and respectful. 

 Submissions will be accepted until April 30, with voting beginning the following week on this page. 

 Email editor@insidearm.com or use the form here http://www.insidearm.com/go/story-contest to submit your story. Remember: you only have until April 30.