Let’s get the important stuff out of the way first: David Paris can shred. Whether on the halfpipe as a life-long skateboarder, or on the phone as someone who has spent nearly three decades in the ARM industry, David has got the moves. You also can’t argue with his taste in TV shows. Read on to learn more about David and how he made the decision to join the ARM industry and hasn’t looked back.
Name: David Paris
Company: CMAX Finance, LLC
Length of time at current company: 1 year
Length of time in industry: 28 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I graduated from college with a B.F.A. in painting. I spent two years after college working as a painter and as an assistant to a sculptor. I then got married, and decided that I needed to earn more money to support my wife and the children we planned to have. I learned about an opportunity at Great Lakes Bureau for a position as a collector. I was hired, collected for approximately six months, and then was promoted to management.
What is your career highlight so far?
After 28 years, it is difficult to narrow down my experiences to just one. I was very proud to found and build Zenith Acquisition Corp. into one of the first large debt buyers. Today, I serve as the Chief Marketing Officer for CMAX, and it is very fulfilling to help our clients achieve their goals through the new programs CMAX has developed. Finally, it was an honor to serve for nine years on the Board of RMA International (formally DBA International).
When or how are you most productive?
I’m the most productive when helping clients meet their goals and close deals. I draw on the extensive relationships that I have developed with leaders across the industry to help my clients.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Initially, Bud Reitzel mentored me and had a huge impact on my career, as did many others. Also, Kaye Dreifuerst is an inspiration and good friend. I have known her since 1995 and I admire the calm and steady hand that she has brought to the industry as it has faced challenges.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I keep lines of communication open, and I have a strong work ethic. It does not matter what time of day or night, if a client calls, I will answer the call.
What do you like most about this industry?
Working with folks to get deals done
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
During my nine years on the Board of RMA, we worked very hard to change the perception of our industry. Although by its very nature, it will always have a certain level of stigma to it, I wish that industry outsiders would refrain from pre-judging our work, and the impact that our industry has on the finance industry at large.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would like to think that I would be working as an artist.
Describe a typical work day.
From 5-7, I am at the gym. Then it is a mix of breakfast, watching the news, and getting the kids on the bus. I start my day around 8:30, which involves a mixture of phone calls and emails related to pending or upcoming deals, as well as preparation of marketing materials and anything else that falls on my lap. My day usually ends between 6:00-7:00, at which point, I put on my husband/dad hat on.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I watch more TV than I should. I love political dramas like “The West Wing”, but also binge watch reality shows like “Big Brother” and “Below Deck”.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The day before I graduated college, my advisor told me to “be fearless.” As I’ve learned, that’s a lot easier said than done.
What are you currently reading?
“Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans” by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
That I am a life-long skateboarder.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Don Maurice, Ed Forbes, Manny Newburger.