Jim Warner is the only chief information officer that State Collection Service has ever had. And he’s just as motivated today as he was when he started at the company nearly 12 years ago. Being an IT executive in the ARM industry can be a challenging career path, but Jim tackles it with passion and a belief that change is exciting. Read on to learn more about Jim.
Name: Jim Warner
Company: State Collection Service, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 12 years this February
Length of time in industry: Same
How did you get your start in the industry?
I joined the family business as its first Chief Information Officer.
What is your career highlight so far?
Aside from being a change agent for developing and implementing best-of-class technologies to increase productivity and reduce cost, I continue to learn and mature our security posture within such frameworks as PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II.
When or how are you most productive?
I, like many, are most productive after my first cup of coffee! I use a written to-do list (yes, I know I’m old school), and often feel I’m always adding to my responsibilities. One of the key questions I ask myself: “Is the project/task directly tied to the organization’s strategic goals and provide a meaningful return?”
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Tom Haag, CEO/Chairman, State Collection Service.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Every day I set an intention and relentless focus on living my life as the greatest person I can be, in all situations. Lifelong learning and continuous improvement are two pillars of my life.
What do you like most about this industry?
More than a decade in this industry, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of growth. With that growth comes challenges to adapt to an ever-changing environment. This can be frustrating at times, but for me, change is exciting and powerful. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Regulatory reform to get in line with current day’s technology/communication channels, e.g., TCPA.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Prior to joining State Collection Service, I enjoyed working in the non-profit sector. There seems to be a powerful purpose driving passion within a not-for-profit entity.
Describe a typical work day.
I am an early riser. First thing I do is monitor mission-critical system availability. The beginning of the week sets the tone and direction with our leadership meeting. Mid-week is where the to-do list is tackled and continued progress on strategic initiatives. I like to keep my Friday fairly open to wrap up any loose ends and lightly prepare for the upcoming week.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Pizza Hut Pepperoni Lover’s Deep Dish and a cold beer.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep on dreaming, ‘cause when you stop dreamin’, it’s time to die.
What are you currently reading?
Turbulence by Stuart Woods.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
One of my favorite hobbies is playing tennis. Going to the US Open Tennis Championships is on my bucket list.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Any executive at State Collection Service.