In a relatively short period of time, Kelly Knepper-Stephens has asserted herself as one of the most knowledgeable compliance experts in the collections and debt-buying industry. She has participated in the SBREFA portion of the CFPB’s rulemaking process for both the debt collection rule and the arbitration rule. A frequent speaker on compliance topics for the collections industry, maybe we should be asking her fantasy football questions instead.
Name: Kelly Knepper-Stephens
Company: Stoneleigh Recovery Associates, LLC
Length of time at current company: Five years
Length of time in industry: Five years
How did you get your start in the industry? My dad asked me to come into the office to help him evaluate what to do with some attorney demands.
When or how are you most productive? With deadlines.
What is your career highlight so far? Serving as a Small Entity Representative (SER) for the CFPB’s debt collection rulemaking SBREFA panel.
Which industry professional do you admire most? There are way too many to mention just one.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else? Binge watch quality law drama television shows late at night?
What do you like most about this industry? The people — especially the people I get to work with on a daily basis and our team on the collection floor.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry? The negative perception.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing? I would be in court everyday defending against the frivolous law suits because in this hypothetical, there is an unlimited budget.
Describe a typical work day. Not being able to finish whatever I am working on because of some new issue that needs attention right now, addressing the new issue, going back to what I was working on, getting a call about a different new issue that needs attention right away (repeat).
What is your guilty pleasure? Cookies (all types except oatmeal raisin).
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? So much good advice to choose from-my dad always told me not to make excuses, own up to your actions.
What are you currently reading? Metro 2 Reporting Guide — it’s a page turner.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you? I won my fantasy football league in 2007 with the Bears Defense (and I picked them in the 2nd round despite snickers from other league members). The trophy is still on my desk.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions? I don’t like calling people out.
