Chris Becraft has spent nearly his entire life in the collections business, even if there was a large chunk of time where he dreamed of playing music before huge crowds instead of trying to get them to answer their phones. Becraft is a recognized leader in the industry and it’s an honor that he takes seriously. Read on to learn more about Becraft, the advice that he cites as the reason why his company continues to grow, and his unabiding love for socks.
Name: Chris Becraft
Company: RevSolve, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 21 years
Length of time in industry:
I’ve sort of been in it all my life since it was my family’s business growing up. If you count me starting in 6th grade when I would forward accounts after school, then I’ve been working in it around 40 years. As an adult who was not always on the verge of getting fired for sleeping at my desk (only because I own the place now), then it’s been 21 years.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My dad bought the business when I was six years old. I was raised in it.
What is your career highlight so far?
Receiving the Kurt Swersky Award at the ACA Leadership Symposium in Colorado quite a few years ago. It’s voted on by the participants at the conference and I had no idea I was even in the running. It’s a humbling experience to be singled out by your peers for recognition.
When or how are you most productive?
Probably in the mornings or evenings when I’m not physically in the office.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
My father, Dean Becraft.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Frankly, I don’t think there is anything that truly I do better than anyone else. In a world of 7 billion people, there’s always someone better. I just try my best to do things better than most and that usually gets me where I need to be at the end of the day.
What do you like most about this industry?
The opportunities and lifestyle it has given three generations of my family for more than four decades.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Our government destroying the opportunity for small business owners to start up and thrive in it.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I have no idea, but I’d figure it out.
Describe a typical work day.
It starts on my back patio at about 5:30 or 6 am on my laptop with coffee and dogs while checking email. I’m in the office mid-morning for whatever the day may bring, and then finally checking emails one last time before bed around 9 pm. Really, I do a lot less today actually running the business because I’ve got great staff.
What is your guilty pleasure?
New socks. There is nothing in the world like fresh, new socks.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Focus your business on one, or at the most two, specialties. Being a jack-of-all-trades insures you’ll be mediocre at some of them and there’s no room for mediocrity in a highly competitive industry like ours unless mediocrity is your specialty. I chose to focus our business on healthcare RCM and shed all our non-healthcare clients over time many years ago. This advice worked.
What are you currently reading?
The Glorious Cause by Jeff Shaara. It’s about the American Revolution
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I never wanted to go into the family business. I really wanted to be a rock star growing up, but I have no musical talent. In the end, I’m glad I had no musical talent.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Nick DiGiovanni Sr.
