Sometimes, the best advice comes from TV commercials. And any man who can admit to being moved by a deodorant ad deserves not just our respect, but our admiration as well. I also think we need to call Eric Rosenkoetter out for telling a white lie — his answers are far more fascinating than he thinks. Read on to learn more about Eric and maybe you can help him find his boat.
Name: Eric Rosenkoetter
Company: Maurice Wutscher LLP
Length of time at current company: Approximately 2 years, 9 months and 13 days, give or take.
Length of time in industry: Law: 31 years; Financial Services: 16 years.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was hired as Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer and Director of Government and Legislative Affairs by a private child support collection agency in Texas.
What is your career highlight so far?
Securing a veto on a bill from Governor Schwarzenegger. His signed veto message hangs on my wall. The bill had passed unanimously in the Assembly, and to have it considered for a veto we had only several weeks to secure opposition to the bill from each and every Republican senator. It was a huge grassroots effort involving hundreds of amazing clients. Yes, your voice can make a difference!
When or how are you most productive?
On an airplane, but that gets expensive. Otherwise, after my daily swim. Or an impending deadline. Yeah, definitely the impending deadline. You needed this yesterday, right, Mike?
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Don Maurice and Ralph Wutscher in my firm are both brilliant attorneys who have had a significant impact on the financial services legal landscape. That goes for Manny Newburger also, who’s been a good friend and helpful with my career. Keith Wier has been around the courthouse square a few times and has probably forgotten more than most attorneys will ever know.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Than everyone? In the whole wide world? Probably nothing. But I enjoy the challenges of compliance work and my clients seem happy, and that means everything to me. Some folks think I’m good at managing people and projects, and I find that work very satisfying. In the past I’ve been pretty good at wearing out shoe leather in D.C. and at the various statehouses.
What do you like most about this industry?
Folks are very proactive about sharing observed and predicted trends and solutions. Kudos to RMA International and ACA International for their substantial contributions in this area.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Misguided public perception based on isolated examples that are either inaccurate or caused by bad actors we all agree shouldn’t be in business. Wow, that’s a mouthful. And plaintiff’s attorneys who routinely sue over technical violations. Seriously, if that’s all you’ve got left, find a new practice area.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d be a charter boat captain in the Caribbean or a fly fishing guide in Montana. Maybe an underwater or wildlife photographer. The usual stuff.
Describe a typical work day.
First, I catch up on industry news. Really, you only have to read the Daily Digest on AccontsRecovery.net. Next, I start working my way down the list of things I expect to accomplish. When things start lagging, I go for a swim to break up the day and start back in. I cook dinner for my needy family and after that I’ll usually work a bit more or at least make my list for the next day. Can it get any more exciting? Where the heck is that charter boat?
What is your guilty pleasure?
No way. Telling you would just make me feel more guilty.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
First, always be true to your word. Also, never let them see you sweat. Sadly, that comes from a Gillette antiperspirant ad instead of from some wise old sage. But it’s true. There’s no problem that can’t be solved, and good solutions seldom come from people in a panic.
I’ve had other advice that I don’t quite understand, but that doesn’t keep me from passing it along. For example:
Son: “Dad, I just broke up with my girlfriend and she seems really mad. Do you think she and I can still be friends?”
Dad (Me): “Well, son, just remember, there’s a big difference between the ox and the whiffletree.”
Son: “Um, well, yeah . . . okay. Thanks Dad – you’re the greatest!”
What are you currently reading?
Questions for this Getting to Know profile. Fascinating. My answers, not so much so.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m a wannabe technology nerd. I can’t afford most of it, but I’m fascinated.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
My friend and colleague Brent Yarborough. Not only is he one of the brightest attorneys I know, he’s also one of the wittiest. Phil Franklin in my firm has a great background and is a mortgage compliance guru.