You might not know it if you run into her at a conference or when she’s out and about, but Melissa Nash loves silence. Perhaps it is that she can manage well in either environment that has allowed her to achieve so much during her 12 years in the industry, running her own collection agency and currently serving as president of the Florida Collectors Association. Read on to learn more about Melissa and how her father teaching her chess has helped her in business.
Name: Melissa L Nash
Company: ARI – Accounts Receivables Inc.
Length of time at current company: 12 Years
Length of time in industry: 12 Years, but I’ve spent 30+ in Business Management-Finance
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was in the residential real estate/construction market when the economy crashed. My previous employer and friends started calling me to ask them to help with their cashflow issues.
What is your career highlight so far?
Making it into Inc. Magazine before I turned 40.
When or how are you most productive?
When I am the only one in the office. I seem to focus intently on clearing my in-box and thinking time. I try to close my door and turn on the DND, but its not the same.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Think quickly and I am very specific in my choice of words. I can mentally process to the win. My father taught me how to play chess very early and to anticipate moves. While I might not be a chess champ, I can see business moves and collection strategies quickly in my head.
What do you like most about this industry?
As a capitalist and entrepreneur, I like making sure others receive the value of their hard work. Our clients are typically small business owners and our recovery on their behalf usually mean a lot to the bottom line. I LOVE THE CLOSE. I still close deals and handle certain files myself.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The litigious nature for technicalities. Fining a business for Tasks/Events that have nothing to do with being harmful to consumers should be addressed in a way to keep the loopholes closed and criminals out of our marketplace.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would be an Executive Director for a children’s-focused charity. I would use my skillset to improve the lives of children in some form.
Describe a typical work day.
The only thing constant is that it starts with COFFEE. Everything else is meetings, networking, charity, office, collection calls, emails … And it typically includes LUNCH and a HAPPY HOUR appointment.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I sneak away to PGA National Spa during the business week. An afternoon by the waters of the world pools, a cocktail or two, and massage make for a great escape.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Not everyone will like you and that’s ok.
What are you currently reading?
“Black Like Me” by John Howard Griffin. I have friends who challenge one another to listen outside of our sphere of influence and perspectives.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
When I am in public, I tend to let my extrovert take over and I will say hello to everyone. I am genuinely interested in who you are and what you do. When I go home and turn off, I can sit alone for hours – no music, no tv, no sound. I truly like silence.