There might not be a lot of overlap between teaching second grade and running a company in the credit and collections industry, but Susan Becker has found a way to seamlessly make the transition. As the CEO of Jormandy for 15 years, Susan might not ever have imagined that she would one day run her own company, but thanks to the help of some good friends and employees, she is thriving. Read on to learn more about Susan and what her employees think makes her such an effective leader.
Name: Susan P. Becker
Company: Jormandy, L.L.C.
Length of time at current company: 15 years
Length of time in industry: 35 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
My husband had a law office and really needed someone to do the bookkeeping. He was looking for someone that he could trust for the position. I offered to help until he found that person and I stayed for another 22 years!
What is your career highlight so far?
I think the day I became CEO for Jormandy was my career highlight. Since that time, I have had a lot of career “firsts” but nothing can top that initial appointment.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive in the morning but if something pressing arrives, I can gear up in an instant!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Walt Collins — he’s been a friend and mentor all along the way.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
If you ask Mike Gibb he would probably say procrastinate better than anyone else because I have taken months to complete this interview. This question has been the reason! I finally asked my co-workers their opinion on what I do better than everyone else. I was told that I follow protocol in a way that makes our company successful while at the same time doing what’s right for our consumers. I’ll take it!
What do you like most about this industry?
What I like most about the industry is that it is never in a static state.
I’m constantly learning something new.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish the shift within the industry could change from concentrating on the “bad apples” to embracing the positive strides that are constantly being made.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
After I completed about a hundred projects in my house that I’ve neglected over the years while working, I would travel. With 10 grandchildren to visit, it would keep me busy all year!
Describe a typical work day.
I try to arrive at the office each day before all the staff arrives. It gives me a little quiet time to start reading emails that have come in overnight. Once everyone is here, I never can predict what my day will be like but I can promise you there is never a dull moment!
What is your guilty pleasure?
CHOCOLATE!!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never respond immediately to an email when you are mad!
What are you currently reading?
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
My first job out of college was teaching second grade in Spokane, Washington. When we moved back to Virginia, my husband predicted I would enter the retail world one day. I doubt he was thinking “retail” collections!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I would love to see Walt Collins answer these questions!