I am thrilled to announce that the “Getting to Know” series is now being sponsored by TCN. TCN is a leading provider of cloud-based call center technology for enterprises, contact centers, BPOs, and collection agencies worldwide. Founded in 1999, TCN combines a deep understanding of the needs of call center users with a highly affordable delivery model, ensuring immediate access to robust call center technology, such as SMS, email, predictive dialer, IVR, call recording, and business analytics required to optimize operations while adhering to callers requests. Its “always-on” cloud-based delivery model provides customers with immediate access to the latest version of the TCN solution, as well as the ability to quickly and easily scale and adjust to evolving business needs. TCN serves various Fortune 500 companies and enterprises in multiple industries, including newspaper, collection, education, healthcare, automotive, political, customer service, and marketing.
There have been many life-long veterans of the credit and collection industry who have participated in the “Getting to Know” series here on AccountsRecovery.net. While Kris Aeschlimann has a ways to go before she can be considered a veteran in the industry, the new chief financial officer at State Collection Service is learning fast and is well on her way. Read on to learn more about Kris, how she came to join State Collection Service, and why you shouldn’t get in her way if she sees something she wants.
Name: Kris Aeschlimann
Company: State Collection Service, Inc.
Length of time at current position: 2.5 months
Length of time in industry: 2.5 months
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was previously working at a public accounting firm here in Madison, Wisc., that is the sponsor of a state-wide award program that recognizes family businesses. I met Tom Haag and Tim Haag, CEO and President of State Collection Service, respectively, through my involvement with the Family Business of the Year program, after State Collection Service won the Grand Award in the large company category. I moved on from that accounting firm to become the CFO of a local commercial real estate company, but stayed in touch with Tim. When Tim needed to fill the CFO role at State this summer, he reached out to me, and I guess the rest is history.
What is your career highlight so far?
During my time in public accounting, I was primarily focused on tax compliance and consulting. In 2011, I was given the opportunity to join the firm’s 80/20 consulting practice. This work allowed for me to grow immensely as a business-person by working very closely with business leaders on all aspects of their business, as part of a team of advisors. The highlight came in 2014, when a business owner requested to work directly with me as their primary advisor.
When or how are you most productive?
I work best in the morning, that is when I create my to-do list for the day and I am the most productive. I also work best in a group setting. I value the opinions and knowledge of others; I love having a team to work with.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Tom Haag, Chairman & CEO of State Collection Service. A 70-year-old family owned business is such an accomplishment.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am very good at connecting and building relationships with people.
What do you like most about this industry?
I am really impressed with the technology and the innovation and the partnerships that are formed with vendors to continue to move the industry forward.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The general perception of the industry – I see how hard we work here at State to do the right thing, and I wish the general population understood that this is a good and ethical industry.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would probably still be working in the commercial real estate industry, which is what I was doing before joining the team at State.
Describe a typical work day.
I am definitely still in the learning stage. Most days I attend meetings that are outside of my department, so I can learn more about the business. I am meeting with people inside and outside of the organization to build those relationships and learn from their experience.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Shoes. Can’t ever have enough.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t sit around and wait; if you want something, go out and get it.” My dad told this to me when I was struggling to find my way during a college internship at a large public accounting firm. I took that advice to heart, and it has paid off as I have advanced my career.
What are you currently reading?
The Widow, by Fiona Barton. I like to alternate between a business/non-fiction book and a fiction. With this industry being brand new to me, I am doing a lot of non-fiction reading at work, such as Mike Gibb’s Daily Digest!
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
In my free time, I enjoy team-based athletic challenges, such as Ragnar, Tough Mudder and Abominable Snow Race.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Tracy Dudek, the Chief Operating Officer here at State Collection Service.
I am thrilled to announce that the “Getting to Know” series is now being sponsored by TCN. TCN is a leading provider of cloud-based call center technology for enterprises, contact centers, BPOs, and collection agencies worldwide. Founded in 1999, TCN combines a deep understanding of the needs of call center users with a highly affordable delivery model, ensuring immediate access to robust call center technology, such as SMS, email, predictive dialer, IVR, call recording, and business analytics required to optimize operations while adhering to callers requests. Its “always-on” cloud-based delivery model provides customers with immediate access to the latest version of the TCN solution, as well as the ability to quickly and easily scale and adjust to evolving business needs. TCN serves various Fortune 500 companies and enterprises in multiple industries, including newspaper, collection, education, healthcare, automotive, political, customer service, and marketing.