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.
In describing one of her greatest skills, Jennifer Horvath also did a pretty good job explaining the collections industry — it’s about de-escalation. She also has a dream story for any job candidate — being hired on the spot. Read on to learn more about Jennifer and why you shouldn’t hold the fact that she is a Dallas Cowboys fan against her.
Name: Jennifer Horvath – will be Jennifer Saltzman, recently re-married.
Company: Aargon Agency, Inc. d/b/a Aargon Collection Agency
Length of time at current position: 3 years, 3 months
Length of time in industry: 3 years, 3 months
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was laid off from my litigation production manager position due to cutbacks and I had a friend at Aargon who said they had a position coming up in compliance. Came in for an interview with the CEO that day, and was hired on the spot. I didn’t have any background in compliance or collections, but I had management and legal experience. I’ve loved the challenges since then and learning everyday.
What is your career highlight so far?
Coming in with no experience and gaining the confidence and respect of my co-workers at Aargon.
When or how are you most productive?
First thing in the morning. I check my email and my to-do list and set-up my day – barring any “fires” that may come-up during the day, which happens frequently.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
My boss, Duane Christy. He started this company in 1996 and built it up from a “Mom and Pop” local collection agency into the national organization that it is now with offices in Hawaii, Missouri, Florida, and Nevada.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am a great de-escalator. I handle compliance, human resources and legal for our agency and it is imperative to be able to calm any situation down in order to prevent situations from becoming worse.
What do you like most about this industry?
I love that everyone is so willing to help a fellow professional out. I came in with no experience and had to contact, call and speak to people in the industry to learn as much as I could and as quickly as I could.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
What most people wish to change, the frivolous litigation. The statutes are ambiguous and taken advantage of by many consumers and plaintiff attorneys. I hope that we receive more safe harbor rules from the CFPB and Congress in the near future to help agencies who strive to be compliant and honest from these constant complaints.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I went to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas for my BA in Psychology to work with disadvantaged youths. I was a Juvenile Probation Officer for several years. I would probably return to helping and serving them again out here in Las Vegas, where I have lived since 2006.
Describe a typical work day.
Coffee, emails, constant employees coming in and out of the office for HR services/issues, conversations with management and attorneys, checking on client services for any client issues that need to be dealt with, making walk-bys to ensure collectors are being compliant or have any questions, answering CFPB/BBB/AG complaints, reviewing new case law to see if any updates need to be made to current policies, tending to new hires, terminations and write-ups. You know, the typical day of an employee who has to wear many “hats” and cover the duties of several individuals.
What is your guilty pleasure?
A hot bath with a paper-and-pencil crossword puzzle book to decompress with. Possibly a light cocktail of vodka and lemonade on the side.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to say you do not know and will find out. Then follow-up.
What are you currently reading?
The Gunslinger by Stephen King – an oldie, but goodie.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am a Cowboys fan. I know, I take a lock of flack for it, but have been a fan since I lived in Texas for so long prior to moving to Las Vegas.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
My Hawaii manager, Phil Barnett. He deals with a lot out of that office and is always going above and beyond for consumers, clients and employees.
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.