The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit Software. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
One of the great things about the people in this industry is the recognition they have for their mentors and those who have had a profound impact on their professional development. Michael Jeselnik admits that this industry has “changed his life,” which is perhaps the nicest thing that someone can say. Read on to learn more about Michael and the wonderful things he has to say about working in the collection industry.
Name: Michael Jeselnik
Company: Carter-Young, Inc.
Length of time at current position: Three years.
Length of time in industry: Fifteen years.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Mr. Riexinger and Mr. Fortune of Riexinger & Associates, LLC took a chance on a 21-year old kid that had absolutely zero direction in life. I was initially hired as a collector at Riexinger & Associates and within a year or so I was promoted to a floor supervisor. From there I was taken under the wing of the General Manager, Mr. Cowguill. I absolutely fell in love with the industry and will forever be indebted to these three gentlemen.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’m very proud to have been elected and serve as President of the Georgia Collectors Association.
When or how are you most productive?
Lately, I have been arriving at the office a few hours before we open. The amount of work I can hammer out during that time is incredible.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Just one??? John Bedard of Bedard Law Group, P.C. located here in Georgia. Mr. Bedard has always been an amazing advocate of our industry and certainly an amazing supporter of the Georgia Collectors Association.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
The long game!
What do you like most about this industry?
The willingness of most people in our industry to share their knowledge, materials, and time for the advancement of others.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Undoubtedly, its image. Oftentimes when someone, who has not been in the industry, visits our office they seem to bring a prejudice of what we’re supposed to be. They are very surprised that we don’t work in a boiler-room… And we smile relatively often, too!
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Outside sales. If we’re being honest, probably dragging around a guitar from town to town.
Describe a typical work day.
Herding cats! I typically start my day updating and reviewing stats, projections, and preparing for our morning meeting. Midmorning is usually dedicated to the review of our daily compliance/ procedure testing. Then, depending upon those results, working with whomever is having difficulty in a specific area. The afternoon is primarily the time used for project management/planning. There’s always additional work peppered in like compliance, IT, hiring, marketing, and client services.
What is your guilty pleasure?
So many from which to choose… I suppose the most embarrassing would be playing PlayStation to relax.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Every employee has value, but it’s your responsibility to find where they’re most valuable.”
What are you currently reading?
Much to my chagrin, I have very little time to read for pleasure. Most of my reading is in short bursts, usually it’s something published by Mike Gibb.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
This industry changed my life. I always try to remember how truly fortunate I am to have fallen into something I love doing. I owe so much to the people with whom I have worked and those who have helped me along the way. I am committed to doing the same for others.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Angie Trunk (One of my favorite people).
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit Software. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.