The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. 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.
Working in collections is the only job that Nate Kalnins has ever known, and he couldn’t be happier about that. Having started as a part-time collector in college and now an executive vice president, Nate has displayed an affinity and passion for the industry that is emblematic of what makes people in the industry so special. Read on to learn more about Nate and the great advice his grandfather gave him as a child that he still lives by today.
Name: Nate Kalnins
Company: The Stark Collection Agency
Length of time at current position: Nine years
Length of time in industry: Nine years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started as a part-time collector when I was in college. I just wanted a job and a paycheck. I had no idea what I was getting myself into or where the position would lead me!
What is your career highlight so far?
It is extremely fulfilling to see so many of our employees who I’ve helped train succeed.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m typically most productive early in the morning when my mind is still fresh. I like to get up early, exercise, and start working before anyone else arrives at the office.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Our company President, Pauline Kussart, has been an invaluable mentor to me. She is a passionate advocate for our industry and is fully invested in the well-being of our entire team.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I can’t think of any single skill that defines me. I do think it is important continually work to add new skills and refine the ones I already have.
What do you like most about this industry?
I enjoy the variety of it. No two days are the same! I also enjoy the challenge. As difficult as it can be to stay on top of the constant change that defines our industry, I know that I would be bored doing anything else.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish I could eliminate the negative stereotype of our industry. I’ve seen firsthand our diverse, talented, and compassionate the people who work in our industry are. Our agency and others across the country are filled with amazing people who deserve to be recognized for the value of the work they perform rather than stigmatized.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
This is the only ‘real’ job I’ve ever known, so I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I likely would be working somewhere in HR where I could put my passion for culture-building to good use.
Describe a typical work day.
I typically try to get caught up email at night so I can begin the following day with a blank slate. I like to arrive early and use most of the morning as time dedicated to completing projects and other thought-intensive work. Late mornings and afternoons are typically spent in meetings and addresses issues that pop up throughout the day. Afternoons and evenings provide time to complete action items from meetings and to catch myself back up so I can get started again the next day!
What is your guilty pleasure?
This is the only ‘real’ job I’ve ever known, so I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I likely would be working somewhere in HR where I could put my passion for culture-building to good use.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To be fully present in everything I do. This means giving my full attention when meeting with people and my full focus on projects I am working on.
What are you currently reading?
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’ll share a slogan rather than a fun fact. My grandpa used to have a saying: “No work, no eat.” My grandparents lived on a farm in the country. Everyone that visited was expected to help out around the house or miss out on family meals (though I don’t think he ever followed through with this threat!). I remember working with my brother when we were both children to help him move wood piles when we visited for Thanksgiving, only to move the piles back to the original location when we visited for Christmas. As much as I disliked it at the time, I am now very thankful for the work effort he helped instill in me!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Patrick Newman with Bassford Remele.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. 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.