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.
There are not many people who enjoy hearing the remarks when they find out someone from the industry is a collector. But there are a few people, like Arlynn Flecker, for example, who relish the opportunity to teach people about all the good things the industry does for consumers. And that is what makes this industry so special. Read on to learn more about Arlynn and why she needs a bigger office.
Name: Arlynn Flecker
Company: Nationwide Credit Corporation (NCC)
Job Title: Director of Client Service
Length of time at current position: Six years
Length of time in industry: 15 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started at a small agency answering phones and routing consumers to collectors. I worked hard and had a great boss that saw my potential and helped me to move up the ladder.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career has been getting to where I am now. Though my title is Director of Client Service, I work with all of our departments to ensure our company is the best it can be. I am heavily involved in sales and compliance. I am so proud to be a part of the leadership team at NCC and really be a part of the decisions within the organization. I am involved in healthcare and government collections communities and have formed many business and personal relationships in both.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive when I am extremely busy. Anyone that knows me, knows I thrive in chaos. I love deadlines, I love challenges and I love helping people.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I can’t narrow it down to one person. I would have to say the “people” that I most admire are those that are dedicated and truly passionate about this industry. The President of our company Phil Rosenthal, started collecting more than 50 years ago. He has had to adapt his business model many times based on laws, regulations and statutes. He is a great business man and someone that I admire for his philanthropic work as well. I also admire women in the industry, like Rozanne Andersen and Leslie Bender to name a few, who have paved the way for women in the industry. I admire those that have and continue to fight for our industry to be seen for the positive impact we have on this country.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am able to look at all sides of an issue. I am super analytical and want to know how each piece affects the other. If we make a change here- how will it affect every department and our clients. My goal is to be as proactive as we can be from the start to weed out potential problems that may occur in the future.
What do you like most about this industry?
Where do I begin? I am so passionate about our industry and about my company. I love when someone I have met says “Oh you work in collections? Don’t call me!” That opens up the door for me to explain how our industry contributes to decreasing the national debt, how we are able to help businesses that provide services and don’t receive payment for, how we help people that are struggling with their bills by offering solutions they may not have been offered. I love the diversity of our industry. Attend any industry conference and you will see people of all kinds together with one goal- make our industry the best it can be.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Transparency from regulators. Every day we have to analyze the risk of every call, every letter and every communication to ensure that we are interpreting the ever-changing and ever-conflicting rules and laws that we must follow. We are all in agreement- we will follow whatever is set forth but we need for them to not contradict each other.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would be a chef. I spend most of my free time cooking (and eating).
Describe a typical work day.
I start with a cup of tea and I check my calendar. What meetings, calls, webinars, etc. do I have in store for the day. Then I move on to emails. I check in with my staff and make sure they all have what they need for the day and (if we are in the office) find out what’s for lunch! I usually eat lunch at my desk but I have been trying to make more of an effort to come out of my office and take a break. Most of my days are spent checking in with clients, following up on industry news, meeting with our leadership to determine best practices and putting out fires as needed.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I collect Funko Pops! They are little figurines from movies, TV, books, and music. I have around 200-too0300 and cannot stop buying them! I keep most of them in my office at work but have run out of room.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up.
What are you currently reading?
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I love meeting new people and learning everything I can. If you see me- say hi! You never know what we could learn from each other.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Phil Rosenthal, Antonia Wong,
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.
