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.
Sara Woggerman has always been someone who takes the road less traveled, which likely explains her decision to launch her own consulting business in the middle of a global pandemic. But she has a solid foundation in the industry on which to hang her new shingle, and the determination to succeed. Read on to learn more about Sara, and why, if you ever happen to find yourself in a dance competition with her, you should just walk away.
Name: Sara Woggerman
Job Title: Owner & President
Company: ARM Compliance Business Solutions, LLC
Length of Time at Current Company: I officially launched the business August 4, 2020
Length of Time in Industry: Going on 14 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
We relocated to Alabama for my husband’s job and after 8 months of pounding the pavement the recruiter I was working with introduced me to Revenue Discovery Systems, a subsidiary of Portfolio Recovery Associates. I started out as Senior Client Relations Representative which felt like a good fit since my previous job was managing customer service representatives in the telecommunication industry. That role was the foundation of my unconventional career path in this industry. I had to be a quick study because I was responsible for growing and maintaining the local government debt collection services client base while also managing the third-party collection agency providing the services.
What is your career highlight so far?
Launching ARM Compliance Business Solution this year. The last six months have been some of the most challenging and exciting of my career. Of course, I did decide to start a business in the middle of a global pandemic.
When or how are you most productive?
I thrive in collaborative environments that foster diverse thought leadership. I look for opportunities to be a part of work groups and panel discussions for this very reason.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Wow, that is a tough one. I have been so fortunate to work alongside and with so many admirable colleagues over the years. If I must pick one person, it is hands down Joel Bernheim at Asset Recovery Solutions. Joel is a wealth of industry knowledge but even more than that he is one of the best professional mentors I have ever had.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I make some mean chicken enchiladas!
What do you like most about this industry?
I love that it is always changing. If you are bored in this industry, you are not paying attention. What ultimately keeps me in this industry is the relationships I’ve established across the industry.
Describe a typical work day.
My workdays have looked a little different since starting ARM Compliance Business Solutions. They always begin with reading the latest news. This includes industry updates and world news while I drink my coffee. Then I am off to the races — I am either working on projects for my clients, conducting research or collaborating with colleagues. The biggest adjustment in my workday has been carving out time to dedicate to content writing and marketing.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish we embraced technology quicker. I came to this industry after working for a Fortune 500 company for many years and was astounded by the lack of sophistication in technology resources. We’ve certainly come a long way since then and I feel hopeful we’ll be turning a corner soon on this front.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
It is hard to imagine at this point, but I would likely be in a business development role somewhere in the technology industry. Not because I am all that technology savvy but because I have always found success in changing and innovative environments.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Really good chocolate and red wine, preferably together.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Once trust is broken, it is impossible to regain, so live honestly.
What are you currently reading?
A book my mother bought for me last year that I am finally reading, “The Gifts of Imperfection.“
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I have been known to win my fair share of dance-off competitions.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Kristyn Leffler at Resurgent Capital Services.
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.
Go Get’em Sara! Super impressed by your GRIT!
Sara, the week we spent together was a wonderful time of getting to soak up your knowledge. Thank you for your thirst to openly discuss problems and work through to the solutions. Getting it all out on the table and then working to the fix, is your lesson to me.