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.
Getting a bachelor’s degree is an accomplishment for anyone. Doing it while working full-time and with three kids at home tells you everything about Christy Egler that you need to know. But you should still read the rest of her profile, if only because she and Wayne Gretzky share the same outlook on life. Read on to learn more about Christy and why she has fallen in love with the collections industry.
Name: Christy Egler
Job Title: Regional Sales Manager
Company: Reliant Capital Solutions, LLC
Length of Time at Current Company: 5 1/2 years.
Length of Time in Industry: Nearly 25 years.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I began working in the Business Office of a private university in Columbus, Ohio in the late 1980’s. After three years there I took a 10-year break to be a stay-at-home mom. Once our youngest began school, I went back to working for that same university, and six years later moved to another university in central Ohio, spending my last nine years on the “school side” as University Bursar. Reliant specializes in higher education receivables so it was great preparation for my current role and allows me to really empathize with the challenges that our clients face every day.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’m not sure this counts as a career highlight, but I am really proud of myself for finishing my bachelor’s degree at the age of 39, while being a full-time working mom with three kids at home. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement and support of my husband, Steve.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive in the morning after the caffeine from my coffee kicks in.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
That’s an easy one, Margie Brickner, President & CEO of Reliant Capital. Our relationship goes back decades to when I was a client of hers. When she started her own agency, Reliant, in 2007, I was excited to sign on as one of her first clients. I’ve admired her and loved Reliant so much that I jumped at the opportunity to switch gears and work for her. Margie’s business intelligence, tenacity, and heart are inspiring.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Not sure that I do, but I make a pretty amazing chocolate chip cheesecake. Just ask our daughters who ask for it every year on their birthdays.
What do you like most about this industry?
When I first joined the agency side of collections, I was surprised by the camaraderie between the various vendors. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my peers and building friendships.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish the overall impression of and attitude toward the collection industry was more positive. It would be great if consumers realized how much collectors can help them move in the right direction with their finances. Collectors are people too. 🙂
Describe a typical work day.
One of the things I enjoy about this job is that there really isn’t a typical day. There’s so much to do, so many people to see. My list of things to do is always changing.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
There is life outside of collections? While I joke, I don’t know that I have ever thought about life outside of this industry? I may have fell into this industry 30 years ago but have fallen in love with what I do and can’t imagine being anywhere else.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate anything and binging “The Real Housewives”. Don’t judge.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
What are you currently reading?
“The Girl In The Woods” by Lorna Dounaeva. I love a good thriller.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I love, love, love meeting new people from different parts of the country and diverse backgrounds; it makes my life so much richer.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Connie Robinson, RMS.
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.