The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
There are countless studies that illustrate the importance of the relationships that a person has with his or her co-workers and managers to that person continuing to work at a company. The affection and admiration that Jenny Felts has for her team at Professional Account Services is likely why she has spent nearly two decades at the company, with no plans to stop anytime soon. Read on to learn more about Jenny and why her nightly routine is one to which all parents can relate.
Name: Jenny Felts
Job Title: Litigation Manager
Company: Professional Account Services, Inc. (PASI)
Length of Time at Current Company: 17 years
Length of Time in Industry: 18 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I got a job out of college clerking for a hospital debt collection attorney. After about a year, one of their clients, the company I work for now, called and offered me a clerical job in their Litigation Department. I built a career at PASI from there.
What is your career highlight so far?
Building and mentoring the team I have now. We are constantly bouncing ideas off each other and coming up with new processes. With previous teams I felt like I was recreating the wheel over and over again, but with this one I feel like I’m getting a new bike.
When or how are you most productive?
Definitely in the morning after coffee.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I have had the pleasure to meet many industry professionals and attorneys, but I would have to say it is my supervisor, our Senior Director of Self-Pay Collections, Dennis Bennett. I have known Dennis since I was 22 and he has been a mentor to me every step of the way. He lets his employees make mistakes and learn from them. He gives the best advise, cares for his employees, and gives praise when it is deserved.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Ha! Probably stay positive when the chips are down. I’m a realist, but I try to stay optimistic in the face of adversity.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people. I love the people I work with.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The negative perception of debt collectors. We have a job to do and believe me we are constantly battling to improve our imagine, but it is definitely an uphill battle.
Describe a typical work day.
I like to get the everyday stuff done first and then start whatever project is set for that day. Each day is different.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I love to cook, so maybe go to culinary school.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sherbet ice cream, I have a bowl every night after the kids go to bed so I don’t have to share.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing to do is show up” -Brene Brown
What are you currently reading?
I’m always reading a book and listening to a book. Right now I’m reading “The New One Minute Manager” by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson and listening to “The Family Upstairs” by Lisa Jewell. I love a good British suspense book!
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
It’s not the most glamorous industry, but I love what I do.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Chanta Harlan, she is a collection manager at PASI. Her involvement and dedication to her collectors is second to none. She has great insight into the every day workings of debt collecting.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.