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.
Casey Simmons is one of those people that you look at and wonder, “Why can’t I be as organized as her?” Between tracking the number of books she reads every year and knowing exactly how many other women share the same personality traits that she does, it’s clear that she isn’t overstating herself when she says she is “extremely organized.” Perhaps it is that attention to detail that is what makes her so good at her job. Read on to learn more about Casey and the importance that Taylor Swift plays in helping her be productive.
Name: Casey Simmons
Job Title: Associate Attorney
Company: Clontz & Clontz, PLLC
Length of Time at Current Company: Four years
Length of Time in Industry: Four years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I met Claudia Clontz and we immediately clicked; I was given a job offer two days after meeting her and I have been here ever since.
What is your career highlight so far?
It’s hard to pick one, but I would say swearing into the N.C. Bar and winning my first hearing.
When or how are you most productive?
I am the most productive when I can turn on instrumental Taylor Swift, put my phone on DND, and just focus on the files in front of me.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I admire my boss, Ralph C. Clontz III, he started in this industry after following in his father’s footsteps. He knows so much about the industry and is an amazing litigator as well. He’s taught me a lot and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I don’t know that I’m better than everyone else at anything. But I would say that I’m extremely organized and I’m also very persistent and those two qualities are a big part of who I am and how I work.
What do you like most about this industry?
I like being able to create win/win situations for my clients and for the debtors. Not only are my clients getting paid, but I am helping debtors solve a problem.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I would love to change the negative perception of the industry.
Describe a typical work day.
There is no such thing as a typical workday. However, I start my morning by walking my dog, Lilly; feeding Lilly and her siblings, Winnie & Binx, breakfast; having my first cup of coffee and breakfast while doing a crossword puzzle; then I get ready for work. When I get to the office, I could be doing a number of things that include, but aren’t limited to: handling court hearings; filing lawsuits; proceeding with collection efforts as allowed by N.C. Law; talking to debtors; negotiating settlements; doing title searches. And for those of you wondering, Lilly is a 7-year-old Golden Retriever, Binx is a 2-year-old black cat, and Winnie is a 5-month-old black cat that has one eye.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would still be an attorney, but my area of practice would probably be Wills, Estates, and Guardianships of Incompetent Adults.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a huge bookworm. Last year I read 41 books and I’ve bumped my goal for 2021 up to 52 books.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You’re driving. How you choose to live your life and spend each day is entirely up to you.
What are you currently reading?
“Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo (so far I’m a fan and for those of you wondering, this is book #11 for the year)
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I am very much a textbook ISTJ personality type. However, I identify as more of a selective introvert depending on the situation and I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends! This personality type only makes up 12% of the population, and 7% of all women, so it makes me a little different, but I also see it as a superpower that has allowed me to really grow and become the best version of myself.
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.