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.
The ARM industry is all that Shaun Ertischek has known as a lawyer. And it sounds like he wouldn’t want it any other way. Aside from great taste in whom he admires, Shaun doesn’t seem to have minded exchanging the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps for the less-hectic pace of southern Georgia. Read on to learn more about Shaun and his great advice that shows why it’s so important to keep your nose to the grindstone.
Name: Shaun Ertischek
Job Title: Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel
Company: Sequium Asset Solutions, LLC
Length of Time at Current Company: 13 months
Length of Time in Industry: 16 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
My very first experience in the industry was interning at a collection law firm for a few months during law school. After graduation, I started working in-house for a national debt buyer and collection agency.
What is your career highlight so far?
I would say the highlight so far has been being hired to lead the legal and compliance functions at two different organizations during my career. It is an honor to be entrusted with such critical responsibilities for growing entities desirous of implementing best practices and strengthening their compliance systems.
When or how are you most productive?
I am probably most productive when caffeinated, which is most mornings. I try to maintain strong productivity throughout the day and it is quite easy to stay busy in this industry.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I most admire Leslie Bender. She is a very knowledgeable and well-respected industry professional. Moreover, she is always willing to lend a hand and has been incredibly supportive of my professional endeavors. She is a connector in the truest sense of the word.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am not sure I do anything particularly better than anyone else, but I pride myself on my ability to issue spot, understand downstream effects, simplify complex topics to be digested by operations, and successfully negotiate resolutions.
What do you like most about this industry?
I like the congenial nature of the industry. Everyone is very supportive of one another. We all seem to be vested in raising the tide to lift all boats.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Just one thing? I would probably change the way legislators view the industry such that they all would truly understand the business challenges and practical implications of the legislative and regulatory restrictions that are introduced and implemented. Hopefully, coupled with this would be reducing much of the frivolous litigation in the industry.
Describe a typical work day.
A typical work day involves many e-mails, calls, and meetings with clients, vendors, internal staff, and outside counsel. I regularly review and advise on a variety of compliance routines and concerns; manage litigation matters; draft and advise on contracts, policies, scripts, and training materials; and deal with a variety of escalated issues. I chair monthly Compliance Committee meetings and participate in the company’s Board meetings. My focus is always on strengthening our Compliance Management System, adapting to new laws and regulations, and mitigating risk for the company. I also supervise and oversee our exceptional compliance staff who handle critical functions that include licensing, client audits, complaints, policies and procedures, exception reports, and internal audits.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would likely be practicing corporate law somewhere in some capacity.
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What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is binge-watching Netflix series. “The Circle” and “Squid Game” were the last two. Don’t judge me – ha!.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Years ago, when training martial arts, I was once told: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” This phrase was originally coined by a high school basketball coach and popularized by several professional athletes; however, it rings true in most facets of life, especially career success.
What are you currently reading?
A take-out menu … and the “Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Temporary Amendment Act of 2021.” No pleasure reading at the moment.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am a native New Yorker (from Brooklyn) who is currently enjoying southern living in Georgia with my fiancé and the world’s friendliest and cutest Havapoo puppy.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Xerxes Martin of Malone Frost Martin PLLC
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