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.
In what might be a first for the “Getting to Know” series, a participant has taken the best advice she has ever received and turned that into some pretty good advice of her own. “Adapt, adjust, and overcome” writes Jennifer Whipple — and if that doesn’t motivate you and point you in the right direction at the same time, nothing will. Read on to learn more about Jennifer, how she has known this is where she wanted to work since the time she got her driver’s license, and why you should leave her alone if you see her on a bike during the work day.
Name: Jennifer Whipple
Current Role/Job Title: President
Company: Collection Bureau Services, Inc.
Length of time at current company: A lifetime! 20+ years
Length of time in industry: 20+ years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Collection Bureau Services is my family business so I grew up here. My father would often work weekends and my brother and I would tag along with him and do shredding, coloring, or play on the old green-screen computers-typing in wingdings and making secret codes. I spent much of my childhood with office staff — in the office, at Christmas parties, softball tournaments etc., so it was only natural that I start filing when I started high school. I’ve always been financially motivated so I continued working at the office through high school and by my junior year I knew that I wanted to make this my career. I fast-tracked my senior year of high school and set all my college classes and goals around our company and my future in it.
What is your career highlight so far?
In 2018 our business was awarded the Jake Jabs School of Business: Montana Family Business of the Year, small business category. This was awarded two months prior to my father’s planned retirement and so meaningful to all of us.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive when I am motivated by an upcoming travel opportunity. I really love to work-hard and play-hard.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
This is a difficult one! I’ve always been enamored by Leslie Bender so I have to give her a shout out, but I have to say Jeff Koch — my father. Having been groomed by him to be the 3rd generation owner of our family business and also speaking with industry leaders about their businesses, my father really is an amazing businessman and put our company in such a strong position — I can’t help but admire that. It’s most of the reason I chose this as my career.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Sing and dance in the car. Alone.
What do you like most about this industry?
I like helping our economy and businesses. I never want someone to feel like they are burdened with higher costs because someone else didn’t pay and had the means to.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I’d change negative talk. I know the “bill collector” isn’t a glamorous role and can accept that. I would like folks in all walks of life to remember that we are here to do a service, just like everyone else and that doesn’t make us mean. Some of us are actually pretty darn nice!
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I have no idea!
Describe a typical work day.
I wake up … That is literally the only typical part of each day and one of the things that make this career interesting for me. Our company is small/mid sized so I am often in the office reviewing files for compliance, listening to calls live on the floor, meeting with trainers and management as well as clients — all while trying to make sure the sidewalks got shoveled and my children are on time to soccer.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Going on a bike ride at 10am during work time
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I cut out a quote from a magazine about 15 years ago. I cannot remember which magazine or who wrote it but here it is “Never give up. I’ve seen so many people that quit just as they are approaching success. Almost nothing works the first time you try it. It just means you may not be doing something quite right.”
“Never give up” doesn’t mean doing the same unsuccessful activity over and over and expecting a different result. That’s the definition of insanity. So adapt, adjust, and overcome. I try to envision what I would do if my life depended on accomplishing what it is I’m looking to complete.” If you find out who wrote this — I’d love to know!
What are you currently reading?
“Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am left handed.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I didn’t think about it, my mind is still all about Reg F all day every day!
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