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.
For Julia Romans, all roads eventually led to the accounts receivable management industry. And she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Knowing she has found a home in the ARM industry and at Capital Recovery has fueled her passion for her job and for helping her peers and colleagues. Read on to learn more about Julia, what she loves to do first thing in the morning, and which candy is head-and-shoulders better than everything else.
Name: Julia Romans
Current Role/Job Title: Business Office Manager
Company: Capital Recovery Corporation
Length of time at current company: 8 years
Length of time in industry: 8 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Well, I suppose my ability to work in the ARM industry started 16 years ago. I found an admin job for a married couple that owned a “home-based” business. They sold vitamins. But the idea was to find other entrepreneurs that wanted to sell vitamins under you so you could create a business of your own. Working directly for the owners, I became very savvy in sales and collecting money. It was not a career choice but rather a 9-5 job. I stayed with that company for several years and gained a lot of “people skills”. Being that I did not find conversations circulated around “paying money” or “balances due”, to be uncomfortable, that made me a prime candidate for the collections industry. I also learned a lot about empathy, which is key in the collections industry. Fast forward to 2013, I needed a better job in a different industry. My sister was a collector at CRC and got me an interview in which I landed a collector job, as well. I eventually worked my way up to Supervisor, and then Manager.
What is your career highlight so far?
I am proud to serve as a board member on the Georgia Collectors Association (GCA). I have served for four years and currently serve at the treasurer. I find it very rewarding to not only take a leading role in our states association for the industry but I also have the privilege to serve with leaders in our industry such as LaDonna Bohling, John Bedard, Michael Jeselnik, and more.
When or how are you most productive?
Morning time! I love clocking in at 7am. I am also lucky to work for a company that has WFH capabilities and the ability to monitor staff closely. I find that I work longer hours at home and get more done. I like to knock out system audits and reports in the morning time so the rest of my day can be focused on daily/weekly priorities and anything else that arises (which things always do).
Which industry professional do you admire most?
There are so many. Michael Jeselnik, John Bedard, Rozanne Andersen, just to name a few. And, I can’t leave out my own boss, Brandy Rousselle. She has taught me so much about the ARM industry, but also Medical Billing. We do first party and third party, including workers comp, which I love. I would not be the person I am today and have the passion I have for our industry if it were not for her!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Nothing. I have confidence, which is key to surviving in this industry, but as far as doing something better, I don’t think that’s possible. We are all just trying to adapt and survive.
What do you like most about this industry?
The fact that everyone is so friendly. It amazes me how so many competitors are so willing to help someone out for the greater good of the industry. And even as a manager, I also enjoy taking consumer calls here and there. Helping someone resolve an issue they have worried about for a long time is so rewarding. I love lifting weight off of someone’s shoulders.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The same thing everyone wishes they could change … The misconception. We bust our butts staying on top of the latest regs and making sure we maintain compliance across the board. Some consumers will never understand the hoops agencies have to jump through just to help our clients recover AR.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
The thought is scary … I honestly have no idea but I don’t think I would be who I am today.
Describe a typical work day.
Busy … Reports, analyzing, client inquiries, collector questions, compliance/system audits, talking to consumers. The advantage of working for a smaller agency is you have a hand in all aspects of the company, so I stay very busy; but honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Candy. Lots of sour gummies.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Speak up. No one will advocate better for yourself than you. Only you can change your life.
What are you currently reading?
The only reading I have had time to do lately is to my children.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m so inspired. By everyone. I love how this industry has come together not only in regard to compliance but also just working together for the greater good of our clients and consumer interests. In my eight years in this industry, there is still so much to learn, so for those of you that are willing to educate and guide, know that I am listening and appreciate your eagerness to see our industry grow.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Eric Pittman.
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