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.
Katie Borchers is that rarest of unicorns — someone who looked at the accounts receivable management industry from outside and said, “I think I can be really good at that. I want to try it.” Launching a start-up agency with her partner last year, Katie has already made quite the splash in the ARM industry, and everyone is bullish on her prospects because of the enthusiasm and passion she brings to the job on a daily basis. Read on to learn more about Katie, how she came up with the idea to start an agency from the ground up, and how much coffee she is allowed to drink before she gets cut off.
Name: Katie Borchers
Current Role/Job Title: President, Owner – Beyond Green Solutions
Company: Beyond Green Solutions
Length of time at current company: 1 year
Length of time in industry: 1 year
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was interested in becoming an entrepreneur and starting my own business where I could use my previous experiences and talent. I was convinced by my partner that this was an industry where I could make an impact and help others!
What is your career highlight so far?
When I realized I shouldn’t shy away from telling others I didn’t have years of experience in the industry but that I spent my career in healthcare and nursing. It has brought great conversation, encouragement, and the willingness to help from others in the industry!
When or how are you most productive?
First thing in the morning. A fresh pot of coffee and I’m good to go!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Those who have been most willing to share their time and talents to help me grow. The person who hands-down gives his time, shares his ideas, and provides encouragement is Larry Steller from Quality Asset Recovery!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Wow, I’m not sure as I don’t know all in the industry. However, I know that the greatest asset and skill I bring to my company is compassion and respect to help others when they are most vulnerable. I learned this from my pediatric nursing days.
What do you like most about this industry?
I love the camaraderie and the mentality of those in the industry I interact with. There is compassion shown in every way; for the businesses we support, the consumers we interact with, and others in the industry who work hard to show the integrity of our profession.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The way other industries view us. I meet professionals outside of our industry who are surprised to hear what I do after getting to know me. Why the surprise? Our industry is full of hard-working, honest people who believe in supporting our community and economy!
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
That depends; am I independently wealthy or not? If independently wealthy, I would be the President of my children’s PTSA (parent-teacher-student association), Service Unit Manager for our Girl Scout Council, and any other volunteer leadership role my kids participate in. If not, I would like to say I would be a trainer/speaker; I love the feeling of being in front of a group where I can share something inspiring! Maybe that will be my next chapter!
Describe a typical work day.
As a startup, I’m coming out of the networking and branding phase. A portion of my day is spent on connecting with those in my network, connecting with my team, and reaching out to clients and potential clients. I love that most of my day is spent hearing from others on what is happening in their world, strategizing and problem solving, and finding ways to have a positive impact on those I know.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Coffee. Of course I drink it in the morning, but also love an afternoon cup or with dessert after dinner. Once I’ve had my third morning cup, I announce to the office to not let me drink anymore!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad …”Go for it!” I presented the idea of leaving my 18-year-career in healthcare, starting a business from scratch, partnering with someone I’ve never worked with before, and moving to an industry I had no experience. Dad’s response was, “Go for it. You are a hard worker and are partnering with someone you can trust who is smart and has integrity. This is an easy choice.”
What are you currently reading?
To be honest? The Bible. I started the Alpha Course last month and for the first time in years, have actually been reading on a regular basis.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am authentic. My friendliness is genuine, my passion is true, my kindness is real. I am grateful to those who have recognized this and welcomed me with open arms!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Those who have been kind along the way … Larry Steller, Harry Strausser, Chris Ball (my partner and one of the hardest working people I know. Did you know he WON the University of Rochester Simon Games and got a free MBA? Smart guy!), Bonnie Finley, Courtney Reynaud, Anita Manghisi, I could give you quite the list!
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