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.
She may have gotten her start in the industry thanks to family connections, but Aleah Heath has spent more than a decade now demonstrating why she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether at work, competing on her horse, or launching a non-profit foundation, she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Read on to learn more about Aleah, why you want to be on her gift-giving list, and be in awe of how much she manages to accomplish everyday.
Name: Aleah Heath
Current Role/Job Title: Director, Sales and Business Development
Company: Unifund and Payce
Length of time at current company: 1 year
Length of time in industry: 11.5 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Jim and Sheila Gabler, former owners of Verifacts gave me my start. They also happen to be my aunt and uncle. I started off as an inside sales rep.
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve had so many wonderful highlights through the years from promotions, joining senior leadership teams, and big wins from a personal sales perspective. I would say my proudest moments have been when I’ve been able to help others grow, succeeded and hit the goals they set for themselves. For me, there really is nothing better than watching and helping others win.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m a deadline driven person and I enjoy having a lot on my plate. I thrive under pressure.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
She probably has no idea but it would have to be Sara Woggerman, owner of ARM Compliance Business Solutions. I met Sara just over 2 years ago when we were discussing compliance software. It started off as a typical business connection and has since morphed into a friendship. Sara is a genuine person and a true supporter of others, especially other women in our industry. She has built a great business and a wonderful brand for herself in such a short time since taking the leap and going out on her own. She’s an inspiration to other females with an entrepreneurial mindset.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m a great gift giver. Buying things that I know will light up someone’s day is one of my favorite things to do.
What do you like most about this industry?
I really like that there is no time to become complacent in this industry. We are always growing, adapting, and making our companies better.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The negative perception. This industry is full of genuine folks that want to help the consumers find financial freedom
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would be serving my non-profit full time. The ANE Foundation was just formed this year and it’s currently my passion project. Our official launch is just around the corner but we are already serving the young girls across the county. We just shipped out our first box of school supplies to a kindergartener in Illinois who was going to school with no supplies due to a family financial situation. Now this sweet young girl will proudly walk into school with the entire years supply of material along with a stylish new backpack and sweet new gym shoes. I’m a long way from serving the foundation on a full-time basis, but for now my evenings and weekends will do.
Describe a typical work day.
Every day starts at 5:30am out in my barn feeding horses, cows, cats, dogs, and depending on the time of year, pigs and chickens too. Then it’s straight to coffee. I usually spend my mornings catching up on industry news before the kids wake up. Then it’s time to be mom for a while. I’m usually at my desk and ready to roll with whatever the workday has in store for me by 8-8:30.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Red Bull. If it wasn’t so bad for me I’d drink it every day.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
My Nana always told me that life is what we make it. Create goals and dream big. If I work hard I can make any dream a reality.
What are you currently reading?
Sadly, I haven’t read a book in a few months. Instead I have been following my favorite barrel racers and read their training strategies. I also read The NonProfit Times and Barrel Horse News daily.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I live on a farm in Northern Indiana where I breed, train, and sell performance horses. My daughters and I all compete in barrel racing.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Ari Kopmar, VP Marketing and Innovation of Unifund.
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