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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.
There is definitely something to Rebecca Garland’s college dream of teaching kids or inmates and her ending up in the accounts receivable management industry instead, right? But the education system’s loss is the ARM industry’s gain. Having grown from an entry-level employee to part-owner of the company she works at, Rebecca is a perfect example of the opportunities that are awarded to those in the ARM industry who are ambitious. Read on to learn more about Rebecca, her love of True Crime podcasts, and the interesting road that led her to VeriFacts.
Name: Rebecca Garland
Current Role/Job Title: Chief Compliance Officer and Member
Company: VeriFacts, LLC
Length of time at current company: 19 years
Length of time in industry: 19 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I actually have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. When I graduated college in 2001 and moved home, our small community suffered a great economic loss and teachers were getting let go so they weren’t hiring at all. A friend of mine worked at VeriFacts and said I should come work with him. I started an entry-level position over 19 years ago with the intention of getting back into teach after a couple of years and haven’t looked back. I am now one of the owners of the company.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight so far would definitely be purchasing the company in Feb 2020. Yes, this was three weeks before COVID-19, but still a great decision!
When or how are you most productive?
I am definitely most productive at the office and in the afternoon. I am not a morning person and do not do well working from home for extended periods of time. I need to be at my desk with my work computer and set up for sure!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
There are several, but I would have to say my best friend and our majority owner, Stephanie Clark. She has taught me so much both personally and professionally.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I can carry a conversation with literally anyone. I ask leading questions to find out what someone might be interested in and go from there. I absolutely love talking to people in small group settings, not so much big groups.
What do you like most about this industry?
Hands down, the people. I have met some of the most amazing, intelligent and generous people in my life in this industry. It is definitely not an easy way to earn a living, but most that do are extremely compassionate and kind people.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The way it’s viewed by outsiders. We get a bad rep sometimes because of what we do, but if you’re on the outside, it’s hard to know all the good we’re actually doing and assisting with balancing the economy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
My dream in college was to teach either inner city children or in the prison system so I would imagine one of those things.
Describe a typical work day
Anyone in compliance knows that each day is different and has its own unique challenges. Most days start with a lot of caffeine and then digging in to my email and ever expanding to-do list.
What is your guilty pleasure?
One of my guilty pleasures is definitely True Crime Podcasts. I love listening to, watching or reading anything murder related.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Your life is your responsibility.” Everyone can control and take ownership of their actions. It’s ok to make mistakes as long as you own up to them and make it right when necessary.
What are you currently reading?
I am reading “The Butcher and The Wren” by Alaina Urquhart. She is one of the hosts of the Podcast Morbid and this book is great so far!
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am an avid NFL football fan. My main team is the Saints, but I will watch any NFL game anytime and anywhere. I love it!!!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I love seeing these and learning more about people so I would be interested in anyone and everyone.
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
