Getting to Know Dennis Bennett of Professional Account Services

It didn’t take long for Dennis Bennett to know he had found a home in the ARM industry once he started working at a collection agency. Thirty-five years later, he is a respected leader and someone that many in the industry turn to for advice. Read on to learn why Dennis never wants to be the smartest guy in the room, why he prefers the outdoors to being in the office, and how the ARM industry helped get him out of his shell.

Name: Dennis Bennett
Current Role/Job Title: Senior Director of Operations
Company: Professional Account Services, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 20 years
Length of time in industry: 35 years

How did you get your start in the industry?
Started working part-time for a friend at nights at his collection agency. Discovered very quickly that I liked the industry and made the decision to go full-time.

What is your career highlight so far?
Being promoted to my current position as Senior Director of Operations.

When or how are you most productive?
Definitely in the early morning. I’m able to move several items from my “to do” list before the next wave of calls/emails come in.

Which industry professional do you admire most?
My boss, Jim Clark. He has taught me to be patient and stay calm even in the most difficult of times. He also encourages us and does not focus on mistakes we may make because he understands when we take risks those things will happen.

What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Not necessarily that I do it better than anyone else but my strong point is delegating roles/responsibilities to team members aligned with their strengths.

What do you like most about this industry?
Opportunity to work with an amazing group of people that are constantly being challenged by ever changing regulations/rules but yet always find a way to overcome them.

What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The perception of our industry.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Some type of position that would require working in nature. Possibly a wildlife resource officer.

Describe a typical work day
I get an early start so I like to answer any outstanding emails/calls. Then working with clients, managers and vendors as needed.

What is your guilty pleasure?
I love to hike and camp. I’m fortunate to live in Tennessee which has an amazing state park system

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be the smartest person in the room. Surround yourself with the best people possible.

What are you currently reading?
“Wish It Lasted Forever” by Dan Shaughnessy

What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m actually quite shy however this industry has forced me to be more outgoing than I normally would be.

Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Miller Magness with HollisCobb