Brian McLellan hits the nail on the head when he calls where he works the “smallest multi-billion dollar industry in America.” But that statement is true only because people like him are so willing to come together, share ideas, and help each other out. Read on to learn more about Brian, why he is embracing his night-owl tendencies, and why he is your go-to guy for ethnic restaurant recommendations in Kentucky.
Name: Brian McLellan
Current Role/Job Title: Vice President of Technology
Company: Credit Solutions, LLC
Length of time at current company: 7 Years
Length of time in industry: 7 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I previously worked in the coal and energy industry, but in 2015, when the market took a downturn, I saw an opportunity to pivot my career and explore new horizons. That’s when I landed at Credit Solutions, where I’m now excitedly tackling fresh challenges and expanding my skillset. I had no idea what I was getting into!
What is your career highlight so far?
It was absolutely thrilling to witness the evolution of Credit Solutions, as the company transformed from a single brick-and-mortar location into a dynamic hybrid organization spanning multiple states. Despite the challenges posed by rapid expansion, our growth has been nothing short of amazing — and I’m proud to be a part of it all!
When or how are you most productive?
I’ve come to embrace my night owl tendencies, as I’ve found that I’m often at my most creative and productive after hours. And when it comes to teamwork, I’m all in — there’s nothing quite like the excitement and energy of working alongside our awesome team members. Whether we’re bouncing ideas off each other or tackling a project together, I always feel motivated and inspired when we collaborate.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people in our industry, so it’s tough to pick just one favorite. That said, I have to give a special shout-out to the incredible leadership team at Credit Solutions — I’m a huge fan of their work and am honored to be a part of such a talented group.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Reflecting on my career so far, I’d say that my ability to collaborate across teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences has been a real asset. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of bringing people together to achieve a shared goal. Being able to bridge the gap between different departments and skill sets is crucial in doing that.
What do you like most about this industry?
One thing I absolutely adore about this industry is the incredible sense of community and camaraderie among peers. There’s a real sense of shared purpose and a mutual desire to succeed that you don’t find in many other fields. In fact, I’ve jokingly referred to it as the “smallest multi-billion-dollar industry in America” — it’s amazing how supportive and interconnected we all are!
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
If there’s one thing I could change about our industry, it would be the negative stereotypes that unfortunately still exist. The truth is the companies I’ve worked with are genuinely committed to helping both consumers and clients alike. In order to break down these stereotypes and improve the industry as a whole, I believe that we need to remove unnecessary regulations and make communication channels more accessible. By doing so, we can foster greater trust and transparency, and demonstrate that our industry is truly dedicated to making a positive impact.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
While I love working in this industry, I’ve always had a passion for using technology to make a positive impact. If I weren’t in my current role, I would likely be working with non-profits to help them leverage the latest tools and innovations to further their missions.
Describe a typical work day
One of the things I absolutely love about my job is the variety — no two days are ever exactly the same. Some days, I’m collaborating with our sales and marketing teams to develop new strategies and drive growth. Other days, I’m down in the operational weeds, working to troubleshoot and solve complex business challenges. It’s a dynamic role that keeps me on my toes and constantly learning, which is one of the things that makes it so rewarding.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Off the clock, I’m all about exploring new ethnic restaurants. As a proud Kentucky native, I also take my bourbons seriously — I’m always down to share a glass or two with good company!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I once had a college professor who shared a powerful piece of advice that has stuck with me to this day. He said that we should always honor people with our time and our word, because those are the only two things that we have complete control over. By striving to be on time and honest with others in every circumstance, we can build strong relationships and earn the trust and respect of those around us. It’s a simple but powerful lesson that has guided me throughout my personal and professional life.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished re-reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and it’s fantastic! I’m also currently enjoying “7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness” by Eric Metaxas — it’s a fascinating read.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m a big fan of youth sports and started coaching after college for fun. Now that my son is old enough to play, spending time with him and his friends at the baseball field is one of my favorite things to do.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I’d love to see Skip Foster, our VP on Collection Operations answer these questions.