Kelsey Peters understands the importance of knowing where you come from. Whether it’s a piece of good advice from her late father, or the uniqueness of the town in which she grew up, or the benefits of working for a legend in the ARM industry, each of those experiences has shaped her and who she has become today. Read on to learn more about Kelsey, why she dreams of hops and barley, and why, if she ever does realize her dream of owning a brewery, it will likely give away ice water for free.
Name: Kelsey Peters
Current Role/Job Title: Director of Talent Acquisition, Training, & Development
Company: Frost-Arnett Company
Length of time at current company: Two years
Length of time in industry: 13 years. I spent 11 years working at CollectionCenter, Inc. which was successfully acquired by Frost-Arnett in 2021.
How did you get your start in the industry?
It was my first job offer after moving to Colorado post-college graduation.
What is your career highlight so far?
There is a long list of highlights however one that will forever be at the top would be breaking the overall company record by $85,000 in fees after acquiring a really fractured collection floor. Maintaining a 90% agent retention rate the first year after a company acquisition is a big highlight, too!
When or how are you most productive?
I thrive best in high-stress situations.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Linda Russell. Linda was a legend in this industry. She was the first female President of ACA International. One of her most remarkable career achievements was testifying before Congress in the 1970s to help pass the FDCPA. I feel lucky and will forever be grateful that I started my career in this industry at her family-owned agency.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Actively listening to others.
What do you like most about this industry?
Whether it’s going into work or attending industry events it has always felt like I’m interacting and working with a tight-knit family.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The false narrative consumers have about our industry and the laws that really make it challenging for us to do our jobs.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Owning and operating my own brewery.
Describe a typical work day
A typical workday generally consists of meetings, gathering feedback from line level employees to help better our training and recruiting processes, touching base with new hires to ensure they are feeling supported and fully immersed in our company culture, and monitoring and tracking results.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was advice from my late Dad: “Work hard today, play hard later!”.
What are you currently reading?
“Nowhere For Very Long” – Brianna Madia
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I grew up in a town famous for free ice water – Wall, South Dakota. Google it and make sure you add western South Dakota to your travel adventures!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Allison Latsch – Director of Shared Services at Frost-Arnett