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Alice Ludwig has won the AccountsRecovery.net monthly Caption Contest more than anyone else — she is the only four-time winner. That’s impressive enough, but that is just the tip of the iceberg (which she will probably see during her Alaskan cruise in July) to what makes her special. Read on to learn more about Alice, the work she does helping children in really bad situations, and why you shouldn’t bother her until she finishes her morning coffee.
Name: Alice Ludwig
Current Role/Job Title: Compliance & Licensing Auditor
Company: Vengroff Williams, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 23 years in August
Length of time in industry: Nearing 31 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I grew up in a small country town (population 747). There were only a few large companies within a 40-mile radius that most residents would seek out for employment. Fingerhut was one of those companies where I started my career working in their collections department. Yes, collecting the $3.25 monthly payments.
What is your career highlight so far?
I worked various roles within the company over the 23 years which gave me insight into different aspects of the industry.
When or how are you most productive?
I feel I am the most productive after I finish my coffee. However, I am always focused on the tasks at hand.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
A great boss & mentor, Justin Russell. He has a genuine interest in his employees; he not only cares about their workday but their outside life as well. It’s great to have someone that believes in a healthy work-life balance. If there are issues or concerns, he is there to listen and offer guidance. He always has his team’s back.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I don’t know there is something I do better than everyone else. However, I am told I am a great listener and should have been a counselor/therapist.
What do you like most about this industry?
Everyday can be different. It does not become mundane.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
That the rules quit changing. It makes it difficult to keep up.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a DCF case manager. I was a foster parent in the past & currently volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem.
Describe a typical work day
My day starts with reviewing emails to see if there is anything urgent needing attention. From there, I review disputes that came in, process responses, and complete any other tasks that pop up.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I travel as much as I can. I have an Alaskan cruise planned for the end of July.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take everything personally. It is often situational and not pointed at anyone specific.
What are you currently reading?
I am reading Stuck in the Middle. It is a random book on my Kindle. I enjoy reading so whatever I can get my hands, with sometimes reading two books at the same time.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it is not evident at the time what the reason is, but there is a reason.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Elizabeth Shultz — she is a new addition (1 yr.) to our compliance team.
