On June 20, the accounts receivable management industry lost a pioneering figure, Joe Hawes. His sudden passing while at his vacation home in Mexico is a momentous loss that is being keenly felt across the profession. He was 58 years old.
Joe was more than an accomplished professional. He was a beloved father, husband, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, whose impact on the industry was profound. A native of Oregon, Joe’s trajectory from college graduate to industry leader was a remarkable testament to his dedication, hard work, and visionary leadership.
Joe’s journey began at Professional Credit Services (PCS), a family-owned business where he honed his skills from the ground up. His tenacity and business acumen quickly elevated him to leadership, leading to PCS’s significant expansion and standing as one of the largest collection agencies in the Pacific Northwest.
Beyond PCS, Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit spurred him to establish the Hawes Group, which provided specialized software and solution options for the accounts receivable industry. He also founded several other businesses such as Health First Financial (AccessOne), Hero Business Services (Ensource), KG Hawes, McKenzie Credit Group, and Hawes Ventures real estate. His ventures, often ahead of their time, reflected his knack for identifying trends and opportunities, shaping the course of our industry.
Joe’s influence extended well beyond his businesses. He served on the advisory board of the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon, and was a vocal supporter of students and budding entrepreneurs. He believed in nurturing talent and generously shared his time and insights to mold the industry’s future leaders.
A compassionate and altruistic individual, Joe believed in the power of giving back to his community. His philanthropic initiatives across various organizations reflect his values and his enduring legacy.
Joe was a force to reckon with, both in the boardroom and in the break room. His gregarious personality and dedication to his family were as defining as his professional accomplishments. To those who worked with him, he was a mentor and a friend, embodying the spirit of compassion and camaraderie.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Sue Hawes; children, Kimber Hawes Carlisle, Max Hawes, Aden Hawes and Bradley Hawes; son-in-law, Andy Carlisle; grandson, Asher Ray Carlisle; stepchildren, Colton Kalmar and Ava Kalmar; mother, Jinx Klein; brother, George Hawes; and step-siblings, Matt Klein, Kathleen Klein, Eileen White and Lisa Miller.
