I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
Rick Reeves, or “Paya” as he’s known to his two-year-old grandson, might not be the best person if you are looking for a yes-man. Reeves loves to play devil’s advocate to help make sure the right decision is made when needed, and that must happen a lot, given his lengthy career in the industry. Read on to learn more about Rick, why the fast-paced nature of this industry suits him, and which cigars he likes to kick back and relax with.
Name: Rick Reeves
Job Title: Director of Business Development
Company: RevCycle, Inc. and Alliance Collection Agencies, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 21 years
Length of time in industry: 30 plus years in Bad Debt Collections, 20 years in healthcare revenue cycle outsourcing services.
How did you get your start in the industry?
It’s a common story in the debt collection industry, I was looking for a job to make some money between semesters at school. I had a conversation with an uncle who owned a small agency, and he said I could make good money as a collector if I was willing to listen, learn, and work hard. 30 years later, I guess I would have to say he was correct!
What is your career highlight so far?
Those that I’ve worked with that know me well, know I’m allergic to compliments or commendations, so I’ve always struggled with these types of questions. For me, my career highlights are when we overcome the odds. I can think of a few that make me proud; overcoming the recession in ‘08-’09, and COVID without laying off a single employee and still growing our business.
When or how are you most productive?
I always feel like I’m most productive one coffee in, early in the morning with the office door shut, some music playing and my Microsoft Teams/Outlook broken!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
One of the things that I love about this industry is that you can learn something from just about everyone involved in it. I enjoy having conversations and debates with people from all different areas and levels of the industry. I admire everyone who has dedicated their career to the industry and succeeded in any way.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Ha! I think if you asked some of my colleagues, they’d say ARGUE! I prefer to call it debate, maybe play devil’s advocate maybe? I think what I do best is decision making in the face of adversity. I really enjoy facing a crisis, gathering the data, deciding on strategy, and working the plan.
What do you like most about this industry?
Other than working with some amazing people, I love the fast-paced, goal-oriented framework of the industry. Being a competitive, goal-oriented individual, this numbers based, strategic industry suits me to a “T”!
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Perception. I wish that the majority of people could see how the industry is necessarily to keeping businesses running and costs down. Especially when it comes to healthcare which is our specific bad debt collections focus.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be a health coach.
Describe a typical work day
Meetings anyone? If only there was a “typical” day. One of the things that I enjoy about this industry, there is always something new.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Ah….I have several! One of my favorites for sure are my cigars. I do my best not to be obsessed, mostly because the home office (my fiancé Sandy) will ask questions if I buy everything I want! All-time Favorites include the Flor de Las Antillas by My Father cigars and Winston Churchill The Late Hour by Davidoff.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
No one cares, work harder!
What are you currently reading?
Just finished “Man’s Search For Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl, and I’m about half way through “Outlive” by Peter Attia.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
The one thing I love to brag about with everyone, within the industry and out is that I’m a new (relatively) grandfather. My grandson Hendrix turns two in January. He calls me Paya!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Dean Christiansen from DMC Compliance
The Getting to Know series is sponsored by TEC Services Group. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.