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.
There are people who find their calling and there are people whose calling finds them. Joel Blackburn is in the latter group, but as far as the industry cares, it doesn’t matter how he got here, just that he made it and has stayed for 14 years. Perhaps we can thank the influence that music and his family and his faith have had on getting him here and keeping him here. Read on to learn more about Joel, why he loves going into the office, and how a serendipitous meeting at a fast food restaurant landed him in the ARM industry.
Name: Joel Blackburn
Job Title: Senior Director, Business Services
Company: Cornerstone Licensing
Length of time at current company: 14 years
Length of time in industry: 14 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I quit my first corporate job in my 20s to spend nine months backpacking in Central and South America. I had sold my car prior to leaving, so when I came back, I was riding my bike to Chick-Fil-A working for a few months (I thought) to make some money so I could hit the road again. Cornerstone’s prior owner, Matt Pridemore, knew me from the church we used to attend and came in one day and asked if I wanted to do marketing for Cornerstone. I said yes, and the rest is history!
What is your career highlight so far?
In hindsight, it would be the point when I took over the bonds department at Cornerstone in 2014. It’s been the perfect blend of working with people, working with numbers, problem-solving, and customer service.
When or how are you most productive?
When we first went home during Covid, I was very productive at home. As time went on, I found I thrived on the energy of the office to get the most out of my day. The more I map out my day/week ahead of time, the more productive I tend to be.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
There are so many, but Leslie Bender is probably at the top of my list. I love hearing her break down the complex issues that face our industry. She’s also such a kind and empathetic person.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m far from perfect, but I’m a good proofreader.
What do you like most about this industry?
Such good people. I love when I get to shake someone’s hand for the first time in person at a conference who I’ve only previously spoken with via phone or email.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish there was more understanding from the general public on the importance and value of the ARM industry to the U.S. economy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be the music director for a church. I actually did it for my church for several years as a part-time gig in addition to Cornerstone, but it got to be a little too much to juggle when I became a dad.
Describe a typical work day.
They’re all pretty different, and that’s one of the reasons I love what I do. Some are non-stop meetings and emails, others are research and planning, others are focused on executing bonds and doing more production-type tasks.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I could watch soccer on TV for hours on end if left uninterrupted.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Two pieces of advice really stand out. My dad said that if you succeed in life but fail your family, you’ve failed altogether. And my youth pastor used to frequently tell us that it’s safe to assume that everyone you meet is under-encouraged.
What are you currently reading?
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield and “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools” by Tyler Staton
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I guess my “fun fact” would be that I used to play bass guitar for a mildly successful touring rock band. It never got successful to the point of making a living doing it, but it was cool getting to hear a couple of our songs on Atlanta radio from time to time.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Can I say Mike Gibb?? 🙂
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.
