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.
Joshua Ouellette has an ARM brain and he was destined to work in this industry, he believes. Especially after watching his wife work in the collections department of the credit union that they both worked at and becoming envious of her. He may not have worked long in this industry, but it looks like he is here to stay. Read on to learn more about Joshua, why you should never bet him that you can solve a Rubik’s cube faster than him, and why he likes being in the office before everyone else in the morning.
Name: Joshua Ouellette
Job Title: Project Manager
Company: JJ Marshall and Associates
Length of time at current company: 8 Months
Length of time in industry: 8 Months
How did you get your start in the industry?
Prior to joining the ARM industry, I was a lending officer at a local credit union. My wife was in the collections department of that credit union, and I found that I was more interested in her job than I was my own. This, along with the deteriorating lending market led me to seek an opportunity in the ARM space. The credit union was a client of JJ Marshall, and I eventually found my way to them.
What is your career highlight so far?
So far, my career highlight was attending the ARMTech conference this year. I was excited to make some connections with others in the industry and to see what the bleeding edge of technology has to offer. All that I have learned will go to great use in my position at JJ Marshall, and has enlightened a path to improve our processes and manage our clients accounts better.
When or how are you most productive?
I find that I am most productive in the morning, I typically come into the office 1-2 hours before most of my team is in. This uninterrupted time allows me to complete tedious tasks without distractions. Taking the time then allows me to be available for my team during our normal operations and still maintain a handle on my workload.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I believe my biggest strength is my follow-up. As the project manager I have many long term projects all working concurrently. The ability to pivot my time and energy as these projects need my attention has been instrumental to my success.
What do you like most about this industry?
I really enjoy the people in this industry. I have been welcomed with open arms from everyone I have met on my journey so far. In previous industries I was a part of there was a lot of gatekeeping and it is awesome to know that I can start a conversation with anyone, and be offered insight into their knowledge and experiences.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish that I could change the public’s perception of this industry. I think we have a negative perception due to the practices of the industry in the past. Today we are focused on helping consumer’s solve their debt problems, and ultimately never need to hear from a debt collector ever again. I think if the public was aware of this method of thinking they would be more likely to get on the phone with us in the first place and get their issues resolved.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I think if I wasn’t in this industry, I would be looking for a place in this industry. My previous experience showed me that I have an ARM brain, and I told myself not to give up until I find a place in it.
Describe a typical work day.
As the Project Manager of JJ Marshall I find that I don’t really have a “typical” work day. I usually spend my mornings completing tasks that are tedious and require deep thinking, like dispute handling. Once I have that completed I will do a check of my email to see if there is anything that needs my attention immediately. After that I usually have a combination of meetings, research for future projects, and taking collection calls if necessary. I also handle many of the basic IT needs at our office, so I am often a first call to any staff member with a problem.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I really enjoy watching Disney movies with my kids, and I don’t mean sit in the room with them while they have it on, but actually watch it and ask them questions about what we are watching. I was never interested in them when I was a kid, but seeing the joy on my daughter’s face when Toy Story 2 gets put on for the 10th time this week has really changed my perspective.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“People are often worried about making changes, but the only time anyone should actually be worried is when they aren’t looking towards change.” This is a pretty common phrase, but the reason this advice was so great for me was because of when I received it. I was at a turning point in my consumer finance career, I wasn’t really enjoying lending anymore and the increasing interest rates were a concern of mine. A consultant to our credit union gave me this advice, I dwelled on this for a while and made a much more drastic change than I think they intended. I decided to make a move and leave the consumer finance world behind me. Today, it is clear that that decision was a good one and I feel at home in the ARM industry.
What are you currently reading?
I usually am reading a couple things at a time, currently I am reading “Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban” by JK Rowling and “Second In Command” by Cameron Herold. My wife is an avid Harry Potter fan, and out of appreciation of her, I want to read her favorite series so we have something different to connect about. “Second In Command” is a book that I really feel is designed for someone looking to hire for a role like my current one. I think the insights I’ve gained from learning what people are looking for in a #2, will allow me to excel in my role, and continue to take on more responsibility.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am a little out of practice, but while I was in school I pursued competitive Rubik’s cube solving. Today my average solve time is around a minute, but at my peak, I had a personal best of about 20 seconds.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Shanon Tucker – TEC
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.