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.
When I start WARM, a radio station for the collection industry, I know who I am approaching to be the guy who says, “Good morning debt collectors!” ever day. Eddie Antoniewicz may miss being on the radio, but he’s found a career here in the ARM industry. Read on to learn more about Eddie, why he’s the guy for your questions about root beer, and why he prefers working alone before everyone else wakes up.
Name: Eddie Antoniewicz
Job Title: Collections Operations Analyst. I do procedural improvements and project management specific to our Collections Team.
Company: Royal Credit Union
Length of time at current company: 16 months
Length of time in industry: Over 22 years. Most of this was as a collector (1st and 3rd party) and as a collections manager. More recently, I have obtained my MS in Project Management and I now run projects specific to collections and represent my team for organizational projects.
How did you get your start in the industry?
Over 20 years ago, I was between on-air gigs in radio and my neighbor recruited me to work as an entry level collector at the bank where she worked. I figured it would pay the bills until I found my next gig. I can feel that on-air offer coming any day now.
What is your career highlight so far?
Having had the opportunity to travel, speak, and teach collectors at seminars. I have really been blessed to learn so much in my career and I love sharing that information with those that are interested.
When or how are you most productive?
I get the most done, and do my best work, really early in the day – before anyone else is up and moving. I really enjoy the quiet and the darkness. I work from home all but a few days each month, so the early time is pretty easy to make happen.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I’ve been very fortunate in my career, having had several amazing mentors. The one that stands out, above all others, is LaMont Bonham. He’s retired now, but he was the EVP over Risk and Default Services for Connexus Credit Union and he was actually my 1st Sergeant in the Marine Corps.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I wish I was comfortable saying “I’m the best” at something! Professionally, I would say that I excel at rapid problem solving. More importantly, outside of work, I strive to be the best husband and father that I can be.
What do you like most about this industry?
That it is truly a sleeping giant. Our industry is absolutely necessary and is extremely impactful to the economy. It feels amazing to be a part of something so huge.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish we would stop evolving via judicial decisioning and bureaucratic interpretation; I believe the rules and regulations in our industry need a common sense overhaul and full rewrite. If this happens, I could only dream that we build the concept of ‘personal responsibility’ gets brought back in.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would probably still be on the radio somewhere. I love what I’m doing but I miss being on-air, every day.
Describe a typical work day.
I login early, without showing as ‘in-office’ and clear up emails and messages. Then, I usually have a handful of meetings for different projects; in between meetings, I work on different projects and initiatives for the team that I support. I make sure I take a little time, before I logout, to plan the next day.
What is your guilty pleasure?
High-end root beer. I’m actually hoping to start making it this year.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Always do your best, because everyone else thinks that is what you’re doing.
What are you currently reading?
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “The 12 Week Year” by Moran and Lennington.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m very proud of the fact that I’m a veteran (USMC).
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Everybody can be interesting, but I’d like to hear more from collections-adjacent persons. As our industry continues to evolve, our teams are expanding beyond just the collector-and-collector-management dynamic; I believe it’s important to know what others are doing on this front.
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.