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.
Fred Landrum long ago gave up waiting for something better to come along and made the accounts receivable management industry his home. After nearly a half-century working in collections, he has a lot to look back on and be proud of. But helping his fellow veterans is something he will always hold dear. Read on to learn more about Fred, why you want him next to you if you’re ever in a dark alley, and why he prefers working when most people are winding down.
Name: Fred Landrum
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Company: NRA Group LLC
Length of time at current company: Eight months
Length of time in industry: 46 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Like many of us, I wasn’t looking for a collection job, but it found me anyway. I was working with the Sheriff’s department in rural Georgia and was looking for something that didn’t involve getting shot (which almost happened). The company I started with was Capital Credit Corporation and they had a Veterans program that meant the VA would pay me an extra $400 a month for going through their Management Training Program. So, I figured, I’ll make a few bucks extra until something better comes along. (It hasn’t!)
What is your career highlight so far?
Starting up an agency in 2009 with a mission to provide jobs to military veterans and their families. This was at a time when veteran unemployment was double that of civilians and military spouse unemployment was nearly 25%. We were one of the first companies to join the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
When or how are you most productive?
Unlike many of my peers, I seem to catch a second wind in the afternoon and into the evening.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I have two people in mind. The first was Jim Taylor from Capital Credit. He taught me how to value clients and treat industry people with the respect they deserve. The second has to be Steve Kusic (no groans, please). Steve saw the future when Reg F was still being finalized and invested money and resources into creating a true omni-channel approach when most agencies were still trying to smile and dial.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’m not sure I do anything better that everyone else, but I constantly learn from my peers and draw upon my experience to evaluate clients’ needs, employee motivations and collection strategies.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people I’ve had the good fortune to meet over my career. Also, the challenges that we’ve been able to overcome with all the changes in technology and regulations.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The view that the general population has of us. Most do not understand the value we bring to businesses, and ultimately to consumers.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Playing music in a 70’s southern rock band.
Describe a typical work day.
I’m not sure there is anything typical about the workday for most of us. We toggle between strategy, issues, tactical planning, and reacting to all the items that come up at any given time, on any given day.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Wine😊
What is the best advice you have ever received?
When you’re going through hell, keep going.
What are you currently reading?
136 reports and Excel spreadsheets!
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’ve been a martial artist since 1969 and have competed into my sixties
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Jim Richards
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.