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As the oldest of 10 children, it’s no wonder that one of the things that helps Jennifer Klein be her most productive is a quiet space to focus and get work done. For her, it’s the little things — like a good cup of coffee — that make the difference between keeping her on track and derailing her day. Read on to learn more about Jennifer, why carving out part of her day for focus work is important to her, and the dish that she is best known for making.
Name: Jennifer Mae Klein
Job Title: Director of Strategic Growth
Company: Bayview Solutions LLC
Length of time at current company: 6 months
Length of time in industry: 15 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started out working for a short-term lending company, diving right into collections. It was a tough introduction, but it taught me a lot about the industry and helped me build a solid foundation.
What is your career highlight so far?
Definitely my current role at Bayview. It’s been an incredible opportunity to lead a team and bring new ideas to life. It’s exciting to be in a place where I can really make a difference.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive when I have a clear plan and a quiet space to focus. A good cup of coffee helps too—just the little things that keep me on track.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Aron Tomko, my leader here at Bayview. His approach to leadership and his ability to see the bigger picture make him someone I truly respect and learn from every day.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
That’s tough because I believe we’re all learning. I try to stay open to growth and keep pushing myself. If I’ve gotten good at anything, it’s probably adapting and finding new ways to improve. I do not think I can do anything better than anyone else, because I believe there is always someone out there out performing. I try to only be better than who I was yesterday!
What do you like most about this industry?
The people I get to work with. There’s a sense of camaraderie, and I’ve built some great relationships along the way. It makes the challenges easier to tackle when you have good people around you.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I’d love to see better data integration. It would make everything more seamless if information could flow easily between creditors, agencies, and third-party data sources. It’s one of those changes that could make a big difference.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I think I’d be back in merchant services, focusing on customer success. I did that for a while, and it was rewarding, but I’m happy with where I am now.
Describe a typical work day.
My day starts with a team huddle to plan and connect. From there, it’s a mix of calls and problem-solving, but I make sure to carve out time for focused work. It’s all about finding that balance between collaboration and getting things done.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Honeybun cake with a cup of coffee, or my homemade lasagna!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Whatever you give attention to grows.” It’s a simple reminder to focus on what matters, even when things don’t go as planned. It helps me stay on track and keep pushing forward.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading “Letting Go” by David R. Hawkins. It’s my go-to lately, helping me stay grounded through all the ups and downs.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m the oldest of 10 siblings, and I love to play guitar and sing.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Nick Cappaza at Bayview Solutions LLC
