Philip Rosenthal has spent more than half a century in the collections business and has owned his own agency for more than 47 years. Perhaps one of the reasons why he’s been so successful is the day schedule he keeps, while still making time to have dinner with his wife every night at 7pm. For anyone looking to have a career in collections even half as long as Rosenthal’s, his profile should be a must-read.
Name: Philip Rosenthal
Company: Nationwide Credit Corp.
Length of time at current company: 47 years
Length of time in industry: 51 years
How did you get your start in the industry? In 1967, I simply needed a job with limited evenings and weekends, so I started as a collector, where I was required to work one evening a week and no weekends.
What is your career highlight so far? The opportunity to be part of the Virginia Collectors Association and serving as President of the American Collectors Association from 1999-2000.
Which industry professional do you admire most? I have been a member of a benchmark group for more than 25 years. We have all become very personal friends and I cherish the bond of friendships we have developed.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else? I feel that I’m great at establishing and creating new businesses and personal relationships.
When or how are you most productive? When I’m personally involved with the presentation in the sales and marketing to existing clients and new prospects.
What do you like most about this industry? The wonderful friendships I have made with my fellow collectors and the wonderful clients whom we work with.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry? The over-regulation of the industry, by both the federal and state governments. As well as the misguided court system and opinions.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing? Retirement status.
Describe a typical work day. Three days out of the week I play racquetball at 6:30a.m. Then, I’m off to the office around 8:30 a.m. I review my daily calendar for any meeting that may take place that day, review emails, and meet with various staff members. Generally, it is non-stop with on-site and off-site meetings all day. I work until 6-6:30p.m., then meet my lovely wife for dinner at 7:00p.m. There are other committee events that I’m invited to attend a couple evenings every week.
What is your guilty pleasure? Taking my grandkids on vacation and making time to meet my friends for either coffee or drinks.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Go into business from yourself and control your own future.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you? I work and make contributions to many non-profits that assist with low come families.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
