Kaye Dreifuerst learned early in her career that corporate success is tied to controlling delinquencies and she has made collections her focus ever since. Although, if given the chance to change careers, Dreifuerst said that she would most likely be on the other end of the process, lending the money instead of collecting it. The former president of RMA International (it was DBA International while she was in charge), Dreifuerst considers herself a cheesehead who’s guilty pleasure has nothing to do with cheese. Read on to learn more about her.
Name: Kaye Dreifuerst
Company: Security Credit Services
Length of time at current company: 11 years
Length of time in industry: 23 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
After I graduated from college a roommate called me and said her current employer, ITT Financial Services, was on the search for a few management trainees who were interested in learning lending and collection techniques. I joined the company shortly thereafter and eventually ran my own branch and eventually was promoted to a Regional Manager Position as well. This meant having P-and-L responsibilities of many branches. The key to a success branch was controlling the delinquency so collections was my main focus!
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve been really fortunate to have had many highlights but I would say that being nominated to President of RMA (DBA at the time) and working side by side with my Executive Team to really help the industry was really a notable highlight.
When or how are you most productive?
When I’m problem solving and strategizing to put a deal together – the adrenaline is pumping then!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
There are so many – I would have to say all the volunteer Board Members that I worked with for many years while I was on the RMA Board. These are talented, dedicated and fun professionals who can get things done!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Building a consensus through common sense and logical problem solving.
What do you like most about this industry?
The passionate, results-oriented people I work with.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The optics of our industry from non-industry people or groups is not always shown in a balanced or two-sided manor. Our industry does a lot of positive things for the credit cycle, for consumers, for employees’ and that’s not what’s portrayed many times.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Lending money.
Describe a typical work day.
There really is no typical work day for me except I get up at the same time most days, exercise and off to work I go. From there, it depends on what deals are pending or what meetings I’m involved it. I travel a decent amount so that always keeps things atypical.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Peanut butter cookies
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Learn how to effectively delegate.
What are you currently reading?
Grit – the Power and Passion of Perseverance.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’ve lived in several states throughout the years, but I’m a Wisconsin girl at heart.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Todd Lansky and Ann Thomas.
