Just when she thought she was out, they brought her back in. And everyone in the ARM industry is better for it. Instead of enjoying retirement, Faith Braverman is working hard at InvestiNet, helping clients maximize their portfolios of dormant judgments. Read on to learn more about Faith, her love of dark chocolate, and why we should all be taking laundry lessons from her.
Name: Faith Braverman
Company: InvestiNet, LLC
Length of time at current company: Two years
Length of time in industry: Twelve years, but my father was a collection attorney, so maybe I’ve really been in it for decades!
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was looking to make a career change in 2006, and the opportunity to work at YouveGotClaims was offered to me.
What is your career highlight so far?
My job immediately prior to my being with InvestiNet was also with a firm that worked in dormant judgment collections. I successfully brought a Fortune 500 banking client to that firm. I created the team and oversaw the project that recovered more than $15 million for them.
When or how are you most productive?
Early mornings, following my coffee and late afternoons/early
evenings. I try to counter my ‘mid-day’ slump with an invigorating walk.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Brice Smith, President of InvestiNet. Seven years ago Brice founded InvestiNet, recognizing a need in the market place, capitalizing on his prior experiences and building a better mousetrap than any that existed in the dormant judgment niche. InvestiNet has made its mark in this industry, winning numerous awards and accolades from its clients and partners, continuing to grow and expand, and yet retaining the same collaborative culture and work environment that existed when the company was only two people.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Laundry! Lots of years of experience helped me figure out how to make it all look crisp and spiff without ever touching an iron!
What do you like most about this industry?
The people. My experience with the people in this industry is that they care about each other, genuinely enjoy working together and know how to have fun. I’ve built many lasting friendships both from the places I’ve worked as well as with colleagues I’ve worked with all over the country.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish the scrutiny by various regulators wasn’t so punitive as to make people hesitant to do what they are trained and know how to do, appropriately and effectively.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Likely I’d be retired! When I resigned from my last position it was to retire, but my longtime friends at InvestiNet came knocking, and here I am. I have to say, given that I came out of retirement to join the InvestiNet team, I am working with smarter and more creative and focused people than I ever have before and I’m having the most fun doing so!
Describe a typical work day.
Most of my days are atypical as compared to those that came before or those that will come after. Every day is some mix of working with existing clients and working on bringing prospective clients to InvestiNet. The mix of how much of each and in what order is dictated by the day and the opportunities at hand.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Dark Chocolate covered almonds, dark chocolate covered raisins, dark
chocolate covered caramels, dark chocolate covered pretzels … notice a pattern? And I try not to feel guilty about it!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should”. Whether in my personal or professional life, remembering that thought has helped me to make better decisions for myself and those around me.
What are you currently reading?
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
Given my role in working with clients and prospective clients, and in particular, those that haven’t known me for long or as well, it would be that I always say what I mean and I mean what I say. There is so much that we see and hear in our world today that may be less clear or honest than possible, that I’ve found this a tenet that has served me well.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Gress Hickman and Michelle Shaffer
