Harry Ramos must be one of the most chill people on the planet. How else would you explain someone who lists his guilty pleasures as fly fishing, Tai Chi, and working on Bonsai trees? All of those take a certain amount of patience and dedication to detail to be good at. Perhaps that explains how Harry has spent 50 years in the collections industry. Read on to learn more about Harry and how he talked his way into his first collections gig and hasn’t looked back since.
Name: Harry J. Ramos, CCCO, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
Company: SaVit Collection Agency
Length of time at current company: 15 years
Length of time in industry: 50 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
My job search brought me to Payco-American. I had no experience but my “gift of gab” and self-confidence got me hired.
The first month I collected more money than all the other collectors combined. I was sent to Milwaukee for management training within six months where I was mentored by the legendary Dennis Punches. I took to collections like a duck to water.
What is your career highlight so far?
Being the first ACA Certified CCCO from New Jersey (Thanks Debra Ciskey and Wendy Badger). I am also a designated ACA Scholar, Fellow, and Trainer Specialist.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m a slow starter in the morning, but once I get going, there is no stopping me. I work great under pressure and don’t sweat the small stuff.
What industry professional do you admire most?
Gil Vigneault
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I don’t know if I do anything better than anyone else, but I try real hard to accomplish my goals and keep looking for answers.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people, their enthusiasm, and their strive to make the collection industry a respected profession.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The negative perception that we are the bad guys. That we have the answers and all they have to do is talk to us.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Professional fly-fishing guide out West.
Describe a typical work day.
I review and answer all of my emails and messages that came in after I left the prior day. I review the many letter and disputes from lawyers, consumers, credit repair companies, and credit reporting agencies that need to be responded to. I respond in writing to those that need a written response and make sure there is nothing we are missing to keep in compliance with FDCPA/FCRA regulations. I answer the many questions coming from managers, employees, and other agency contacts who need answers to all sorts of scenarios.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Fly fishing, Martial Arts (Tai-Chi), and creating Bonsai trees.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he gives up.
What are you currently reading?
S.C. Gwynne, “Empire of the Summer Moon”, and “Civil War Generals in the Field”.
What is one fact you would like everyone in the industry to know about you.
I will be tomorrow what I am today. I love to research, find, and share information.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Art Toto, Owner of Rickart Collections.
