Joe Gelbard has a track record of helping ARM industry startups become ARM industry grown ups. First at LiveVox and now at TrueAccord, Gelbard has helped the industry understand the importance of technology and how it can make collections more efficient and more productive. Gelbard is also one of those people who are at their best when their backs are against the wall. Read on to learn more about him and why he doesn’t mind not sleeping much at night.
Name: Joe Gelbard
Company: TrueAccord
Length of time at current company: Three years
Length of time in industry: 10 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was one of the earliest members at LiveVox. When we started, we had technology but needed end users. As it it turns out, we added a lot of value to collection agencies.
What is your career highlight so far?
I look at things in a continuum vs. any individual event. Helping to build LiveVox was fun and doing the same at TrueAccord is a highlight as well.
When or how are you most productive?
Early in the morning and when I have more to do than I can handle. I find I become more creative when I need to be the most productive.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Larry Siegel and John McNamara. Larry has been the heart of LiveVox since he and Louis Summe got it started. John is selfless and incredibly dedicated to the collections industry. The industry is lucky to have someone at the CFPB who knows the collections business well.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I sleep less than most people so I have more hours to get things done.
What do you like most about this industry?
There’s a lot of heritage in this industry. People have been working in it for long periods of time. Part of that can be negative but I see a lot of positive change happening now and even more so in the near future as technology is playing a greater role in solving problems.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
As a whole, it’s myopic in its thinking.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
There are countless interesting technology businesses in the bay area so I’d probably work for one. I’m fortunate to have found TrueAccord however because it’s hard to find businesses that have such a strong purpose.
Describe a typical work day.
I travel a lot. When I’m home, I’m up by 5am and exercising then drop my kids at school and get in as early as possible which is around 8. I generally leave by 5:30pm, but I will look at email and take calls in the evening.
What is your guilty pleasure?
The Slanted Door. It’s a restaurant in San Francisco. I’m incapable of moderation when eating there.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Nothing is ever as good as it seems or as bad as it seems.
What are you currently reading?
“Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’ve lived in San Francisco for almost 20 years but grew up in Baltimore. I’m a diehard fan of the Ravens and Orioles (unfortunately).
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Sheila Monroe, TrueAccord’s new COO
