The number of people who have both a strong sense of where they came from as well as a determination to leave things better for those who are coming next is very small. Tracey Bannochie is in that group. Read on to learn more about Tracey, why you’re best to catch her early in the day, and why “Rock and Roll All Nite” is more than just a song to her.
Name: Tracey Bannochie
Company: DCM Services
Length of time at current company: 15+ years
Length of time in industry: 30 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started as a skiptracer and general admin for a small commercial collection agency in Minneapolis and then got hired as a collector at A.M. Miller & Assoc. back in 1990. They were fabulous at management development and I am lifelong friends with a core group that I met there! So, I guess you could say it changed my life personally and professionally.
What is your career highlight so far?
Helping to build this company to where it’s at today. I’m just one small piece of its amazing history and breadth of talent.
When or how are you most productive?
First thing in the morning! I get punchy later in the day which, my coworkers will attest to.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
All of the women who have come before me and paved the way. It could not have been easy and I thank you! I can only hope that I’m doing my part for the next generation!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I can pack a mean suitcase — and I get a lot of practice. I pity the TSA agent when my bag comes up for random inspection.
What do you like most about this industry?
The amazing network of friends and colleagues that I have surrounding me who are always willing to share best practices and their experience.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
How difficult it is to influence policy and regulation. There are many masters, many interpretations, and much risk for doing it the wrong way.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Travel, Wine, Food … any profession where I could combine the three.
Describe a typical work day.
I think herding cats is an appropriate description.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have many: Totino’s pizza, Junior Mints, 1970’s glam rock, and massages.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never create a folder called “Forms”. It will become the dumping ground for everything and you’ll never find the form you need.
What are you currently reading?
A Bill Bryson travel memoir (he’s hilarious), and I always have some random 19th century novel on my nightstand — there’s a reason they’re called “classics”.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m fiercely loyal. Once you have earned my trust, we will stay in touch forever!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Linda Straub-Jones and Rozanne Andersen
