The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
In just two years, Kaitlyn Filippi has become fluent in ARM-speak, the language of the collection industry, which is no easy feat. Loving the Forrest-Gumpiness of the ARM industry may have helped energize her as well. Read on to learn more about Kaitlyn, why she loves a hot office, and where you will most likely find her on a Sunday morning.
Name: Kaitlyn Filippi
Company: Arbeit
Length of time at current position: Two years
Length of time in industry: Two years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Despite being born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., and driving past dozens of agencies every day, I was completely unfamiliar with the ARM industry. I had recently graduated from college and after eight long years of working at a carwash through Buffalo winters, I was ready and looking for a change! Like magic, a couple of hours after I created my LinkedIn profile I received a message from a recruiter asking if I would like to interview at a company called Arbeit Software. I put on the one and only blazer I owned at the time (which was probably overkill, seeing as our dress code is casual.) When I got there I instantly fell in love with Arbeit’s “googly” culture and, as they say, the rest is history!
What is your career highlight so far?
It sounds small, but being able to understand the industry lingo. When I first started at Arbeit I was pretty intimidated by the laws, regulations, and operations of an agency. It felt like I was learning a foreign language. However, after watching countless webinars, attending trade shows, and visiting offices I’ve learned a lot!
When or how are you most productive?
Early in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee, a candle burning, and some vinyl spinning is when I’m at my most productive. I also like my office HOT, around 80 degrees is my sweet spot.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I could list 100 people here and still not be done. However, one person who stands out is Amy Perkins from InsideARM. She is a ray of sunshine and I really admire her for empowering both women in ARM and the industry as a whole.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
“Better than everyone else” might be pushing it, but I like to think I’m a great listener. I love meeting with people one on one and hearing their stories, understanding what motivates them and learning about their goals.
What do you like most about this industry?
That collections is like a box of chocolates, and you never know what you’re gonna get! I love learning about new technology, laws and collection strategies. It keeps me on my toes and makes every day exciting!
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The way the industry is perceived by the rest of the world. So many of the people I’ve met in the industry are smart, kind, funny, hard-working and absolutely nothing like they are portrayed to be. I hope one day both consumers and lawmakers can learn to work with us, instead of against us.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I love books and reading so I’d like to think I would make an excellent librarian. I’ve also dabbled with the idea of becoming a commercial drone pilot, a tattoo artist, or a botanist.
Describe a typical work day.
I live on the west coast but work on an east coast schedule so I’m usually up around 6am. I have my first cup of coffee then it’s off to the races. Almost no day is identical for me but Arbeit is the German word for “work” and I can ensure you we do a lot of that here, in addition to a lot of play!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Waking up early on a Sunday morning and going for a long drive with the windows down, music blasting, and singing along (I’m not a good singer, but that just adds to the fun) Also … anything covered in cheese.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Ok… to be fair no one actually ever “told” me that, but I read it in an Instagram post and think it’s great life advice.
What are you currently reading?
A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m always smiling!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
People who are newer to the industry. Imagine asking them the same questions in five or 10 years. I’d love to see how they evolve!
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Arbeit. Arbeit is a powerful, and easy to use communications platform that empowers businesses to reach more consumers. Innovative by nature, we are constantly listening to and understanding the businesses we partner with and developing long term industry relationships that allow us to be proactive in anticipating industry needs.
