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.
Working in collections is not a team sport, not an individual one. The people who succeed in this business are the people who embrace that concept. This possibly explains why Alanna Kyles has been in the business for more than two decades and could not imagine doing anything else. Read on to learn more about Alanna, how she and her team motivate each other, and why she prefers to be on her feet all day.
Name: Alanna Kyles
Company: Berlin-Wheeler, Inc.
Length of time at current position: 21 years
Length of time in industry: 21 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was looking for a stable place to work where I could grow within the company. A friend who was working at Berlin-Wheeler, Inc. referred me. She’s since left but I’m happily still here.
What is your career highlight so far?
Being promoted to Accounts Receivable Manager in 2018.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive when I’m out on the floor with my agents. We motivate each other through contests and rewards for totals and payments.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
All the women who are in leadership roles. I’ve learned a lot from them through webinars and conversation at conventions.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I can be myself with the staff. They know when I’m playing and when it’s time to get serious.
What do you like most about this industry?
Being able to help those who may not know where to start. It feels good when a consumer thanks you for helping them with their credit and understanding them and their situation.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Honestly, I wish I could change the way laws are and how hard it’s becoming to be in our industry due to the knowledge of the consumer due to the internet being what it is these days.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Wow, I haven’t thought about that in many, many years because what else is there to do?
Describe a typical work day.
Busy, busy, busy. I have a stand-up desk and I’m very active outside of work so I’m on my feet from 4:30 am to about 6:00 pm. I walk the production floor during the day answering questions and helping staff with calls.
What is your guilty pleasure?
5 Guys Burgers and Fries!
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Learn to delegate! That was the first, the best, and the most advice I got when taking over the Manager’s position.
What are you currently reading?
A book my sister wrote called “The Cost of Truth” (available on Amazon 😊)
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I can touch the end of my nose with my tongue LOL … Not sure if that’s what you’re looking for but it’s a fun fact!
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.
