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.
Morgan Leija may not have a lot of experience in the credit and collection industry yet, but the time she has spent has already taught her a lot. Coming into this business without any experience can be overwhelming and enough to make a lot of people leave for jobs in other industries, but it’s the people like Morgan, who stay and thrive, that make this such a special place to work. Read on to learn more about Morgan, and why she loves jokes about pizza, because they are cheesy.
Name: Morgan Leija
Job Title: Business Development
Company: Phillips & Cohen Associates, LTD.
Length of Time at Current Position: One year
Length of Time in Industry: One year
How did you get your start in the industry?
I’m finding that my story is a common one in the industry. I heard about the position through an ex-colleague of mine – who heard about the position from a recruiting friend. I was coming from a sales position in the hospitality industry and took the leap to interview for a new career in a very unfamiliar field. I did my research and found that Phillips and Cohen Associates, LTD. was a very established and well-run organization that prioritized their people and culture and that was exactly what I was looking for.
What is your career highlight so far?
It’s only been a year, but I would have to say the highlight so far is recently realizing how much I have learned since I started in this industry. It was very intimidating at first hearing all of the laws and jargon that were completely foreign to me, but I work under very seasoned and intelligent people that have been helping me along this journey.
When or how are you most productive?
Early in the morning after a good workout and a cup of coffee is when I am most productive.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
This is going to sound typical but the executive team that I work with daily — Matt Saperstein, owners Adam Cohen and Matt Phillips, and Kim Londergan-Colburn. They are all well known and respected for different qualities and achievements for decades in the industry and I strive to become a combination of all of them.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I wouldn’t say “better than everyone else” per se, but I would like to think of myself as a team player. My day isn’t made until my team and I have a taken a moment in the day to connect in some way or another. I love the “do what needs to be done” mentality and working with each other’s strengths.
What do you like most about this industry?
Everyone knows everyone in this industry, and I find that as a personal challenge to meet as many people and connect with them as possible.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I have noticed that there is a negative stigma and general misunderstanding about this industry as a whole, and I would love to work towards changing that as I grow in my career.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
If all things aligned for me to be able to do so I would love to start my own animal rescue center by a beach somewhere.
Describe a typical work day.
My typical workday consists of emails, spending time on LinkedIn, phone calls, meetings, coffee, and planning my next sales strategy.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Eating dessert for dinner and watching “90 Day Fiance” on TLC.
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What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t settle because something is convenient or easy.
What are you currently reading?
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison – (Highly recommend so far).
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you
I am eager to learn anything and everything and I love a good dad joke.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Matt Saperstein.
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.
