The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
Between the career she has and the career she would want if she weren’t working in the accounts receivable management industry, it’s clear that Melody Armstrong is a born networker, someone who enjoys talking and listening to people. In fact, listening is the one thing she says she does better than anyone else. So if her career in collections falls through, she can take up bartending and likely won’t miss a beat. Read on to learn more about Melody and her regimented approach to getting things done.
Name: Melody M. McClain-Armstrong
Job Title: Manager of Business Development
Company: NRA Group, LLC d/b/a National Recovery Agency
Length of Time at Current Company: Three years
Length of Time in Industry: Six years in revenue cycle, 20 years in medical
How did you get your start in the industry?
My career has always been in the background of medical and sales. I thrive in supporting and networking in this field and industry. I started as a paralegal in a medical malpractice firm. I had the opportunity to go back into sales with an excellent company selling and supporting medical monitors. An opportunity to go into revenue cycle sales presented itself and it was a new and exciting challenge.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career to date has been getting involved in HFMA and AAHAM. I have been able to increase my network and knowledge through these regional and national chapters. I am proud that with the support of my company and the Maine Chapter of AAHAM that I am now serving as the President of Maine AAHAM.
When or how are you most productive?
Every day is a different day – I am the most productive after I have my coffee and focus on my tasks at hand. I set my goals for the day the night before so I am not overwhelmed when I begin my day and tackle things hour by hour. It is important to take short breaks to refocus to be productive and clear headed.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I greatly admire my CEO, Steve Kusic, I have learned a tremendous amount working with him as well as two of my mentors in this industry, Paul Fitzpatrick with IC Systems and Timothy Moore with Marcam Associates. Under the mentorship and leadership, I have excelled in my profession and role and leadership in AAHAM.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I listen – I pride myself on taking the time to really listen
What do you like most about this industry?
It is an ever-changing industry, it never gets boring. The technology is amazing and what we can do as an industry for our customers and consumers. It is an incredibly exciting.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Not what I would change but something that we are continuing to build upon is better and improved customer service to the consumers.
Describe a typical work day.
Coffee, to-do list, emails, AAHAM, breathe, calls, exercise, and repeat. However, in sales, no day is the same. Go with the flow and be ready to take things on as it changes.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Bartending – different aspect of networking and interacting with people.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is your guilty pleasure?
Crime shows, good wine, and cheese.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Adapt to changes and breathe.
What are you currently reading?
The Celestine Prophcy
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
