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.
Thirty-seven years. At the same company. Starting as an outside sales person and moving her way up to now owning the company. Alicia Sundstrom is exactly the kind of success story that makes the accounts receivable management company so unique and so special. The opportunity for advancement and instilling an entrepreneurial mindset is what sets this industry apart and what sets Alicia apart. Read on to learn more about Alicia, her interesting choice for a company mascot, and what she feels is her superpower.
Name: Alicia Sundstrom
Current Role/Job Title: Chief Inspiration Officer, President, and Owner
Company: Financial Credit Network, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 37 years
Length of time in industry: 37 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was hired as an outside sales person, was handed a stack of statements and checks and asked to deliver them!
What is your career highlight so far?
Taking the last 18 years, since I purchased the company, to practice the golden rule. If the company had a mascot it would be my Grandma who I believe is to credit for how passionate I am about how people should be treated. Our FCN family, our vendors, our clients, the consumers and businesses who owe our clients money.
When or how are you most productive?
I have lots of flexibility in my role with the company. I work from home, remotely in other places and in the office. I typically use the mornings for reflection, gathering my thoughts, and preparing for my day. My afternoons are my most productive times. Often I am answering emails in the evening, like now. 😊
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I have met so many wonderful people over the years. I remember the “old guard” fondly. I can remember being one of the only women leaders in the room early in my career. I admire the women who stuck with it in such a male dominated industry.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I don’t know about better but leading with compassion is my superpower.
What do you like most about this industry?
People, always the people.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Changing the perception of our industry. We have SO many amazing businesses helping other businesses recoup the money they are owed and doing that in kind, professional ways. We aren’t the collection agencies of the past. If the perception was different then I think all of the ridiculous legislation we have to comply with would subside.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Most likely something related to fashion, I have always loved fashion!
Describe a typical work day.
Client Zoom meetings, internal meetings, everything related to cash flow and our internal accounting, forward thinking, and providing direction.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Live music.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Treat people the way you want to be treated.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Fredrik Backman “Deal of a Lifetime”. I am also reading the Bridgerton Collection, Book 8. On my nightstand is also Jonathon Fields “Sparked”. I gravitate toward fiction — all work and no play makes Alicia a dull person. 😊
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Shawn Deluna with CBA in Hayward, Rodney Meeks with CCS in Livermore, and Matt Logan with CCOC in Long Beach.
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
