I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series will be sponsored by TEC Services Group in 2024. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
Oussama Hamouti is good at saving the best for last. His best answers — that he and his wife didn’t know they were having a baby until two hours before it happened — are all the way at the bottom of the profile. But being last isn’t something Hamouti is used to. The first official sales hire at January has come a long way in two short years. Read on to learn more about Oussama, why he never just reads one book at a time, and why educating himself is so important.
Name: Oussama Hamouti
Job Title: Enterprise Account Executive
Company: January
Length of time at current company: Two years in February
Length of time in industry: Also two years in February
How did you get your start in the industry?
Being the first official sales hire at January was how I got started in the industry. I have an entrepreneurial sales background and was working with another tech company when our VP of Business Development, Tyler, reached out to recruit me. January’s mission to humanize debt collection resonated with me and it’s been a great journey ever since.
What is your career highlight so far?
So far, the public speaking and the panel sessions I’ve been able to sit in on have been my highlights! I’ve always enjoyed speaking and have been thankful for the opportunities – from joining a panel during my second month at the NCUCA conference to presenting on the DCS Innovation Stage last year.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive in two completely different scenarios: Either I have to be in my office, undisturbed for hours to get through a list of tasks and projects, or during my constant traveling when I’m feeling the urgency to get work done on flights, ubers, and hotel rooms in between meetings and industry events.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I have to give it to Tim Collins. Every time he speaks at a conference, the room is filled and everyone is attentive. It speaks to how much value he delivers in this industry. As one of the younger and newer individuals in this space, I admire the career and reputation he’s built by being someone who is dedicated to delivering value in every interaction he has.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Approaching sales with genuine curiosity and never making it feel like a sale. I pride myself in networking and truly finding ways to be of value to everyone I meet. My goal is never to sell or push a product/service, but to uncover problems and find creative, tailored solutions that can improve the lives of people around me. It sometimes just so happens that my product/service can do just that, but other times it’s another vendor that can do it better and I’m always happy to point them in the right direction.
What do you like most about this industry?
The people. With all the events I’ve gone to in the last few years, it’s the people that continue to pull me in more and more. Everyone has treated me with kindness since day one and is always supportive and helpful, whether it’s networking and making intros or giving me an opportunity that helps me with my personal and professional development.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Speed. There’s still a traditional and conservative way of thinking in a lot of organizations I speak with, and rightfully so given this is a highly regulated industry. One of my favorite quotes is “Move fast and break things.” When you’re on a mission to make an impact and drive value, moving with speed and urgency can typically work in your favor, but of course we have to keep that balanced in this space.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I would be doing a number of things… Selling different tech/software, building another door to door solar sales agency, or day trading crypto.
Describe a typical work day
I’m either in meetings with prospects and clients, preparing for events and setting up meetings, or working on internal initiatives at January such as thinking through our GTM strategy for new product launches or optimizing our processes and collaborating with our Ops/CS teams.
What is your guilty pleasure?
It used to be sweets… I’ve cut it down a lot, but there’s still nothing like a good dessert after a nice medium rare steak. Aside from that, it’s an In-n-Out burger when I earn a cheat meal.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Formal education will make you a living. Self education will make you a fortune.” This is what led me to pick up my first book, “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck, after dropping out of college at 19.
What are you currently reading?
I’m never reading just one book. These are my current reads:
- “Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less“
- “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference“
- “Thriving with Adult ADHD: Skills to Strengthen Executive Function” (I’m not diagnosed but can definitely work on being more organized!)
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
My wife and I had no idea we were having a son until two hours before his birth… Wild story and biggest blessing of my life. I won’t give away all the details but feel free to ask about it when you see me! I also impulsively bought a St. Bernard puppy without knowing how big they get.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
- Rick Winters at National Credit Adjusters
- Vincent Iacono at TrakAmerica
- Dan Baker at January
The Getting to Know series is sponsored by TEC Services Group. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com
