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.
One of the first things that Jared Blake is multi-lingual. He doesn’t speak different languages, per se. But he is capable of speaking to those higher up the corporate ladder, those lower down the corporate ladder, and to consumers, because he’s been a collector — and a debtor — himself. Knowing how to communicate with individuals who have different personality types is one of the main reasons why he has moved up from collector to being a senior manager in a relatively short period of time. Read on to learn more about Jared, why he’s never worried about not being able to find a job, and what being grateful is very important to him.
Name: Jared Blake
Job Title: Sr. Manager Recovery Operations
Company: Jetty
Length of time at current company: 1 Year 7 months
Length of time in industry: 13 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started during my first year in college. I needed a new job, working retail just wasn’t for me. A friend of mine just started a job at a 3rd party agency primarily doing medical collections and it didn’t sound too bad even though I know nothing about collections. He was a top performer and vouched for me and I thankfully was offered a role as a collections associate.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight so far was being part of Bread. Starting as one of the first collections associates and then moving up and helping build out the team was an amazing experience. Being able to see the organization from the start through acquisition was a rewarding feeling, especially when leading one of the most financially impacting teams.
When or how are you most productive?
High-paced environment focusing on efficiency improvements.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Speak in multiple “languages”. Not literally, but figuratively speaking. I can effectively communicate with various personality types for my direct reports and consumers while allowing them to feel like they are heard and understood. For example, some leaders are unable to effectively communicate with someone stubborn or strong-willed as that personality type would not be receptive to feedback.
What do you like most about this industry?
#1 is job security. As long as there is financial lending, there will always be a need for someone to manage and mitigate losses. #2 is that I’ve been on the other side. I have been that delinquent consumer receiving multiple phone calls and emails because I am past due from rude and unpleasant collections agents. Now being on the other side, the primary responsibility is recovering however I have the opportunity to improve the customer experience. While someone may not be able to pay at that very moment, once they do have the funds to make a payment, they are more likely to first pay the debt in which they had the best experience vs. paying the rude collections agent.
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is your guilty pleasure?
Falling asleep watching TV
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You will never get what you want until you are grateful for what you have.
What are you currently reading?
“The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Indever Lal
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
