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.
Scott Weltman was born to be a lawyer. Being the son of an industry legend probably helped push Scott in that direction, but whether he ended up in the ARM industry or some other type of practice, Scott was going to be a lawyer. Perhaps that explains why he has done so well at it. Read on to learn more about Scott, what it’s like when you collect a $3 million debt, and why you won’t catch him at his desk at lunchtime.
Name: Scott Weltman
Job Title: Attorney/Partner. Litigation and Complex Collections and Probate Recovery
Company: Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A
Length of time at current company: 32+ years
Length of time in industry: 32+ years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I used to come to the office with my father when I was five years old. I had various jobs throughout high school including a collector. I went to law school at USC in Los Angeles and worked at a large law firm in L.A. for two years. I decided to move home to Cleveland and went to work at our firm in March 1992
What is your career highlight so far?
It is hard to name just one. I vividly recall collecting over $3 million on one matter for a client. That wire payment will be hard to forget. Being part of our firm’s successful defense of the lawsuit against us by the CFPB (resulting in total vindication against their baseless allegations) is another thing I will never forget. The CFPB targeted so many in our industry and I was so proud of our firm for the successful stance we took.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive early in the morning and on weekends in the office. We are in a high-volume practice and having those moments to work when nobody else is calling or emailing is something I value. Although the busier I am the more productive I feel like I am.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
That is an easy one for me. My father Bob Weltman. He was a pioneer in the legal collection industry. His dedication to his clients, employees and law firm is unparalleled. Nobody outworks him nor can anyone out collect him.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I do not think I do anything better than everyone else. I do value client relationships and I believe in being a fierce advocate for our clients. I take a personal interest in every matter I handle with an eye on achieving a successful result for my clients. I like to think I take a practical business approach to every matter and try to give sound advice to my clients at all times. Client satisfaction is my goal and based on the feedback I get I think I am pretty good at it.
What do you like most about this industry?
I believe in the mission of our industry and believe that all of the professionals are similar. All of our peers are what makes our industry great and successful.
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What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Eliminate the very few bad actors that tarnish the reputation of the great work of many.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Since my aspirations of being a professional athlete never materialized, I would have pursued another area of law.
Describe a typical work day.
Arrive at the office by 6:45 a.m. Then it is a flurry of emails, calls, court appearances and meetings all morning. At lunchtime I head out with three of my co-worker friends for a brisk 3-mile (in 45 minutes) walk. Then back to my desk for more of the same.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Until recently probably nothing. Lately I have started to be more open to an expensive vacation (we recently went on a 5-star African Safari trip), a nice glass of wine, and splurging to see a big time sporting event.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Never too high, never too low.
What are you currently reading?
I do most of my reading when I go on vacation. On my last vacation, I read eight books. My two favorites were “The Exchange” (what lawyer doesn’t like a Grisham novel?) and “Lessons in Chemistry.”
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am an unabashed “homer” for my lifetime home, Cleveland, Ohio.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Referring back to an earlier question – I think my father Bob Weltman (86 years old with 60 years in the industry) would have great answers to these questions.
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
