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Whether working with senior citizens, first responders, or those who just need a little help, Karin Dussault is always there. Her dedication and commitment to service is everywhere in her answers below and her belief in the power of honesty and empathy makes her a perfect fit for the ARM industry. Read on to learn more about Karin, her love of live music, and why detours on the path to success are inevitable.
Name: Karin Dussault
Job Title: Business Development Coordinator
Company: First Financial Resources, Inc. (FFR, Inc.)
Length of time at current company: 7 months
Length of time in industry: 7 months
How did you get your start in the industry?
I worked in Business Development in the mortgage industry and needed a change of scenery. I was fortunate to meet someone who worked at FFR and liked the idea of helping people move forward from their debt and making a difference in their lives.
What is your career highlight so far?
We work with a lot of EMS/Ambulance companies, and it was an amazing experience to go to the AAA Annual conference in Nashville this year and meet so many heroes in our world and listen to their stories.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive with a little background music (preferably the Grateful Dead), a cup of coffee and a big “to do” list. When there is problem to fix or a puzzle to solve. I thrive on process improvement.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
As I am new to the industry, this is a hard question to answer. I do love diving into the latest news stories from ACA.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
The one thing I do better than everyone else is to know that I don’t do anything better than anyone else. We are all capable of doing great things and I think teamwork is the key.
What do you like most about this industry?
I find that if you surround yourself with the right type of people in this industry it can be very rewarding. Not only do we help companies maintain their accounts receivable, but we also help the consumer find a solution to their debt.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
At FFR, Inc. one of our core values is Compassionate Assertiveness. We take an empathetic approach to the consumers who owe debt, working with them to come up with a solution to help them move forward. I would like to see a change in the negative perception associated with debt collection.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I spent most of my work life helping seniors who were downsizing from their homes into assisted living. If I wasn’t happily working for FFR, I would most likely be back working with our oldest members of society.
Describe a typical work day.
A typical workday is that it won’t be like yesterday and certainly won’t be like tomorrow. My days are spent checking emails, following up on client needs, creating SM posts, working with our graphic designers on marketing pieces, writing newsletters, and soliciting new business.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a huge fan of live music and will travel for it!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Failure is not the end of the road, it’s a detour on the path to success. And also, BREATHE.
What are you currently reading?
“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman
“Traction” by Gino Wickman
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I truly believe that being honest and understanding can make a big difference in how we connect with others, whether it’s at work or home.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
