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Jason Rabago has his own version of The Golden Rule. It’s not about treating people the way you want to be treated. It’s about treating people the way they want to be treated. It’s that kind of attitude that has propelled someone who turned receiving a collection letter into a job forward into a 23-year career in the ARM industry. Read on to learn more Jason, how he fueled his love of UFC as a kid, and why being in this industry allows him the freedom to be himself.
Name: Jason Rabago
Job Title: Vice President of Sales
Company: Payment Savvy
Length of time at current company: 6 years
Length of time in industry: 23 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was 20 years old and received a letter in the mail from The CMI Group for an unreturned cable box. Having just quit my job and noticing that this place was just down the street, I hopped in my car and went to dispute the letter in person and possibly apply for a new job. A couple days later, I started in 1st Party collections and spent the next six years working my way up through many titles to The Director of Operations.
What is your career highlight so far?
I would have to say coming to work with Payment Savvy. I found a place that fits me perfectly. I have the freedom to do what I want, how I want. I feel like I am in full control here with my only limitations being myself. For that, I am extremely grateful and passionate about what I do.
When or how are you most productive?
I feel like I am most productive on the road and getting to meet people in person. That’s always been the fun part for me, you can talk on the phone to someone for years, but you really don’t get to know someone until you get to hang out and talk about other things besides work.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I admire a lot of people in this industry, but the three that stand out to me are David Williams, Tim Haag, and Jack Brown. These guys break their back getting involved and lead this industry. You can always find them in the middle where it’s most chaotic, they are always there and always contributing. You can also see how well they treat their employees. If I ever went back to the agency side, these are the people I would call first.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I wouldn’t say I do anything better, just different. I don’t believe in treating people the way that YOU want to be treated, I think everyone is different and you have to treat them the way THEY want to be treated. I just try to talk to people in their own way whether it’s short and to the point or casually and over a beer.
What do you like most about this industry?
This is easy, we are not uptight. We all enjoy having fun and I can be myself. This industry is the only place that I have been able to truly be me and not have to pull back or tiptoe. Collections is a great group of strong-minded people who all typically get along and love what they do.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I would like to change the perspective people sometimes have on our industry. Regulators need to realize who we are and what we all do, we simply hold people accountable to fulfill their obligations. I think we often get lumped in with the bad stories. People need to know that there is a large group doing it the right way.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I have always had a passion for operations and making things work better. I have a big love for cars too, so I think I would have loved to do something in the automotive industry particularly around racing. Yeah, I think that would be cool!
Describe a typical work day.
Typical day for me starts with coffee. Then I try to take care of my customers and make sure they are good, happy and feeling important. After that, I try to help the people that need us and show them what we do and how we can help.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Gotta be watching the UFC. I have always loved the UFC from when it first started and have been fortunate enough to be able to attend four live events in Dallas and Las Vegas! I remember being a kid at Blockbuster and swapping the UFC videos into the cartoon movie cases so I could rent them underage.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“To become a leader, you have to lead without the title, without the pay and without the glory. Always do the job that needs to be done and not just what you are required to do.”
What are you currently reading?
Anybody who knows me, knows I hate reading unless it’s Dave Ramsey, so I will pretend you asked what I am watching right now. I never liked watching TV if it wasn’t sports. COVID changed that, so I just finished watching “The Bear” and started the second season of “Outer Range” with Josh Brolin on Prime.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I would like people to know that my background in this industry stems from my years in operations in a collections agency and not just sales. Selling into an agency can be difficult, but I believe my strong roots working for an agency gives me a huge advantage because I understand how our services impact their business.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Bobbie Blue from Renkim
