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Mara Morgan may have only had two choices when she started looking for a job to support herself, but she still managed to hit the jackpot and find a career. While she definitely credits her success to the tutelage of her former boss, Mara’s commitment to learning and ability to be productive under pressure have helped her thrive. Read on to learn more about Mara, her unabashed love of show tunes, and what she is doing every time she’s talking to you or someone else in the industry.
Name: Mara Morgan
Job Title: Senior Lead Account Representative
Company: Account Recovery Specialist Inc.
Length of time at current company: 18 years 10 months
Length of time in industry: 18 years 10 months
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started off as a person just looking for a job that would help me afford to support myself. At the time it was one of two jobs available in my hometown.
What is your career highlight so far?
So far, the highlight of my career is being accepted as part of the ACA Emerging leaders Cohort.
When or how are you most productive?
Personally, I am most productive under pressure. I like to have constant things cooking all at once. If there isn’t enough to keep me busy, I know myself well enough to say I will slow down, and my battery will be charging in reverse.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Irene Hoheusle. She was the first boss I had that cared for me, nurtured me, and lead me to become more than I thought was possible. She constantly pushed me when I needed to be pushed. She called me out when I needed it. She stood by me and supported me not only as an industry leader, but as a human.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I personally feel no matter how good I am at something, there is always someone who is a little better, and someone else who can learn from my example. If I had to pick one that I pride myself on it would be time management. If you give me a task it will get done before you tell me it needs to be. I can balance many different projects and make sure I have time to complete them all.
What do you like most about this industry?
I look at our industry as a service. I feel that although many people see us differently, they don’t really understand how necessary we are. We are helping people every day. I appreciate the idea of helping someone solve an issue they felt was so big it would never be solved.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish there was a better way to combat the misinformation swarming. I wish that we had a louder voice than those that speak negatively about us or as loud as the ones trying to overregulate us. I wish consumers were better educated on the need for the credit and collection industry.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I must be honest, ever since I was 21 years old this is all I have ever known. But if dreams were a reality, I would be on a Broadway stage somewhere singing and entertaining thousands of people every day!
Describe a typical work day.
Every day it is a balance of many hats. I am working the phones, answering consumer emails, mentoring and coaching others, finding ways to improve processes or productivity, and making sure my team has the most updated compliance related topics at the forefront of their minds.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Show Tunes! I love listening to soundtracks of the biggest productions from years past as well as the ones currently trending.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Stop comparing yourself to anyone else, and focus on being the best version of yourself today.
What are you currently reading?
“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am eager to learn from everyone I interact with. If we are speaking, you can believe I am taking notes on everything you have to say. Like a sponge!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Courtney Reynaud
