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.
It seems a little unconventional to call someone who is the fifth generation of her family to work in the family business an emerging leader, but Anna Sharpe is both. Armstrong and Associates is a big part of Anna’s past, present, and future, which is why she puts so much of herself into her work. Read on to learn more about Anna, why she loves an intricate proposal, and why owning a gym is something she dreams of.
Name: Anna Sharpe
Job Title: Director of Business Development
Company: Armstrong and Associates
Length of time at current company: 19 years
Length of time in industry: 19 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I come from a long line of professionals in this industry, and I’m actually the fifth generation in the business. Our company was established in 1915, so it has been a significant part of my family’s history and legacy. Growing up, I would frequently visit the office, which gave me a glimpse into the business and sparked my interest from an early age. During college, I officially started working here, gaining hands-on experience and building my skills within the organization. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to a business with such deep roots and to carry on the tradition while also helping it evolve.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight so far has been watching and contributing to the growth and modernization of our company. It’s been exciting to help to establish our digital footprint, which has opened new opportunities for us to connect with both clients and customers and stay competitive in an evolving market. Seeing the positive impact of these changes, both on our team and our customers, has been a proud moment for me. It’s fulfilling to play a part in bridging the past and the future of our company.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive first thing or mid-morning, once I am fully awake!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I admire the female, small business owners in this industry.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am very organized and great at putting intricate proposals together!
What do you like most about this industry?
I love how this industry is always evolving. There is always something new to learn.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
This industry can also be tough because it’s always evolving. There is always something new to learn.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I might own a fitness studio. Lifting weights is something I really enjoy and sharing that with others would be awesome.
Describe a typical work day.
There is no typical work day – my clients always come first, so their needs are my top priority. I usually start my day by reviewing my calendar, catching up on emails, and setting a positive tone with an inspirational quote. My day might involve reviewing accounts or phone calls or working on a project for another group I am involved with – HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association). I sit on the Board of my Alabama Chapter and am Sponsorship Chair. If I’m working on a project, I schedule time around my meetings to make steady progress while staying responsive to my clients.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Bravo TV and online shopping!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Since starting my sales career with the company, the best advice I received early on was, “Focus on building relationships, and the business will follow.” This has proven to be absolutely true!
What are you currently reading?
“The Art of Letting Go” by Nick Trenton.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am passionate about building connections with others in this field. As a fifth-generation member of a business that’s been around since 1915, I deeply value the relationships that drive our industry forward. I’m always eager to collaborate, learn from others, and share ideas to ensure we all continue to grow and succeed together.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
This year I was accepted to ACA International’s Emerging Leaders Program. I am new to ACA so I would love to see some of my fellow Emerging Leaders featured here!
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.
It seems a little unconventional to call someone who is the fifth generation of her family to work in the family business an emerging leader, but Anna Sharpe is both. Armstrong and Associates is a big part of Anna’s past, present, and future, which is why she puts so much of herself into her work. Read on to learn more about Anna, why she loves an intricate proposal, and why owning a gym is something she dreams of.
Name: Anna Sharpe
Job Title: Director of Business Development
Company: Armstrong and Associates
Length of time at current company: 19 years
Length of time in industry: 19 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I come from a long line of professionals in this industry, and I’m actually the fifth generation in the business. Our company was established in 1915, so it has been a significant part of my family’s history and legacy. Growing up, I would frequently visit the office, which gave me a glimpse into the business and sparked my interest from an early age. During college, I officially started working here, gaining hands-on experience and building my skills within the organization. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to a business with such deep roots and to carry on the tradition while also helping it evolve.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight so far has been watching and contributing to the growth and modernization of our company. It’s been exciting to help to establish our digital footprint, which has opened new opportunities for us to connect with both clients and customers and stay competitive in an evolving market. Seeing the positive impact of these changes, both on our team and our customers, has been a proud moment for me. It’s fulfilling to play a part in bridging the past and the future of our company.
When or how are you most productive?
I am most productive first thing or mid-morning, once I am fully awake!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I admire the female, small business owners in this industry.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I am very organized and great at putting intricate proposals together!
What do you like most about this industry?
I love how this industry is always evolving. There is always something new to learn.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
This industry can also be tough because it’s always evolving. There is always something new to learn.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I might own a fitness studio. Lifting weights is something I really enjoy and sharing that with others would be awesome.
Describe a typical work day.
There is no typical work day – my clients always come first, so their needs are my top priority. I usually start my day by reviewing my calendar, catching up on emails, and setting a positive tone with an inspirational quote. My day might involve reviewing accounts or phone calls or working on a project for another group I am involved with – HFMA (Healthcare Financial Management Association). I sit on the Board of my Alabama Chapter and am Sponsorship Chair. If I’m working on a project, I schedule time around my meetings to make steady progress while staying responsive to my clients.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Bravo TV and online shopping!
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Since starting my sales career with the company, the best advice I received early on was, “Focus on building relationships, and the business will follow.” This has proven to be absolutely true!
What are you currently reading?
“The Art of Letting Go” by Nick Trenton.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I am passionate about building connections with others in this field. As a fifth-generation member of a business that’s been around since 1915, I deeply value the relationships that drive our industry forward. I’m always eager to collaborate, learn from others, and share ideas to ensure we all continue to grow and succeed together.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
This year I was accepted to ACA International’s Emerging Leaders Program. I am new to ACA so I would love to see some of my fellow Emerging Leaders featured here!
