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If you’re going to invite Rocky Landoll to a meeting, there better be a legitimate reason for having it. Meetings that recap other meetings definitely seem to be a pet peeve of his. Perhaps that doesn’t fit into the category of small things that you shouldn’t sweat (he’ll explain it below). Read on to learn more about Rocky, his great sense of humor, and his plan for being a fishing boat captain in the Windy City.
Name: Rocky Landoll
Job Title: Director, Legal and Compliance
Company: BCA Financial Services, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 10 Quick Months
Length of time in industry: 15 ½ years
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first job out of college was as a property manager for a few years until the management company was acquired. I enjoyed it, but didn’t see myself in the industry for the long run. I then worked as a caddie at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach for a couple of years. While it was the most beautiful “office” I could have ever dreamed of having, my newborn child changed my perspective on “working” vs. having a “career” and I made the decision to move forward. My father ran into a former peer of his in their prior corporate life and he mentioned the collection agency he was with was hiring agents (formerly known as “collectors”) and that I should apply and could use him as a reference. I took the leap of faith, applied and the rest is history.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have experienced a number of highlights in my career but there is one that sticks out….many years ago, myself and my team at the time uncovered a baiting scheme that a well-known nuisance attorney was using to manufacture claims against collection agencies. Needless to say, that attorney is no longer able to practice law and hasn’t been heard from in quite some time.
When or how are you most productive?
Early mornings and late evenings.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
GREAT question. How can I only pick one?!?! I have been fortunate to have worked for and with many absolute amazing professionals and brilliant leaders through the years. They were and have been instrumental in molding me into who I am today, not only professionally, but personally. Without their belief and time invested in me, who knows where my career would have gone. Being such a “cutthroat” and ever-changing industry, the biggest asset I admire and value more than anything in my leadership style is having a team/family mindset. Shelly Gensmer-Cleek first introduced me to that mindset as an individualized leadership style and quite frankly really took my career to the next level. And while only having worked directly with/for Pam Kirchner as my fearless leader for less than a year, her leadership and dedication to the “family” mindset BCA stands for today is very refreshing and admirable.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Understanding the “why” and communicating the “why”.
What do you like most about this industry?
Relationships and Collaboration.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The ever-changing regulatory landscape
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Without a doubt a Fishing Charter Captain. I recently relocated from St. Augustine to the suburbs of Chicago so there would be a slight learning curve, but I would figure it out.
Describe a typical work day.
As a Fishing Charter Captain? Well, I would wake up and get paid to go fishing…..I kid. It depends on the day of the week and every day tends to present me a Nolan Ryan curveball. I am not a big “meeting” person. I say that not as if they aren’t needed, not valuable or I just don’t want to have meetings. During my career, I have experienced that some folks have meetings just to have meetings about a prior meeting that we need to have a meeting for to discuss what was met about already, and so on. Make sense? I value others and my time so the meeting must be structured and add value with everyone on the same page. I always make time to check any new regulatory changes, dabble in some e-communications with consumers, manage the businesses licensing, and always, always collaborating and identifying opportunities with process efficiency and automation.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sour Patch Kids and Documentaries
What is the best advice you have ever received?
You must have thick skin and don’t take certain issues personal. This was a very difficult mindset to mold into and am thankful for the advice.
What are you currently reading?
“How to Become a Fishing Charter Captain for Dummies” by Unknown. I kid. I am not currently reading a specific book but do read a ton of case law, regulations, contracts, and on and on…..but what I have on my desk at all times, compliments Mrs. Gensmer-Cleek, is a lovely book (long title alert) “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff- Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things From Taking Over Your Life” by Richard Carlson. It has VERY valuable aspects of handling life’s “small stuff” which has been a resource I frequent.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I love to cook/grill.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Nicole Strickler
