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 takes a special kind of person to be able to look back and see what most would consider to be a failure was in fact a blessing in disguise. Sam Edens is just that kind of person. Not afraid to roll up his sleeves and put in a hard day’s work, Sam excels and wearing multiple hats and juggling multiple responsibilities. Read on to learn more about Sam, why he thinks the size of this industry is an asset, and the sport that allowed him to travel the country.
Name: Sam Edens
Job Title: Chief Information Officer
Company: EquiPro Holdings/Security Credit Services
Length of time at current company: 4 years
Length of time in industry: 19 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Fresh out of college, I was hired by a small consulting company in Toledo, Ohio that specialized in software development and consulting. Most of their customers were in the receivables management industry.
What is your career highlight so far?
Oddly enough, it was losing my first job in this industry. I learned a lot, but I felt entombed on the service side. My opportunities, earning potential, personal growth, you name it exploded after I lost that job. Like most people, I thought losing a job would be a tragedy. It was quite the opposite for my career.
When or how are you most productive?
In my role as CIO, there are times when a large combination of data, processes, and software platforms require my attention. I am most productive when I can discuss those pieces with my internal team or external resources, and then step away to focus on designing and implementing an ideal and economic solution.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I have the unique privilege of working alongside several every day. William Alias III is the founder and owner of EquiPro and its operating companies. He has been in my corner since the day I met him 15 years ago. Kaye Dreifuerst is the President at Security Credit Services and is a former RMAI board member. These colleagues are not only instrumental within the company, but within the entire industry.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I excel in critical thinking. With advancements in technology and the emergence of AI, critical thinking is becoming a lost art. In my role as CIO, I certainly utilize technology but I often find myself evaluating multiple moving pieces of project and enjoy the work that goes into figuring out how the parts fit together and what impact one has on another.
What do you like most about this industry?
I enjoy the size. Even though this is smaller industry, the scope and dimensions are plentiful. Aside from the traditional collection operation, we have groups that specialize in areas such as software, data analytics, payments, asset searching, etc. I like that we can all play our part and most often work together resulting in mutual success.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I’m sure we could all agree that the oversight and regulation is overwhelming. Working to obtain licensing and remain in compliance is quite an effort. The industry has terrific groups and organizations for keeping up with changing regulation. Those groups are very helpful and are very much appreciated.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I own a small construction/GC business. My brother runs a big piece of it currently. I would move back into the operations side of that business in an effort to grow and expand.
Describe a typical work day.
First, I check the logs and auto-emails to see if any mission critical overnight processes failed. Even for the processes that were successful, I typically check a few to validate. Next, I check my list of projects in the task management system I have setup for my IT team. This is a check to see what my time might be focused on for the day. It is also a good reminder of my priorities. I am the IT lead for two operating companies, so I always start the technical part of my day with a priority project for one of those companies. Sometimes, I will start a new project but typically I pickup on a project that is already underway. This could be a development project, BI/reporting project, or a compliance related initiative. I usually don’t get very far before there are questions or new requests that comes in. Such is the life in my role as CIO. Regardless of what I am working on, I have a walking pad under my desk and am really good about getting 2-3 hours of walking in while I am working.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I do enjoy a nice bourbon and cigar occasionally.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I maintain a lengthy list of inspirational quotes and passages from the books I’ve read. One of my favorites comes from Thomas Edison; “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Aside from famous figures, a boss of mine once told me that when he cannot change something such as the political picture, the economy, or global issues, it is best to keep his head down and keep working. I find that advice very useful in today’s world.
What are you currently reading?
“The Go-Giver“
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
In my somewhat younger years, I was a champion flag football quarterback. I managed a team out of Toledo and for several years, my team traveled the country playing in state and national tournaments. We won some and lost some, but it was always a fun time. I still play on occasion, but the recovery and healing process is too long to keep up with it consistently.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Kaye Dreifuerst, President at Security Credit Services and Andi Zekthi, Managing Director at Massena.
