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It may have seemed like Jennifer Bergman was destined to become part of the credit and collection industry, following in her father’s footsteps. But it’s only recently that she has jumped in to working at the family business with both feet, after first working as an engineer and college professor. Now, as she says, she has found her place. Read on to learn more about Jennifer, what she is proud to have inherited from her father, and why she never wants to be the most experienced person in the room.
Name: Jennifer Bergman
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Company: American Municipal Services (AMS)
Length of time at current company: Although I officially began working full time at AMS at the start of 2024, my connection to the company started much earlier. I’ve been around since I was three years old, attending events with my dad while he was starting the business.
Length of time in industry: I began actively learning the ins and outs of the industry in January 2024 when I joined the company full time.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My path into this industry was anything but traditional. I began my career as an engineer, supporting military aircraft programs and developing telemetry systems for defense. Later, I transitioned into academia, teaching engineering courses at a local college while also leading a startup that developed a patented robotic clothing iron. Eventually, some changes in my family’s health led me to shift my focus and dedicate my full attention to our family business, AMS. After working closely with the team, I knew I had found my place. I’m proud to be part of an industry filled with kind, hardworking, and truly resilient individuals.
What is your career highlight so far?
One of my career highlights has been stepping into our family business and earning the trust of the team. Coming from a background in engineering and academia, it was a major transition but also a rewarding one. I’ve had the opportunity to contribute fresh perspectives, streamline operations, and work alongside amazing people I respect. It’s been meaningful to continue the foundation my dad built while finding my own place within it.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive with long, uninterrupted blocks of time. I work best under pressure and often get a second wind at night when it’s quiet and there’s nothing else competing for my attention.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I might be a little biased, but I admire my dad the most. He started the company from the ground up and managed to do it while being incredibly present in my life. He’s always prioritized providing real value to others and leads by example with an unwavering work ethic. I don’t think he’ll ever truly stop working, but that passion is part of what makes it so rewarding to work alongside him.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I’ve always made it a priority to surround myself with people who are smarter or more experienced than I am. It’s one of the best ways I’ve found to grow both personally and professionally. If I had to name a strength, it would be my curiosity and constant drive for self-improvement. I enjoy new ideas, asking questions, and challenging myself to become better every day.
What do you like most about this industry?
What I enjoy most about this industry is the meaningful impact we can have by helping people move toward greater financial stability and peace of mind. I’ve also really appreciated the opportunity to connect with so many knowledgeable and supportive people in our industry. The industry community is incredibly warm and fun.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
One thing I wish I could change is the overwhelming amount of regulation that can hinder innovation and efficiency.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
An inventor. I love building things that make life easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Describe a typical work day.
I start the day by addressing urgent issues and setting priorities for the day. A large part of my time is spent working across departments by removing roadblocks, solving problems, and ensuring projects are on track. No two days are the same, which I enjoy. I usually take a break around 4:30 p.m. for a workout because it’s my form of therapy. In the evenings, when things quiet down, I catch up on admin tasks without distractions.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Cookies
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t run from the hard stuff; that’s usually where transformation is hiding. Show up, lock in, and keep going, relentlessly.
What are you currently reading?
“The Courage to Be Disliked” by Ichiro Kishimi
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I genuinely love exploring new ideas and creating value. I’m always happy to connect, collaborate, and see what we can come up with together.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
I would like to see Cecilia Navarrete answer these questions.
