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The decisions that we make, which we don’t think are big at the time … This profile of Jake Richards was “this” close to appearing in “Porta-Potty Professional” monthly magazine instead of a collections website. Everyone at State Collection Service is happy Jake chose a career as a collector instead, and everyone in the industry is learning just how much of an asset that he is. Read on to learn more about Jake, his recommendation for a “must-watch” TV series, and how he makes sure never to lose sight of the importance of being a good communicator.
Name: Jake Richards
Job Title: Vice President, Extended Business Operations
Company: State Collection Service
Length of time at current company: 12 years
Length of time in industry: 16 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was looking to get out of my job at the time so bad that I was willing to do anything different. After putting my application in at numerous places, it was down to be a collector or a porta potty pumper. So glad I chose collections!!! I started as a collector and the rest is history!
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlights have to be seeing those that started out in the industry in the same position as me, seeing the career opportunities that this industry has to offer and now find themselves in leadership roles themselves.
When or how are you most productive?
Late morning to early afternoon.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I would have to say that my admiration shifts depending on what I am working on or what issue I am facing at the moment. This industry has so many great minds that if you have an problem, there is someone with the solution. It highlights the importance of having a strong network of thought leaders you can lean on when you need them!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I would have to say my ability to not forget my roots in the industry while also not getting “stuck” or “caught” in the weeds. Every decision I make I ensure that I view it from the perspective of everyone on my team. I also never lose sight of the heartbeat of our industry, which are those on the phones doing the work day in and day out.
What do you like most about this industry?
The way that we support one another both inside our organizations but also within and across the industry.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The perception, while I think we have done a great job over the years of changing that perception, a negative one still exists. Helping the public understand how crucial our work is and how impactful the conversations we have are, it’s truly under-appreciated.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Well by the sounds of it, pumping porta pottys! My dream job was always to be the general manager of an NFL team. Judging by my fantasy football team, I better stick to this industry!
Describe a typical work day.
My day starts and ends with communicating with my team. That can be addressing issues or just celebrating our wins. Throughout the day I spend my team in strategic conversations figuring out how we can make our team as successful as possible.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My wife and I are a sucker for really really bad reality TV….Recommendation, you ask? The Ultimatum
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Uncommunicated expectation is pre-meditated resentment.
What are you currently reading?
“The AI Driven Leader” by Geoff Woods
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
If you need a 4th for your golf group, my number is 262-35….
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Michael Navarro – Director of Regulatory Compliance at RNN Group, Inc.
