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John Erickson might just serve as the prototype for the modern renaissance man. Between his devotion to his faith, his love of dogs, sailing, and tennis, and his commitment to personal and professional growth, he’s the kind of person you either admire for his efforts or hate for how much he seems to have it all together. Read on to learn more about John, why he thinks complexity is a good thing for the credit and collection industry, and which dog breed is the best, in his opinion.
Name: John Erickson
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Credit Service International
Length of time at current company: 15 years
Length of time in industry: 15 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
What began as a summer job during college—thanks to a family connection—turned into a seven-year run that set the course for my career. I’ve been involved in this industry ever since and can’t imagine being anywhere else.
What is your career highlight so far?
Without question, building the incredible team we have at CSI. Watching our group grow—both through organic expansion and acquisition—has been the most rewarding part of my career. I’m extremely proud of the culture we’ve built and the talent we’ve attracted. Our team truly feels like a family.
When or how are you most productive?
I genuinely love what I do, which makes staying productive come naturally. Because I travel often, I’ve learned to operate efficiently from anywhere—whether it’s on a plane, in the office, or even at the gym (shout out to my superstar assistant Kenzi). I’m constantly looking for ways to better support our teams, improve our technology stack, and deliver stronger outcomes for our clients.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
That is a tough one. There are a number of men & women at the top of that list. Heath Morgan, Tim Collins, & Anne Rosso from ACA Magazine are a few people I have really grown to respect and admire. I also like the innovative things that Scott Hamilton is doing, as well as Lucas Brown at Saige Analytics, & Joe Gelbard at Avtal. There are some younger guys coming up that are really killing it too, Chris Walcher is a big one on that list.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I have a strong ability to visualize, organize, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, and the determination to see them through to measurable results. At CSI and ROH, we thrive on momentum—this year alone we’ve completed two agency acquisitions, have a third under contract, and expect to close a fourth before year’s end. We’re mid-development on a 14-month shared IP analytics project with Saige Analytics, rolling out major RPA initiatives, and building a compliance software platform we hope to bring to market. And through all that, we’re still onboarding major clients and maintaining high performance and quality. We stay busy—but we make sure to have some fun, too.
What do you like most about this industry?
The complexity. I’ve always been fascinated by the moving parts—understanding how our clients’ businesses function and where we can make a positive difference. CSI’s diverse client base has allowed me to learn a lot about finance across multiple sectors. But what I love most is the people. The ARM industry is full of unique career paths and inspiring stories, and it truly feels like a strong, collaborative community.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Public perception. Our industry plays a critical role in supporting businesses and consumers—helping companies manage cash flow and keeping the cost of goods and services low. Yet we’re often unfairly characterized based on the actions of a few bad actors. Other professions don’t share that same stigma. Changing that narrative means focusing on education—communicating the facts rather than emotion—to show the real value we bring to the economy and to consumers alike.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’m passionate about sailing and completed my first transatlantic race last summer. If I could find a way to combine sailing with writing or consulting, I’d be all in. I’m also an active real estate investor, so I could easily see myself focusing more there if I ever stepped away from the ARM world.
Describe a typical work day.
When I’m home, my mornings start early at the gym, followed by a quick sync with my assistant and a daily check-in with CSI’s Director of Change Management, Emily Scray. I structure my day into focused blocks—creative work, calls, emails, and meetings—and prioritize the more creative or strategic work early in the day.
Afternoons are reserved for meetings with our teams, partners, and vendors, and we hold our main CSI team meetings each Wednesday afternoon. Of course, in this industry, flexibility is key—no two days are ever the same, and you have to be ready to pivot at any moment.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Dogs—especially field-bred English Springer Spaniels. I’m borderline obsessed. Someday, when I travel less, I’d love to have a whole pack of them.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Let go and let God.” It’s simple but powerful, and it has served me well in both business and life.
What are you currently reading?
“Awareness” by Anthony De Mello. “The Body of Life” by Thomas Hanna. I’ve also recently joined a group doing a chronological read-through of the Bible, which has been a great experience.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m a huge tennis fan—both watching and playing. I’ve gotten a bit older (and slower), but I still compete on a couple of 4.5 USTA teams. I’m always looking for new people to hit with.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Mike Gibb, Jonathan Sharp from SigniX, and Gus Demos from TransUnion.
