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Billy Rowlee likes to go fast. Probably why he works best when he is “loaded full” of caffeine and why he will likely beat you in a go-kart race thanks to his years of racing cars. Now a reformed graphic designer turned salesman, he still loves to play Call of Duty when he gets a chance. Read on to learn more about Billy, why he feels being a cheerleader is so important, and how he explains what he does to his family.
Name: Billy Rowlee
Job Title: Chief Revenue Officer
Company: Finance System, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 11 Years
Length of time in industry: 14 Years (Technically)
How did you get your start in the industry?
I was a graphic designer for many years prior and would do work off and on for Finance System. If you see me at a conference ask me the full version of the story, but the team at Finance System was seeing growth and moving into a new building, while the company I was with at the time was going through turmoil, and Finance System offered me a job at the perfect time to do some IT work and Marketing, I jumped at it, with the hope I would get back into sales.
What is your career highlight so far?
Honestly, it’s been rewarding to find an industry that I enjoy. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the country and meet great people across many different job titles and industries. From a sales perspective, it is hard to beat signing your first client though.
When or how are you most productive?
Completely loaded full of caffeine. But in all seriousness, I’m generally a night owl when it comes to the creative side of my job responsibilities. I keep a notepad or my laptop going with ideas. During the day though I feel like I’m one of the few office workers left, and it helps me stay connected to the rest of the team.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
Without a doubt, Chris Coleman. When I started with the company, I was just a graphic designer that wanted to learn about the industry and grow within it. I told him during my interview that I wanted a career I could retire from and be proud of. He’s been my mentor, golf partner, and just an overall good friend. He’s taught me everything I know about the industry and has given me the opportunity to grow as an employee, as well as a leader.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Not to sound arrogant, but I am the GOAT at making more work for myself. I always try to take on projects head on and learn new skills. I have weekly meetings with different members of staff and try to figure out new ways to alleviate some of their pain points, and sometimes it’s as simple (or hard) as programming new software or coming up with a new procedure for doing things. I also guarantee I can probably beat everybody in the office in a go kart race if I need to.
What do you like most about this industry?
I love that it’s a complete mind bender. There are parts of it that are strictly operations, and then other aspects are strictly technology, and another part over here is all psychology. It’s always evolving, and it’s rare to have the same day twice.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Easily the public perception. I’ve even had a tough time explaining to parts of my family why what we’re doing is important. I’ve never shied away from saying what I do, because I’m proud of the industry and the company I work for. It’s a lot easier to talk about when you know you’re not the bad guy.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Probably doing graphic design and running a sign shop wrapping cars. It would keep the creative juices flowing.
Describe a typical work day.
I have around a half-hour commute to work, so I listen to a podcast or something upbeat to get me going for the day. Usually start off the morning reviewing my calendar and emails while having some sort of caffeinated beverage. Every day is different, but the main thing that never changes is being a cheerleader for our staff, and not just collectors, but everyone in the building. When the building is positive, this job becomes easier, and more profitable.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I’m a Call of Duty nerd. I don’t get to play as much anymore since I’ve gotten older, but it’s still something I like to do when I have the time.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I’ve had a lot of good mentors over the years in many different avenues in my life, but I think the one thing that stuck with me more than anything is being told, nothing more dangerous than the saying “That’s how we’ve always done it”. It’s what has brought me here really, keeping your foot on the gas, and always evolving and always learning and not accepting the status quo.
What are you currently reading?
I alternate books and try to carve out time each day to read some, between leisure, learning and business development books. But currently, my friend just published a book that I’ve enjoyed reading, “Unyielding Iron” by Dustin Barbour.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
Hard to nail down one thing, but I think the one thing nobody expects is I raced open-wheel cars from the age of nine, until I was in my mid-30s. Lucky enough to have raced against, and met some of my heroes growing up. I also smoke a mean rack of ribs.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Mike Gibb, even though he won’t! [EDITOR’S NOTE: True that.]
