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It’s no surprise that someone with the competitive fire that Brian Answeeney has would not only be drawn to collections, but would thrive as well. It may feel like juggling fireballs most days — his words — but after getting a taste, there is nowhere else he would rather be, unless that place has a great food scene. Read on to learn more about Brian, why he prefers early mornings over late nights, and why he may walk away one day for a career in disater recovery.
Name: Brian Answeeney
Job Title: Vice President of Operations
Company: CBE Companies
Length of time at current company: 4.5 years
Length of time in industry: Almost 20 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I didn’t take the traditional route in. I was working at big Wall Street firm during the financial crisis when everything in the financial world was turning upside down. Around that time, a friend of mine — an attorney who ran a small collection business on the side — was looking to sell it. His clients were constantly asking for collections help, and it had gotten too big for him to handle.
I didn’t know much about the industry at all, but I saw an opportunity and decided to take the leap. Those first few years were a crash course in everything — operations, compliance, finance, IT, client relations — you name it. I even jumped on the phones when needed. I learned the business from the ground up, which turned out to be one of the best experiences of my career. When I sold the company later on, I carried that full-picture understanding into every leadership role I’ve had since..
What is your career highlight so far?
For me, the biggest highlight has been making the leap from running small, specialized collection shops to leading large-scale operations. Early in my career, I built my own company, then moved into managing small teams in legal collections. When I was hired by CMI in Dallas, suddenly I was responsible for hundreds of people. I remember being relieved that I didn’t crash in the first few months.
It was a massive step up, and I had to learn fast — on the job, in real time, under real pressure. But that experience shaped me. I eventually helped build out strategies, processes, and operational models that I still use today. Looking back, that transition was a turning point. It proved to me that I could operate at scale, lead big teams, and grow into much larger roles..
When or how are you most productive?
Definitely early mornings—before my calendar dominates my day. That’s when I do my best thinking, dig into data, and map out priorities for the day. Once the meetings start, it’s hard to find the time I need.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I’ve always admired leaders who can balance performance with integrity — people who know how to drive results without ever losing sight of their people. I’ve been lucky to work with a few who really shaped how I lead today. Bethan Cross, Tom Nusspickel, and Alex Reed are great examples. They gave me real ownership, trusted me to figure things out, and supported me without making me feel like mistakes were something to fear. That kind of mentorship stays with you, and I’ve tried to pay that forward in my own leadership style.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Juggle fireballs… Not literally (though some days it feels that way). Operations, to the dismay of many CEO’s I’ve worked for who were accountants, is a controlled fire. There are always moving parts, broken pieces, tight deadlines, and competing priorities. Running multiple teams, projects, and sites across the U.S. and the Philippines sometimes feels like a full-contact sport that requires its own superpower. I’ve learned to stay calm, keep all the pieces moving, and somehow make it look intentional.
What do you like most about this industry?
The competition, hands down. Every month brings a new challenge — different scorecards, different client goals, new ways to win. I love the pressure and the pace. It feels a lot like sports to me; I grew up playing sports at a high level and still have that competitive drive. It’s strategic, fast-moving, and always keeps me on my toes.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
The perception. There’s so much professionalism, innovation, and heart in this business, but a lot of people outside the industry don’t see that. I’d love for the public to understand how much strategy, innovation, and care goes into what we do.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d probably be doing government or disaster recovery consulting. During COVID, I stepped away from collections for a bit and helped run operations for rental and mortgage relief programs. Our teams delivered over $3.5 billion in assistance across New York and Texas to more than 350,000 residents. It was incredibly rewarding work — being able to use the same operational skills to help people in a tough spot. That experience stuck with me.
Describe a typical work day.
No two days are ever the same, but I usually start early by checking how things performed overnight — what’s trending well, where we need to adjust. From there, it’s a mix of meetings with our leaders, diving into operations, and spending time talking with clients.
A big part of my day is listening — figuring out what clients need, where we can help, and how to position CBE for long-term growth. I’m always thinking about how to grow the business organically, add value, and stay one step ahead. I like being close to the work and the people making it happen.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Travel — anytime, anywhere. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and finding great food along the way. Honestly, I plan entire trips around where to eat. Travel keeps me curious and grounded. It’s the one thing that completely resets me.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The team moves at the pace of its leader.
What are you currently reading?
“Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. It’s a fascinating take on how humans and AI can work together more effectively — something that feels more relevant by the day.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m passionate about developing people and helping them find clarity in data. If I can make someone’s job easier or help them tell their performance story better, that’s a win. Also… I’m a die-hard member of the Bills Mafia.
