I am thrilled to announce that the Getting to Know series is sponsored by TEC Services Group. TEC Services Group is the leading technology and professional services firm in the credit collections industry offering both leading industry solutions along with unrivaled, unbiased, and experienced support. TEC is now extending its services by offering proven, industry-leading technology solutions alongside of our Professional Services to help Clients feel confident in their technology decisions. Learn more at ww.tecsg.com.
At his core, Max Hawes is a problem solver. The more complex the better. His answer for solving most problems these days is technology. Looking around, Max sees nothing but opportunity in the form of manual processes just waiting to be automated. Read on to learn more about his process, what he focuses on to keep moving forward, and why he wished dessert came at the start of a meal, not the end.
Name: Max Hawes
Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Hawes Group
Length of time at current company: 12 years
Length of time in industry: 12 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I got my start in the collections and legal services industry while attending college. What began as building operational solutions for creditor rights firms evolved into a broader passion for solving business problems through technology, ultimately leading to the creation of Hawes Group and its companies, including Titanium Legal, VoizTrail, and RoboDX.
What is your career highlight so far?
Building multiple businesses that bridge operations and technology has been the highlight of my career. I’m especially proud that we didn’t start as a software company—we started by doing the work ourselves, which gave us the experience and perspective to build solutions that solve real-world problems for our clients.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive when I’m solving complex problems and building new things. Early mornings are typically my best time for strategic thinking, but I also enjoy working directly with clients and teams to identify challenges and turn them into scalable solutions.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
I admire leaders who challenge conventional thinking and aren’t afraid to reinvent how work gets done. The people who have had the biggest impact on me are those who combine deep operational knowledge with a willingness to embrace technology and innovation.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Connecting operations, technology, and business strategy. Because we started in collections and legal services before becoming a technology provider, we understand the day-to-day realities our clients face and can build solutions that actually work in production environments—not just in a demo.
What do you like most about this industry?
It’s an industry filled with resilient people who solve difficult problems every day. Whether it’s collections, legal services, compliance, or customer engagement, there are countless opportunities to make meaningful improvements that benefit businesses and consumers alike.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I would like to see the industry move faster when it comes to adopting technology. There are still too many manual processes, disconnected systems, and outdated workflows that create friction for employees and customers.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
I’d still be building businesses. Whether it was software, logistics, healthcare, or another industry entirely, I enjoy creating organizations that solve problems and deliver value for customers.
Describe a typical work day.
My days vary quite a bit because I oversee multiple businesses. A typical day may include meeting with leadership teams, reviewing operational metrics, discussing product development for VoizTrail or RoboDX, working with Titanium Legal clients, evaluating growth opportunities, and helping teams execute on strategic initiatives.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Food—especially dessert. I have a serious sweet tooth and genuinely look forward to trying great restaurants whenever I travel. Honestly, I’m surprised I’m not 400 pounds based on the amount of dessert I consume.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Focus on the signal, not the noise. It’s easy to get distracted by daily problems, opinions, and endless activity, but the biggest breakthroughs come from identifying the few things that truly matter and relentlessly solving those problems.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading “The Memory Project” by Heath Morgan. The book explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, memory, identity, and what it means to remain human in a world increasingly shaped by technology. As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about AI and its impact on business and society, I’ve found it both thought-provoking and timely.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
At my core, I’m a technical operator who loves solving problems. I enjoy working with people across the industry to understand their unique challenges and then finding practical ways to solve them through better processes, technology, or operational strategy. Whether it’s a law firm, collection agency, creditor, or service provider, I genuinely enjoy helping people work through complex problems and build solutions that create lasting value.
Who would you like to see answer these questions?
Chris DeLess, Hawes Group CTO, and Carl Christensen COO of Professional Credit Services
