1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
As a third generation leader of a family owned business, my biggest challenges lie in trying to fulfill the legacy of my grandfather and father. Since joining State Collection Service seven years ago, we have seen many changes to the industry and, more importantly, in the growth of our company. We have added 300 employees during my tenure, managing to keep the family feel of the business and uphold the culture that was created by both my grandfather and father.
The most rewarding part of coming in to work each day is seeing the continued success of the company and watching us grow the State Collection Service family. Of course, client and employee satisfaction continue to be what we strive for each and every day.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
While I don’t know him personally, I greatly admire Parker Schnabel from the Discovery Channel series Gold Rush, one of my favorite TV shows. Schnabel is a third generation gold miner who started working for his grandfather at the age of 13 and now eight years later he has created a gold mining empire with his own land, equipment, and crew. Last year, he mined over $1 million of gold and has a goal this year of $2.5 million. Parker’s grandfather is still his mentor and biggest fan, but he has allowed his grandson to make all of his own decisions. All of this has led Schnabel to a lot of responsibility and success for such a young man. I can’t wait to see what he does when he gets bored with mining gold.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point of my career so far was being named to the In Business’ 2015 class of 40 Under 40. A close second would be my recent promotion to vice president of support services where I oversee Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Marketing, Data Processing, Project Management, and our Client Services teams.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Always listen to Dad!!! He wanted me to join the family business as soon as I got out of college, but I wanted to experience other opportunities prior to joining. While I’m not disappointed in the decision I made then, I am so much happier doing what I am doing today and would have loved more years of being at State Collection Service.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
From a business perspective, I think of the best parts of being in Dane County are having an educated and experienced workforce to tap as we continue growing. I also enjoy that Madison is a small-large city — it offers everything a large city has without all the added hassles, and the people are nice, something you don’t always find in large cities. I’d also say I love Dane County Regional Airport for both business and pleasure — it is easy to get to, has convenient parking, and there are never long lines to deal with.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I make a mean chili — it’s hot, spicy, and chunky!
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Believe it or not, my guilty pleasure is shopping, especially for socks, shoes, and ties.
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