As we are delighted to spotlight Cheryl Carliss for our August newsletter, please read through her short interview which conveys her passion for CMI and the collection business.
Q-1: What was the initial opportunity that brought you into the collection profession? How long have you been working at CMI and in the collection industry?
A-1: The opportunity was always there as I grew up in our commercial collections family business. At first I worked as a teenager filing and doing clerical work after school. Then gradually during college summers, I would cold call and set up sales appointments. At the young age of nineteen I started full time in the clerical department and eventually moved up to Legal Coordinator.
After about five years, I wanted to try something else and decided to go to hair styling school, becoming a stylist and working in Philadelphia for almost fifteen years. It was a great job and a great time to be young and living in the city. Fortunately, as an opportunity came up in our business to manage the service departments (clerical, legal and accounting), I took it with enthusiasm. I’ve now been here since 2008 helping my family business grow.
Q-2: What are your main responsibilities at CMI?
A-2: I am the on-site office manager in charge of human resources, administration, IT and accounting. I make sure every department runs smoothly, including the collection and sales departments. Managers who have questions or concerns, or who would just like to run a good idea by me is what I’m here for. Also, as we’re located in an older building, I wear many hats and on any given day I might have to resolve an air conditioning, heating, or plumbing problem (with the help of my dad and husband).
Q-3: What is the most gratifying aspect of your position and work?
A-3: There are many gratifying moments at my job. The ones I like the most are overcoming obstacles and coming out on top (getting a positive result). In this business, as they’re many things to cover, you need to be well organized and able to juggle a lot of balls in the air. Although it can get hectic, it keeps me on my toes and that’s where I like to be.
Q-4: What do you find to be the biggest challenge in your day to day work?
A-4: My biggest challenge is to not get stuck in a rut. I have daily tasks I do everyday, on top of the many tasks that are thrown at me. Sometimes the daily work can make it easy to slip into a mundane routine and forget to get out of my office to motivate and inspire employees.
Q-5: In what way do you feel CMI Credit Mediators, Inc., stands out in the industry?
A-5: CMI has an excellent reputation in the industry for quality, integrity, and professionalism. We have many clients who have been with us for decades, which is a testament to our ongoing goal of providing Total Client Satisfaction. As we continue to improve our operation, our clients are able to receive the status and information on any account, in any form required, and at any time. In addition, every member of our team is encouraged to be an exceptional professional, which includes requiring all of our collectors to be certified and well experienced in the industry. As owners who deeply understand the value of exceeding the needs of our clients, we are always present at the company to be a guiding light and their trusted partner.
