My Life as a Small Debt Buyer

Being a small debt buyer is a journey—and not always an easy one. Since entering the industry, I’ve learned more about perseverance and adaptability than I ever thought I would. Let me take you behind the scenes of my world: the challenges, the wins, and everything in between.

How It All Started

Just over six years ago, I stepped into this industry by taking over a family business in the Pacific Northwest. Before that, I worked in banking for about eight years. I was comfortable on the lending side, but the non-performing side is a different ball game..  When I first started, I spent a lot of time just figuring things out. I went to conferences, asked questions, and leaned heavily on leaders in the industry. The veterans in the Receivables management industry were generous with their time and knowledge, investing in me and other young professionals in the space. The first person to encourage me to get involved and run for the RMAI board was Adam Parks, who was board president at the time, and I’m sure glad he did. 

The Challenges of Being Small

The Compliance Tightrope

One thing you quickly learn as a small debt buyer is that you’re playing by the same rules as the big guys—but with fewer resources. Compliance is non-negotiable, and I’ve spent countless hours making sure I’m up to date with state and federal regulations. It’s exhausting, but it’s also the cost of doing business. I’m not a compliance expert, but as a one-man shop, I’ve had to learn enough to hold my own.

Building (and Keeping) Trust

If there’s one thing that matters in this business, it’s relationships. Whether it’s brokers, agencies, or law firms, trust is everything. You need to know that the people you’re working with have your back and can deliver what they promise. Good, solid relationships with trusted people are vital Without trust, you’re just spinning your wheels.

Learning the Hard Way

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Early on, I got licensed in several states without having the infrastructure to support operations there. I thought I was preparing for growth, but really, I was biting off more than I could chew. That was a tough lesson, but it taught me to align my plans with reality. Making mistakes and learning from them is one of the most important aspects of career success.

The Wins (Because It’s Not All Hardship)

I’ve had some real victories, too. Expanding from Washington and Oregon into Idaho was a big step for me. It’s a small state in terms of volume, but taking that leap—and doing it thoughtfully—felt like a win. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

And then there’s the community. Serving on the RMAI board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’ve had the chance to represent small buyers and make sure our voices are heard. It’s proof that even the little guys can make a big impact.

Let’s Talk

What about you? If you’re in this industry—or thinking about jumping in—what’s been your experience? Have you faced similar challenges? Found your own wins? Let’s swap stories.

And hey, if you want to hear more about my journey, check out the latest episode of the Receivables Podcast on YouTube. It’s a great conversation, and I think you’ll find it relatable. 

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

Let’s keep the conversation going.