PDCflow recently talked with ACA’s Director of Education and Membership Development Harry Strausser.
1/21/2019 10:30
As part of its ongoing blog series “Thriving in Third Party Collections” ACA International member PDCflow talked with Harry Strausser III, ACA's director of education and membership development, about his career and upcoming industry events.
Strausser is a veteran of collections both as a second-generation business owner and industry member. In his current position at ACA International, he devotes his time to facilitating educational experiences and supporting collectors nationwide, PDCflow reports.
The following is an excerpt from the Q&A with Strausser:
1. Can you tell us about your background in the debt collection industry?
When I was 12, my parents opened a collection firm in northeast Pennsylvania. I grew up in the business and started by licking envelopes, and emptying trash cans along with filing ledger cards. I went on to manage my family’s business and started another firm, Remit Corporation, in 1992. I served as president of that firm until I sold the business in May 2017. I have been an active speaker and industry consultant for 30 years, and became a Certified Instructor with ACA International in 1989. I joined ACA as Director of Education and Membership Development in June 2018.
2. What is the biggest change in this industry since you started?
I would definitely say compliance. Operators today have to navigate through fields of regulatory landmines every day. Predatory law firms target our industry resulting in thousands of lawsuits annually. Prior to the creation of the FDCPA in 1978 we really didn’t have industry regulations. The other significant change is related to technology. In the early days we used paper ledger cards for collections and manually typed letters. Technology has changed the industry dramatically.
3. What has the ACA done to help agencies adapt?
ACA International, once named The American Collectors Association, has been instrumental in perpetuating the success of accounts receivable management industry professionals for 80 years. ACA offers cutting-edge education and corresponding designations that uphold the professionalism and efficiency of industry staff members. The association maintains libraries of searchable documents that aid members in gaining the knowledge they need to be compliant and profitable. Our staff in Washington, D.C. heads our advocacy efforts in the Capitol and continually works to ensure that the industry is appropriately represented.
Read the complete interview with Strausser on the PDCflow blog and be sure to visit our online Events and Education calendar for information on upcoming seminars and conferences including the 2019 Spring Forum and Expo and 2019 Convention and Expo. Both events have registration savings available through Jan. 31.
If you are interested in sharing articles and analysis on legal cases, industry laws and regulations or other relevant topics for possible publication with ACA International, email our Communications Department at [email protected].