The ACA member company is celebrating its history in its community and advancements as a women-owned and operated company certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
10/04/2022 1:15 P.M.
2 minute read
L J Ross Associates (L J Ross), an ACA International member company in Jackson, Michigan, is celebrating several milestones in October.
L J Ross was founded in 1992 by Al Ross upon his retirement from Consumers Energy/CMS-AR Services, making 2022 the company’s 30th anniversary in the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry.
With his expertise in the utility industry and more specifically in recovering debt, Ross decided to start L J Ross so he could create good jobs in his community—and because he wasn’t quite ready to retire.
L J Ross has grown from a small, local business that offered NSF check collection and check verification, to a nationally licensed firm that provides comprehensive accounts receivable recovery strategies and services in all 50 states.
“I attribute the sustained growth to having set clear business goals and objectives and finding the amazing talent that we have to make things happen,” Ross said. “Sure, there are speed bumps along the way, but you have to stay the course. Stay focused. Stay determined. And a little bit of luck always helps.”
In July 2021, Ross and co-owner Linda Tortorice passed the torch to the company’s second-generation owner, their niece Melissa Plunkey. Plunkey grew up in the family business, which meant the legacy of the company would continue in the community, with clients and its employees.
Under the new ownership, L J Ross is women-owned and operated and certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
When asked about the success of the company and goals going forward, Plunkey said: “First and foremost, we have a clear vision to serve and improve the financial health of our stakeholders. Our strategies involve our team members, our clients, and our community.”
L J Ross COO Rebecca Roberts-Stewart is active in ARM industry advocacy and leadership.
Roberts-Stewart served as past president and is a current board member of the Michigan Association of Collection Agencies. She has spent much of her 18-year career in the industry advocating for the rights of clients and collection agencies to collect past due debts, which is a necessary part of the financial ecosystem in the U.S.
“Our involvement in our trade organization has been a major factor in our success,” Roberts-Stewart said.
Another accomplishment for the company this year is recognition from The Detroit Free Press as a Top 100 Workplaces for best places to work in Michigan in 2022.
“Our employees are invested in our clients’ success and our team’s success,” Roberts-Stewart said. “We’re also big on supporting the community. During the pandemic, our team volunteered over 2,000 hours helping with local food distribution. Just a few of L J Ross’ community partners include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County, The United Way of Southwest Michigan, and Adopt-A-Highway through the Michigan Department of Transportation.”
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.