The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.
Catherine Calko loves the classics. And that love extends to her work and career in the accounts receivable management industry. What she loves so much about working in this industry — collaboration and collective problem solving — is something she practices as much as she preaches it. Read on to learn more about Catherine and how she can help you become more organized and productive while also acting as your source for the best strawberries.
Name: Catherine Calko
Job Title: Director of Audit and Compliance
Company: Spring Oaks Capital, LLC
Length of Time at Current Company: Five months
Length of Time in Industry: 20 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started as a collector on the phones at MBNA America Bank, N.A. in Beachwood, Ohio.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight to date has been joining the Spring Oaks Capital family. I am so proud to be part of this fantastic leadership team and really excited about future growth opportunities. From a personal perspective, I love that I can leverage all my past experiences while continuing to expand my industry knowledge, particularly with respect to debt buying.
When or how are you most productive?
Early morning is when I feel most productive as I can focus on the day’s priorities and work through my own to-do list. However, working with my team throughout allows us to make decisions, work on design, and execution which really drives productivity of the whole team.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
With all the true professionals I work with week in and week out, I cannot choose just one!
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I love organization and while I wouldn’t say that I am better than everyone else, I love to teach and brainstorm with others on how to get organized and build structure into the work week.
What do you like most about this industry?
The amount of collaboration across this industry is remarkable. There are many great associations, webinars, and educational opportunities, etc. where folks across this industry are willing to openly share best practices, problem solving, and new ideas with one another.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Perception. Often a few bad players are the center of attention and the value brought to the financial services industry is overlooked.
Describe a typical work day.
Log in a little before 8, review meetings for the day, get started on my to do list that I always put together the night before. Like many others, my focus shifts throughout the day based on what happens. I usually log off around 5:30-6:00 for dinner and a walk before logging back in for an hour or so to close out the day and prepare for tomorrow.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Putting my law degree to good use elsewhere!
The Getting to Know Series is Sponsored By:
What is your guilty pleasure?
Binge-watching Indiana Jones movies … except Crystal Skull.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Accept that you will make mistakes, learn from them and move on.
What are you currently reading?
“The Count of Monte Cristo”. I recycle old favorites and this is one of them.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
Outside of work I am an avid gardener. I focus on native pollinator plants and organic fruits and vegetables. From the looks of it, strawberry season is going to be fantastic this year!
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
One of my Spring Oaks colleagues, Jason Collins.
The “Getting to Know” series is sponsored by Applied Innovation. Applied Innovation is helping to shape the future of accounts receivable management. Product development is driven by customer feedback, agency profitability and compliance and includes platforms addressing client portal access, document management, payment negotiation, Regulation E focused electronic payment authorizations and TCPA communication authorization platforms. Partner with a company who understands your business challenges and evolves to provide cutting edge technology to overcome those challenges and achieve success.