Editorial
Every day I hear agents from all over the nation lament about unfair repossession fees and lender demanded concessions with allegations of compliance being the basis for their demands. It is almost ironic how many of these same people are the ones directly responsible for doing it to themselves.
Very good Kevin!
Yours has always been a voice of reason and balance. National Associations have evolved (changed) in the last decade. I remember I joined CALR in 1992 and felt like I just went to another planet. I did try to become involved but it was a “closed club”. I remained for a few years but always felt like an outsider. After a while I just kinda didn’t renew my membership. National Associations were even worse. This was a “Good Old Boy Club” that I could not even afford the initiation. Everybody owned the biggest Agency in **********. It was a giant bragfest and again not my style.
Like many others I just bought a dishonesty bond and bashed the Associations. Hell I was making money even if I couldn’t get into GMAC. Times were good and I just kept to a very small circle of Repo friends. I still have those friends today. But alas times have certainly changed!
Now it is not really an option not to be in an Association. I have joined and while they dont really generate any revenue for my agency,It has been a very wise investment. Simply having a large pool of contemporaries is huge to me. No longer are they a Good Old Boys Club. I have so many friends and mentors that I owe huge.
This brings up the obvious point, UNITY. We have all talked about it either extreme or benign ways to get our way. Unfortunately there is not a magic bullet to fix what ails us. Letting down your guard with friendly competitors is a very good start! Call with a question,stop by when you are in the neighborhood. Dont guard the damn client list like it is the DaVinci code. It is my shops absolute policy to stop and assist or standby if a competitor is doing a recovery. The other guy might not initially reciprocate initially, but you have some unity. Pass by another “Vampire” at 2:00 am? wave, it is really easy.
Trust another owner. You might get burned but I would bet it is unlikely. I am vey proud of our group here in SoCal. We talk often (we all know Repossessors are gossip) and have each others back. Have a question? Call me- My direct # is 909-969-4306. I might not have any good advice but I will gladly share my mistakes. This is still the coolest gig on the planet. If lenders see us sticking together, they kinda have to acknowlege we are a force.
Have fun-make some money and talk to your buddies! Scott Patterson
When out of the darkness arose the voice of sanity and reason…thank you Kevin!!!