AFA and MARA Push Back Against State Repossession Regulation Rollback

Repossession Experts Unite to Modernize Oversight, Not Eliminate It

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2025 – In a strong show of unity and leadership, three of the most prominent figures in Michigan’s repossession industry have taken a stand against the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) recent proposal to eliminate collection agency licensing under Article 9 of the Occupational Code.

Brian Tolstedt, President of the Michigan Association of Repossession Agencies (MARA) and Central Division Director of AFA and owner of Tolmite Recoveries; George Badeen, President of Allied Finance Adjusters (AFA) and owner of Midwest Recovery and Adjustment Inc; and Roxanne Harris, Vice President of MARA, Marketing Director of AFA, and owner of ER Recovery, jointly participated in a key policy meeting with LARA on May 14, 2025.

The meeting was in response to LARA’s “Cutting Red Tape” initiative, which seeks to repeal licensing requirements based on claims of outdated regulatory language, low licensing activity, and overlap with federal and state consumer protection laws.

But the industry leaders are pushing back against licensing recommendations made by the Bureau of Professional Licensing. Repossession companies are not collection agencies, and their role in the enforcement of secured interests must be regulated separately and responsibly.

“We recover vehicles and collateral. We do not collect payments, we don’t manage trust accounts, and we are not governed by the same consumer contact laws that apply to debt collectors,” said Harris. “Lumping us into a regulatory framework designed for financial collections is not only inappropriate—it’s harmful to public safety and business integrity.”

George Badeen pointed out that there has been a lot of sharing of consumer information by third parties and remarketers and the lack of enforcement has become an increasing problem in our state, less licensing will only hurt consumers more.

The trio proposed a collaborative approach: modernize Article 9 to reflect the real-world work of repossession professionals, improve the process of our license, and remove irrelevant requirements such as trust account maintenance and annual collection activity reporting.

“We’re not asking to be unregulated,” added Badeen. “We’re demanding that regulation be smart, efficient, and tailored to the field work we actually do.”

Tolstedt emphasized the importance of timely engagement: “It’s critical that our industry be part of this conversation now. We want to work with LARA to ensure any changes support both consumer protection and the practical realities of recovery operations.”

The coalition is now preparing a formal policy position and plans to rally support from MARA and AFA members across the country. Their goal is simple: reform, not repeal.

Media Contact:
Roxanne Harris
P.O. Box 7109
Flint, MI 48507
(810) 358-9389
cameronroxanne86@gmail.com

About MARA
The Michigan Association of Repossession Agencies (MARA) is a statewide organization committed to advancing professionalism, compliance, and education within the repossession industry.

About AFA
Allied Finance Adjusters (AFA) is the oldest, not-for-profit, national trade association of certified, insured and CFPB compliant recovery professionals. AFA has led the industry as the first trade association to offer its members CFPB Training & ongoing continuing education. AFA Members are the most professional in the industry at locating and repossessing collateral on behalf of all lending institutions including, banks, credit unions, financial institutions, rental & leasing companies, buy here pay here, auto, truck and equipment dealerships.

All new AFA Members must pass rigorous physical office inspections and background checks. AFA does not support Phantom or Ghost offices period. All AFA members are independent professional business operators and are covered by the AFA $1,000,000 Fidelity Coverage Policy. For more information please contact our home office (800) 843-1232. “Professionals Hire Professionals”