Jeffrey DeLage is Chief Operating Officer of Nationwide Debt Direct. They start the process of caring for consumers with the hiring process.
"Hire great people and set proper expectations with each client and creditor! We don't have any affiliates and we are a full service debt settlement company that does not outsource any of our services unlike so many others in this industry." Jeffrey says.
What is your company all about?
"We are all about providing our clients with a path to financial stability. Consumers are simply not aware that options exist for negotiated debt reduction services that offer far more savings with improved benefits over traditional bankruptcy or consolidation options. Our mission is clear; we "out-care the competition."
What did you aspire to do differently in this industry?
"We entered into this space because we saw a customer service void in this industry. Our management team has been together a long time and we always look for industries where customer service and accountability can differentiate you in the market place and that was the case in this industry."
What drives you in a typically tough industry?
"We remain as driven to succeed, as we were when we started. We work hard every day to strengthen our relationships with creditors and clients alike. It's critical to be responsive and proactive to ensure you're providing your clients with the best settlement terms and providing them guidance. When our clients graduate they are more fiscally intelligent and equipped to move forward without the stress and burden that overwhelming financial liabilities place on so many families."
Where does this approach come from?
"I started my professional career in the suburbs of Chicago, where I turned an internship at a local advertising agency into an equity position by nurturing their client base and implementing a full pre-press division to increase their capabilities and further integrate with their parent printing company."
"I moved on to Foote Cone & Belding, where over a ten-year period I managed and collaborated on several key accounts including John Deere, MBNA, GE Capital and Hoover as the company focused on further integrating Direct Response Marketing and brand advertising as core competencies."
"In 2004, I moved to Dallas, TX and worked as an officer of Brierley & Partners on several retail-loyalty marketing clients where I oversaw the national launch of American Eagle Outfitters' and Ann Taylor's loyalty initiatives."
"In 2006, I joined Peter Jacoves' (now CEO of Nationwide) team to assist with the marketing, client services and technology application management needs of Richmond Title Services, a national title company that was later sold to an international management group."
"After the sale, I joined Peter's management team again, where I focus my efforts on the marketing, technology support, sales and overall operations management roles to build one of the most solid companies in our industry. Among many other things, I overlook our YouTube channel, Facebook page and LinkedIn business page."
And so we arrive full-circle; at a company with service at the core and proven loyalty in management, which speaks volumes to their hiring capabilities.
For specific advice on choosing senior executive candidates and how to differentiate your interviews with them check out my book The Naked Interview: Hiring Without Regret.
Interview by David Jensen.