Adam Parks (00:07)
Hello everybody, Adam Parks here with another episode of Receivables Podcast. Today I'm here with my new friends and frequent guests because they are very active at ACA International, participating in the leadership there and helping us to better understand what's going on at the ACA events throughout the year. So Jennifer Whipple and Tim Haag, how you doing today, guys? Really appreciate you coming on.
Jennifer Whipple (00:31)
Really good Adam.
Tim Haag (00:33)
No, excited to be here. These are always a lot of fun and it's great catching up with you, but you make this very easy and seamless. So we'll try to have some fun today.
Adam Parks (00:43)
Well, I greatly appreciate it. And I think that just echoes the kind of fun that we're going to be having in Louisville, Louisville. I don't even know how to say it correctly. So Louisville. All right. I'm really looking forward to getting out there and participating in the ACA annual conference this year. Before we jump into that, though, just quick introductions, starting with you, Jennifer, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to the seat that you're in today?
Tim Haag (00:51)
Woof.
Jennifer Whipple (01:08)
thanks Adam. Yeah. I'm Jennifer Whipple, President of Collection Bureau Services here in Missoula, Montana. I'm a small agency, so we have about 22 employees. And I guess I got here today because I love serving on boards. I love donating my time and learning more about our industry and other industries. So I just kept saying yes and saying, I want to know more. I want to be more involved and asking too many questions about the financials.
Adam Parks (01:34)
Fair enough, I can appreciate that. Tim, how about you?
Tim Haag (01:37)
Well, Jen, of sold yourself a little short also. You are also currently serving as President-Elect. So this is Jen's big show in Louisville. So we'll talk more about that here in a minute. But yes, Tim Haag president and CEO of State Collection Service, 100 % health care based in Madison, Wisconsin. Now we have people all over the country working remotely, but just over 600 total employees.
Adam Parks (01:47)
Okay.
Tim Haag (02:03)
and currently serving as ACA's president. so Jen comes in, I get to take the back seat and it's been quite the year, a very good year. So you're in good hands. We're all in good hands with Jen coming up next.
Adam Parks (02:16)
Well, we do appreciate your service and we really look forward to Jennifer's energy ideas. I mean, just getting to know her through these conversations over the last couple of years. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next. So I think this is going to be a great conference, great time of year, great place to be. Talk to me a little bit about what people should expect at the ACA conference this year.
Jennifer Whipple (02:16)
Thanks.
think you should expect big energy. Louisville is nothing but high energy, a lot of fun. Tim and I went there the first time about 18 months ago and we didn't have any real expectations when we arrived, but it was probably the most fun I've had in a 24 hour period in a long time. How about you, Tim?
Tim Haag (02:59)
Well, that's cause I was there, but, ⁓ actually I had very low expectations. think the first thing I said to, to Scott and Mary was Louisville. What, what? And then once we got there, I was pleasantly surprised. I would describe it to people that haven't been there. And anytime I do, they're like, yeah, you're right. It's kind of like the new Nashville. It's got that Nashville type of feel. People are super nice.
Jennifer Whipple (03:00)
you
Adam Parks (03:04)
Okay.
Tim Haag (03:27)
If you like bourbon, there's a lot of bourbon. The food, it's a big foodie town, tons of great restaurants that we got to visit and experience, a lot of history. And it's really easy to get to, I mean, I think within a two hour drive, you can hit like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, all kinds of different places.
Tim Haag (03:51)
You know, it could be a good opportunity to take a nice summer road trip with your family, that you could do a lot of things. Obviously it's the home of the Kentucky Derby. We're going to have an event there. We'll talk a little bit more about that, but as for convention, Jen, this is your show. So tell us, what are we going to experience?
Jennifer Whipple (04:08)
Yeah, I'm pretty excited. It's going to be at a convention center and a little bit different than what we normally experience in the hotel. And a lot of people have asked me, Jen, do I stay at the Marriott or do I stay at the Omni? They are both beautiful hotels. They are right next door to each other and the convention centers across the street. So no matter where you stay, you're going to be in the action. You're going to be close to the convention center and able to walk wherever you want to go.
Jennifer Whipple (04:33)
So I think you're in for some really good information at the conference itself. We've got some pre-conference this year. I'm pretty excited. We're going to have a live small agency jam. We're going to have a live at the bar session for attorneys, not at the actual bar. And we are going to have a live healthcare connection session as well. And then we're going to kick off the conference with a really good speaker. Pretty energetic, powerful, uplifting.
leadership and then we're also going to shut it down with a really dynamic speaker. Her name is Erica and she was actually in the debt collection industry before she became a bourbon seller.
Tim Haag (05:10)
Yeah, she's quite interesting.
Adam Parks (05:10)
I gotta learn more
about this, Tim. Give me some more details here. I feel like this is right up your alley.
Tim Haag (05:15)
Yeah. So, we met her. worked, she is in charge of the food and beverage at the Omni Hotel. they took, she took us a small group of us on a bourbon tasting. And I think she handed me a bottle that I could hold. couldn't drink it. Well, I could have, I would have had to pay for it, but I think the single bottle that I was holding was something like $40,000. And so she knows her stuff, had a lot of high end stuff, and went through and explained and let me tell you.
by the end of that, I don't really, I don't remember the exact story because, she might've overindulged us in that version. ⁓ but it was funny cause she had asked, so what do you guys all do? What does this, what is this conference all about? And it was like, well, you'd never like to have to say it, but we're in the death collection field. my God. I love that. That's where I started my career.
Adam Parks (05:49)
Is your own a bourbon tasting? Sure.
Tim Haag (06:06)
And she started telling us stories about that. So that's when the idea came up saying, you know, would you consider doing a session? And then we found out that she does some speaking on the side as well. so, relationship motivational, but also combining bourbon and debt collection. So perfect mix, I guess.
Adam Parks (06:21)
Well, relationships are built through a shared experience and bourbon is one of those shared experiences that a lot of people not just across the debt collection industry, but across the United States really have come together over. And what a great opportunity, you know, similar to if we were doing it in Sonoma, we'd probably have somebody talking about wine, I think it just kind of makes sense for us all to learn a little bit more about the backstory and really provide an additional opportunity to bring people together later in the day as people are
congregating at the bars and things as is normal for a conference, but what a really cool opportunity to really engage those people. Talk to me a little bit about that area. mean, it feels like you've got the convention center right there. You've got the two hotels, the Omni and the Marriott. But then there's like a whole promenade of restaurants, bars, and all types of locations. I haven't been there yet. want to to Fourth Street Live, I think is what it was called. Help me through. Of course, I did my homework, right?
Tim Haag (07:14)
Yes. Yep.
Tim Haag (07:18)
As Jen said, a ton of energy. That Fourth Street Live is really cool. There's also a number of the Bourbon distilleries that are still located right downtown. So a lot of people hear about the Bourbon Trail and that's, you know, between really Louisville all the way up to Lexington. But some of the big ones are still there. So they have daily tours. I highly recommend that. The other thing is if you're a baseball fan, Louisville Slugger.
Tim Haag (07:44)
That's
made there. There's a great tour. Jen and I did it. think it probably took a half hour, 45 minutes. You actually leave with a little Louisville slugger bat, which I have right over here. but I was amazed on the story because it looks, mean, it's a really old factory. And I was like, this is just like set up for a tourism. So no, every major league baseball bat is made here. We saw they were making at the time.
I forgot what player it was, but, they told the differences between each of their bats. What this player might like a really heavy bat one might, they come in, they design their own bat and, they make a lot of bats. But they even talk about the forest where they get all the wood from. They own those forests and have, a law, just a large process of, picking the perfect trees.
for the perfect wood for those bats. And there's different types of wood for different types of bats. So I highly recommend that. Jen, what else am I missing?
Jennifer Whipple (08:44)
I was just going to throw in that the Slitter Museum was really close to the hotel. We walked, but, and it was really neat. it's the, the Omni, then the Marriott, then 4th Street Live, and then the Louisville Sluggers just on the other side of that. So it really is walkable. Very fun. I think, is it Muhammad Ali? Is the Ali Museum is a little bit farther down a couple of blocks away. But that is one that I didn't get to go to the first time that I'm interested in getting to this time.
Tim Haag (08:48)
Yeah. Yep.
Jennifer Whipple (09:12)
pretty neat. if you're by yourself and you're just coming in, I don't think you need a rental car. Grab a quick Uber to the hotel and it's walkable from there. If you're bringing your family and you want to go across the bridge, there's a really cool cavern in Kentucky that you can go see and take the family to. So maybe you want to rent a car. But I know that there's a pool and my kids are excited to see it.
Tim Haag (09:34)
And it's just a few blocks from the river. They have river boat tours like the old river boats. That looked like a lot of fun. Again, we didn't get a chance to do that, but hoping to do that this time around. A lot of kids activities. There's a zoo in town. There's a big amusement park, water park type of stuff. So really there's something for everybody.
Adam Parks (09:34)
There.
Well, that all sounds like we're gonna have a good time there. How about the ACPAC event this time around? I know you guys are always doing something special as part of that. What's that event look like this year?
Jennifer Whipple (10:01)
We're pretty excited about it. Tim and I were talking lot about it when we were there visiting and what we wanted to do. And we were both in love with doing it at Churchill Downs. So we're excited to announce it'll be at Churchill Downs at the home of the Kentucky Derby. And it's, I think it's at million mile a row. Is that how you say it Tim?
Tim Haag (10:20)
Millionaires row so that's where all during the Derby that's where all the celebrities the the rich people of the horse business the the owners of the horses some of the trainers things of that hang out so how I describe it is a very fancy country club look feel that overlooks the start finish line and You know old mahogany and just really classy so
We'll have to try to class it up a little bit because we're going to have a lot of fun. But we have a special guest speaker, again, coming to talk to us about bourbon. It is bourbon country. And I think the other interesting thing is a lot of these bourbon companies are, you know, multi-generational family businesses. And we see that in our industry a lot. I mean, I'm a third generation. I know, Jen, you were a second or a third.
Yeah. And, and there's many other members that are like that. having that family dynamic in business can be difficult. And so I just want to hear from other industries that are in family business, how that works. So, I can't give the special guest name, out loud, but you'll have to sign up to ACPAC and come check it out. we'll be doing some bourbon tasting and, we'll also have a jockey or two that are going to come in to explain to us.
kind of the history of Churchill Downs, but then also, you know, just how they got into it and the training of it. And, just teach us a little bit about horse racing.
Jennifer Whipple (11:47)
Drift Hill Downs is one of those places that's just so cool. You can just feel it when you're there. Even when Tim and I were there and there was maybe 10 people total in the entire arena, the entire building, and it just felt the energy. You could just see how cool it is when everybody's there and the races are happening. A little too hot in July for the horses to run, so they won't be actively racing while we're there, but we're excited to have this space and have some jockeys that said they would come meet with us.
Adam Parks (12:15)
What a cool place to be historic. That's definitely something that is of interest, I think, to a lot of people in the Kentucky Derby is always kind of a big thing, especially for the bourbon drinkers. And so what an incredible opportunity to participate in supporting the trade association and at the same time, actually getting to network with that group of people like what a cool group that's going to be together and for such a good cause.
With everything that you have planned for ACA annual conference this year, is there anything that I'm missing? there anything that we're leaving out that I need to get on my calendar here?
Tim Haag (12:49)
I would say my favorite part always is the networking, the storytelling, the sharing of ideas, the expo hall. We have a number of people and new vendors coming in. know last year's convention, I think there was seven or eight new companies that came in. And I think Adam, you and I have spent time talking about it. It's an exciting time in this industry. Yes, it's consolidating from an agency standpoint.
and partially even from an employee standpoint due to technology. But it's neat to see how much new money is coming in and how many companies are interested in this space. That's really good for us, really good for the industry, good for business, but always fun to see what's the next new idea out there that's going to change this industry for the better. spend time with them and learn.
Adam Parks (13:41)
I always try and make it a point to hit all the booths because there's always going to be something that I've never heard of before, never seen before. It's going to come up in conversation and I want to make sure that I'm at the forefront of, or at least understanding, you know, how these things are evolving.
Tim Haag (13:55)
The other thing I like with the expo hall is even those, those vendors that you've known for 20 years, it's nice to stop by to see what are they offering now? What are they changing? I just met with a vendor for lunch last week in Chicago and they showed me two or three, four different products and they're one of our largest vendors. And I just, I had no idea they were doing that. So take the time. it's time well spent plus bring your business cards and maybe you'll get lucky and win one of those great prizes.
after you put your business card in the fishbowl. But you can also learn a lot and tell them what your pain points are. Maybe they have a solution or maybe they'll find time to create a solution to solve that problem. If Jen has that problem, I probably have the same problem and many other members do too. So utilize the time.
Adam Parks (14:43)
Those
open dialogues really do help with the special with the technology vendors to be able to open up those opportunities and get your needs onto their roadmaps. And that crossover is such an important part of the discussions that happen at these types of trade shows.
Jennifer Whipple (15:00)
Yeah, and we've got the innovation stage that's running during the conference as well. And that is a lot of our business partners showing us new ideas and new technologies, new opportunities to solve some of our problems.
Adam Parks (15:11)
I like that there's plenty of problems to be solved and the more technology we apply, the more things that we start to learn and identify and find new and more and more opportunities to create efficiencies and, drive our businesses into the future. And now is definitely that time as we see this increase in the volume of accounts, a decrease in liquidation that we're expecting over time based on the strain of the consumer. What a what a great or critical time, really to be engaged and involved in these types of discussions and participating in these types of events.
Jennifer Whipple (15:40)
Yeah. And Adam, if you're not a late night person and you like to maybe start your day a little earlier than others, we've got a runners club in the morning, but I also saw a yoga in the morning. They have a quiet room as well that's open all day. So if you need a moment to yourself and maybe step out of the busy, busyness for 10 or 15 minutes, there's a relaxation room. And then what I really want to try, I'm really hoping that my schedule allows, it's called drum roll wake up call.
with pound fitness. I know, I'm pretty excited. I think we get a drum and make a lot of noise. I'm excited.
Adam Parks (16:16)
That does sound like fun. I don't know about the morning, but that sounds like fun.
Tim Haag (16:20)
you
Jennifer Whipple (16:21)
It's a 7 a.m. Adam. So like I said, only if you want to start your day early. Maybe, yeah, maybe you went to bed a little earlier than others. You'll be available at 7 a.m.
Adam Parks (16:25)
Alright, I'll see you at breakfast.
Fair. Well, sounds like there's a lot of really great things that are going to be happening this year, a lot of opportunities or different opportunities to engage with different folks and to participate in some really incredible events that ACPAC event at Churchill Down sounds like a fantastic opportunity not only to network, but to actually go and get an experience. And people hear me say it all the time, but relationships are built through a shared experience and what better place to have a shared experience than Churchill Down. So
I'm looking forward to that one as well. think there's going to be a lot of greatness coming together from this event. So I appreciate you guys taking the time to come on, share your insights, but I really do appreciate everything today.
Tim Haag (17:11)
I gotta make one more plug because I told you I had some...
Jennifer Whipple (17:11)
Thanks, Anne.
Adam Parks (17:13)
Go for it. Let's hear it.
Tim Haag (17:14)
Get to know this, true story bourbon and also they're finished dry. So a few of us while being down there met the founder and we may have invested in this. It's great bourbon. And so the debt collection business is actually also in the bourbon business. So you'll be seeing bottles of that throughout convention and stop on by. We'll make sure you get a taste.
Adam Parks (17:33)
Yeah.
Jennifer Whipple (17:39)
I'm on it.
Adam Parks (17:40)
Fantastic.
I really do appreciate it, guys. Thank you so much, Jennifer. Congratulations. Really looking forward to your presidency over the next year, and your leadership is appreciated.
Jennifer Whipple (17:51)
Yeah, thank you. Yeah, I appreciate that. Yeah, Friday night we have a closing dinner. I'll be sharing some of my insights and ideas about what the upcoming year will look like. And then there's a few people who might be telling some stories about me as well. So stay tuned for that.
Tim Haag (17:52)
gonna do a fantastic job.
Adam Parks (18:06)
I'll be there for that listening and for those of you that are watching, if you have additional questions you'd like to ask or things you'd like to see us discuss, you can leave those in the comments on LinkedIn and YouTube and we'll be responding to those. And hopefully in the future, I'll be able to get them to come back at least one more time to help me continue to create great content for a great industry. But until next time, thank you so much for coming on and sharing your insights. I really do appreciate you.
Tim Haag (18:30)
Thanks for having us, Adam. Look forward to seeing everybody in Louisville.
Jennifer Whipple (18:30)
Thanks, guys.
Adam Parks (18:31)
And thank you everybody for watching.
Looking forward to seeing you in Louisville. And thank you everybody for watching. We appreciate your time and attention. We'll see you all again soon. Bye everyone.
