Getting to Know Robert J. Reilly of RTR Financial Services
While Robert J. Reilly’s father may have denied us a president, he did give his son a great way of learning the ins and outs of the family business. Robert started at the bottom and has learned every position at the company during his 18 years at RTR Financial Services. That journey is likely a reason why he enjoys spending time with his co-workers so much and why they work so well together. Read on to learn more about Robert, why there is nobody he loves supporting more than his kids, and how he makes golf sound even more enjoyable than it already is.
Name: Robert J. Reilly
Job Title: C.O.O.
Company: RTR Financial Services
Length of time at current company: 18 years
Length of time in industry: 18 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Started working for my father when he opened up RTR in 1998. My father wanted me to start from the bottom, learn every position in the company, so I could speak on any issue that came up. Most of this was done part time, while I was in high school through college.
What is your career highlight so far?
As tough as this question is, I really am proud of myself and my team for being able to onboard eight clients just starting on the EPIC System. We do not act as a vendor but an extension to the facility helping with setups to sunsetting the legacy system.
In addition, I am very proud of surviving the COVID hurdles without laying off a single employee and working without skipping a beat.
When or how are you most productive?
I’m most productive in a conference room with my team, brainstorming away!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
My father. He has taught me everything I know and it’s the best education I have ever received. Watching him and understanding his decision making has allowed me to become confident in what I do every day.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
I prefer not to micromanage. I allow my team to operate by taking initiatives and thinking things through. It allows my team to reach new highs all on their own and if things get tough – I’ll be right behind them.
We work as one unit. The dynamic is not an owner to management. We all have the same goal. Improve every day and keep our clients happy!
What do you like most about this industry?
Leveraging analytics and strategy to assist clients in maximizing debt recovery. In addition, our efforts contribute to maintaining hospitals with cutting-edge technology and help reduce healthcare costs.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I wish there was a broader public understanding and appreciation of the role collection agencies play in the financial ecosystem. Many people see collection agencies in a negative light, not recognizing that we are often working to find mutually beneficial solutions between creditors and debtors.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in this industry, I might have pursued a career in politics. In college, I majored in political science (which I enjoyed very much) and if it weren’t for my dad, I might have been the next president!?
Describe a typical work day.
A typical workday involves communicating with my team members about strategies, upcoming RFP’s, addressing any client requests that need to be discussed. I also spend time on the phone or in meetings with staff/new clients. Continuous improvement is a big part of the job, so I’m always looking for ways to enhance our processes and technology use, including exploring AI solutions to streamline operations and improve customer service.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is playing golf! It’s likely because it offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, solitude and social engagement, physical activity and mental relaxation — all set against the backdrop of nature’s beauty. It’s a sport that can be both a personal sanctuary and a source of community.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Stop complaining, nobody listens!”
“Theres a place for everyone in this world, from the President to the Shoeshine guy.”
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading “The Big Leap” by Gay Hendricks.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m deeply committed to ethical practices and believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their financial situation. A more interesting fact, however, is that I am a diehard Cheer Dad and Baseball Coach for my son’s Little League team.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
No one specifically. I enjoy reading the bios of all our industry professionals.