Collection Agency Issues Challenge to Bill Bartmann

A Minnesota collection agency posted on its blog last week a direct challenge to Bill Bartmann in response to the latest in his series of opinion pieces that have been popping up in online media all over the country.

The Affiliated Group, helmed by Mark Neeb — a Past President of ACA International — noted on its blog in “A Challenge to Bill Bartmann” that many of Bartmann’s stated goals for the debt collection industry are shared by many collection agencies and trade groups.

“We have the same stated goals for the debt collection industry as Bill Bartmann, a self-anointed, self-promoting consumer debt collection savior,” the post begins.

Bartmann has been on a campaign of sorts to paint companies in the ARM industry in the harshest light possible, well every company but his own. Many view it as little more than a well-funded PR and business development program to win new clients.

“Congratulations Mr. Bartmann,” the company writes, “The Affiliated Group — along with ACA International and its nearly 5,000 member organizations which represent approximately 300,000 men and women who dutifully work with consumers to resolve debt issues — have those goals too. We just don’t repeatedly pat ourselves on the back for articulating the obvious.”

The blog post concludes with a bit of a challenge for Bartmann.

“Let’s see it, Bill. Let’s see your commitment to ‘reforming the debt collection industry.’ Throw this lazy narrative in the trash and engage in some real dialogue with other agencies with proven track records in terms of compliance and best practices. Prove that a cleaner collections industry and consumer advocacy truly lie at the top of your priority list, well ahead of your public profile or your next TV appearance.”