The American Recovery Association president, Vaughn Clemmons, gave a passionate and inspiring end-of-year message to the organization’s members and associates, calling for continued efforts to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.
Clemmons, a 37-year recovery professional veteran, referenced both John F. Kennedy’s “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” and Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream!” speeches in calling on the industry to work together, draw on common concerns and needs, and present a unified front to legislators, regulators, and clients, during an online virtual meeting.
As president of Automobile Recovery Bureau, Inc., in Houston, Texas, he oversees recovery operations for the company that has operated for over 60 years and has 52 employees.
Clemmons said the industry faced numerous challenges during the pandemic, with states implementing vehicle repossession moratoriums, skyrocketing fuel prices, soaring insurance costs, and agencies leaving the business. But he became emotional when he spoke of a wave of recent shootings of recovery agents resulting in deaths and severe injuries in performing their jobs.
“These people just aren’t collectors,” he said. “They are fathers, brothers, family members, and loved ones. We must do everything we can to ensure the safety of our collectors.”
He called for fitting every collector with body armor and body cameras — a move that will likely cost between $3-5 million.
He said the association is strong due to a highly professional staff and the hard work of member volunteers who devote their time and efforts to improving the industry for everyone.
“We recognize and appreciate all the efforts,” Vaugh said, “and we need more members to step up to ensure our industry flourishes and grows.”
He said that is necessary. Only some can maintain a healthy, profitable enterprise and be able to pass that business along to their children. In decades past, having a son or daughter take over the family recovery business was prevalent, and it has since become a rarity.
“We are losing agents daily,” he said. “It’s the most losses I’ve seen in 40 years. We must work together to make our industry stronger.”
Among the ARA’s priorities for 2024 are working to improve:
• Safety of Collectors and Operators
• Storage Issues
• Runaway Expenses
• Insurance Costs
• Legal and Regulatory Challenges
“Are we satisfied with surviving?” Clemmons asked. “Or do we need to thrive?”
Clemmons pointed to a variety of successes the ARA had in 2023. He said the association has stepped up and improved its member communication efforts. It has nearly completed a 50-state database of state laws and vehicle recovery rules. It has had tangible results in addressing attempts to change regulations that would negatively affect an already-challenged industry.
He said the Town Hall Zoom Forums would continue into 2024 and that the association would intensify its efforts to communicate at a high level with hits members.
“We need to hear from you to sharpen each other,” he said. “We need to be able to meet to determine the challenges, talk out problems and seek solutions.”
He noted that clients need to be aware of the challenges and risks the recovery industry faces and be made aware of the value of the services ARA’s members provide.
He encouraged all members, associate members, and clients to attend the 60th Annual North American Repossessors Summit April 11-12 in Orlando, Fla.
“Our strength lies in speaking with one voice,” he concluded.
