Founded in 1989
Chicago, Illinois
Member of the Chicago Better Business Bureau

Frequently Asked Questions Part 2 -- Back to FAQ Part 1

Q:  Can you give me a brief description or mission statement reflecting the goals of Capital Recovery?
A:  Capital Recovery works to find unclaimed assets, which are owned the private citizens, then locates these individuals to negotiate a plan of retrieving funds in the quickest and most convenient way. Each client is provided with our full, professional attention to ensure his/her time spent with Capital Recovery is a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Q:  What makes Capital Recovery stand out from its competitors?
A:  The most valuable aspect of Capital Recovery is the connection of our team forms with the individuals who choose to work with our company in recovering their funds. Each client is given the opportunity to speak to me personally as one of the founds of Capital Recovery who informs the individual of the unclaimed assets and initiates a personal connection that will hopefully facilitate the recovery process. This is especially important because we believe that all our clients deserve our full, undivided attention for their satisfaction and our efficiency.

Q:  What was your education and previous work experience like before deciding to start your own business?
A:  I graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in business and a minor in communication, which allowed my business partner, Alan Dumond, and I to found Capital Recovery soon after my graduation in 1989. 30 years in experience with unclaimed assets has enabled us to establish Capital Recovery as a well-qualified and trusted company among its competitors.

Q:  How did this help you in acquiring the necessary skills to work with unclaimed assets?
A:  Capital Recovery has been in operation for about 30 years and in that time I have been able to watch my own business and the industry itself transform with the advancements in technology and communication. Experience has taught me adaptability in all aspects of my business from accommodating clients to overcoming certain limitations by taking advantage of what is available to me. I believe that experience is the best way to learn and I am proud to say that my familiarity in working with unclaimed assets has allowed me to become more aware and think more critically when it comes to future decisions.

Q:  What initially attracted you to working with unclaimed assets and how did you get yourself started?
A:  I was initially attracted to working with unclaimed assets because I felt that it would offer a rewarding and special kind of experience, but I also thought that it was a unique 'niche business'. What I mean by 'niche business' is that Capital Recovery targets a specific group of people with a common need or interest. I was most curious about investigative side of locating unclaimed assets and individuals to whom they are due, but over time I have learned to appreciate and love all facets of my business. The feeling I get when I am able to get in contact with a beneficiary and share the good news is exhilarating and I am truly grateful to be helping our clients and their families.

Q:  Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
A:  Right now, my team and I are working on broadening our range of clients, which will continue to encourage our maturation as a company and improve our effectiveness and efficiency. Overall, I hope to expand Capital Recovery to close the gaps that currently exist by reviewing our goals and implementing solutions which I know will require change and cooperation.

Q:   What is your current business strategy, or plan to ensure the company's future advancement?
A:  In order for business to prosper, it is necessary for a company to recognize their weaknesses, but also focus on the strengths of each team member and the company as a whole. The relationship we are able to form with our clients is the energy that keeps our business running and the driving force behind Capital Recovery's motivation and willingness to act. When addressing weaknesses, I believe that knowledge from technology is power and Capital Recovery is working on improving proficiency by utilizing updated systems, organization tools, and means of communicating through automation. In addition to technology, the management team meets on a weekly basis to confirm the goals of Capital Recovery and make sure each team member is contributing and executing assigned tasks.

Q:  You have a diverse group of people contributing to the business's development. What are some of the advantages/disadvantages?
A:  Many would say that having such a diverse group of people could be a disadvantage because there are so many different opinions and ideas, which would make it more difficult to find a balance or median. To me, it is the best part of working with a group because each person brings a new perspective and my favorite, eye-opening moments are when a new member is able to look at what we have been doing and offer a simpler or better solution. This way we are always ready to make improvements and not become too comfortable in old habits or ways that may be hindering our success. Compromise is a huge part of cooperation, and every team member is willing to tweak and change processes when necessary.

Q:  What do you consider to be your style of management, more hands-on or hands-off?
A:  While being able to work in a group is an essential part of Capital Recovery's operation, I like to think that independence plays part in the individual team member's work. I love to find self-sufficient, potential members of my team who I am able to give a specific task that requires responsibility, yet also allows for a lot creative liberty and freedom to reveal their personal talent and strengths. It's enjoyable for me to get to know the people that I work with and watch expand their interests and discover their potential.

Q:  What is the most challenging aspect of the work you do?
A:  As we continue to grow and expand our company, I understand that our process and systems will become more complex and somewhat more difficult to understand, yet my confidence lies in the competence of my team which I have been able to form over the past 30 years. I also understand that expansion will demand my patience and results may not be as fast as they would have been if the company stayed small. However, John Wooden, the great UCLA basketball coach, always told his players "be quick, but don't hurry," and I believe that this sums up my business philosophy which is that efficiency is important, yet success does not happen overnight.

Back to FAQ Part 1