Repossession agents seize vehicles or property, either voluntarily or involuntarily, from individuals who have failed to make payments. As such, repossession agents often deal with aggravated people, sometimes even daily. Other challenges in this industry include varying legislation, locating property to be seized, and negotiating and collecting past-due amounts. There are many facets to a career in collections and repossessions. Jenny Liagre, owner of Rockwood Recovery Inc. and a Marquis Who’s Who honoree, knows what it takes to succeed, having spent more than 25 years in the finance industry.
Building a Career
Liagre has always enjoyed being challenged, and her diverse career experience highlights her remarkable proficiency. She launched her finance career in 1998 at NBD Bank. While she was in training for an assistant manager role, she received an offer to work for Salomon Smith Barney, a very large brokerage firm. She shifted her career after obtaining her Series 6 Financial Advisory License, opting to work in real estate for a few years. Continuing to embrace challenges and adapt to new industries and positions, Liagre transitioned into the medical field and did insurance and referrals for 10 years before starting her repossession business.
Liagre’s exceptional adaptability and versatility demonstrate her expertise in finance and repossession. She owns Rockwood Recovery Inc., a repossession company based in the Metro Detroit area that handles automobile and vehicle repossessions. She is also the co-owner of Rockwood Lock and Key with her husband and son and co-owner of Rockwood Automotive Group with her husband.
Academics and Awards
Liagre is a high school graduate who furthered her skills with a collections manager certification in Michigan in 2016 and an asset recovery specialist certification. Her academic foundation and extensive on-the-job experience have significantly contributed to her professional achievements.
Honored with the Women in Collections and Recovery Award in November 2023 at the Used Car Week Event, Liagre attributes her success to her husband and family and the other strong women in the industry who supported and helped her. She also spoke publicly at the Women in Collections and Recovery Panel, sharing her insights on the industry. She has been interviewed by prominent news media outlets, such as Channel 4, Channel 7, NHK Japan, and the Lester Holt Show for NBC.
In 2021, Liagre revived the Michigan Association of Repossession Agencies and was president until she stepped down in 2023 to take a position as a board member for the State of Michigan Collections Board. She believes successful leaders must find their drive and the support and guidance of other leaders. “You have to find people who are really experienced,” she said. She suggests finding a group of effective leaders and making inroads with them, as they can encourage you and teach you how to be a leader.
In her personal life, Liagre is happily married and has one child. In her spare time, she enjoys boating, hiking, camping, and other activities that allow her to connect with nature. She hopes to be semi-retired soon and transition from Rockwood Automotive Group to independent management.
