An Interview with Kortney Haddix, DSW Accounts Receivable Manager
We sat down with Kortney Haddix, the Accounts Receivable Manager for DSW, as she shared her experience working in the disaster recovery industry and how she motivates her team!
We asked Kortney what made DSW different from everyone else, and she stated, "I would say, the people here I think the people that work here definitely make the difference. Everyone I work with is willing to help each other out. It's it's like a family here. And I think that that really sets DSW apart from some of the other builders that we work within the industry."
Read the transcript below:
Hi. My name is Kortney Haddix. I am the accounts receivable manager at DSW homes and the corporate office.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Kortney: It’s extremely, I would say fast paced and challenging. Every day, you kind of come in with a plan. And you might as well kind of throw that out the window as soon as you get here because it's going to change. But that's what's the good part of it, you know, I get to help find solutions to problems every day and have new goals every day. So I would say fast paced and challenging, which is a good thing.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Kortney: Collections. I like payday. It ensures DSW is financial stability so that we can keep doing what we're doing. And that's helping families that have been affected by natural disasters.
What brought you into this industry?
Kortney: Previous to working at DSW homes, I actually worked in the chemical refineries, doing billing there. And I did that for about 10 years, and Harvey hit. And then I was actually approached by the SW AP manager, Jessica, who's amazing. And she said that they had an opening here. And it just felt like after Harvey had hit it, it was a good time to make a switch, getting out of the plants and doing something to help people.
What makes DSW different?
Kortney: I would say, the people here I think the people that work here definitely make the difference. Everyone I work with is willing to help each other out. It's it's like a family here. And I think that that really sets DSW apart from some of the other builders that we work with in the industry.
How is the industry changing?
Kortney: I feel like the industry is changing in that it's me coming more proactive rather than reactive. It's not so much sitting around and you know, waiting on one of these awful disasters to happen. Every time that we start a new program, and we have a kickoff meeting, everyone already has a plan together and they're, you know, ready to implement it and get started and get moving and help get people back into their homes.
What you do is hard. How do you motivate your team?
Kortney: I am really big on goal setting and affirmations. I believe you have to start out every day and we with a goal. I set a goal for the day and for the end of the week. And that's what we push towards. And on top of that, I think it's even more important to tell your team when they're doing a great job, really acknowledge that they're going that extra mile. They're doing the hard work. And I mean, to be honest, I would not be anything without my team. They they're really the stars. I'm just you know, setting goals, I guess because they're pushing it. They're keeping up with our field teams. They're checking up on things, they're talking to the programs, and I wouldn't be lost without them. They're so awesome. I cannot say enough great things about them.
