Meet the Expert: Laurie Schreck, Accounts Receivable Manager
Frankie Farrar-Helm is our Director of Enterprise Marketing with 13 years of experience in marketing communications, advertising, product launches, and campaign management. When Frankie isn’t working, you can find her hosting events with her golden retriever Luka, baking dog treats, or binge-watching X-Files.
Our elite employees are the heartbeat of Elite365 and what sets us apart from other staffing agencies. Their talent and passion for what they do helps us set the bar and deliver an elite experience to our clients, providers, vendors, and partners. Our “Meet the Expert” series allows us to highlight team members. For the month of December, we are pleased to introduce one of our talented members from the Finance Department at Elite365.
MEET LAURIE SCHRECK
Tell us about the career journey that brought you to Elite365.
I began my accounts receivable (AR) journey at an office supply company in 1987 as their AR Specialist. Two years later, I started working for a local physician as their AR Specialist, and when the doctor moved to Alabama, I went to Parrish Medical Center as a Patient Representative for five years. One of the physicians with the hospital recruited me to come work for him as his Practice Manager for 17 years. From there, I worked as the Human Resources/Payroll Representative. After three years, I was promoted to Business Office Manager at Royal Oaks Nursing Home. I personally did not care for the collecting process within a nursing home setting and moved on to St. Francis Hospice. The hospice billing and collecting processes were more with insurance companies rather than with patients, and it was the change I needed. It was there that I worked for Marsha Abeln, our current Elite365 CFO, and Juan Medel, our current Controller. They both knew my work ethic, knowledge, and capabilities, so when an opening presented itself with Elite365, I did not hesitate to join the team! I started out managing two departments – HR and AR. As we grew, I could not successfully manage both departments and the position was split, where I chose to remain with AR. I am loving it!
How many years of experience to do have in this discipline?
I have been in AR for 37 years, 29 of which have been in a management role.
What was your first job?
I was 15 and worked at Lakeside Country Store as their clerk/cashier. I would work after school and more hours during the summer, I made $2.00 an hour.
What is your home state?
New York.
What is your favorite activity outside of work?
I love any outdoor activity, and spending time with family and friends. Craft shows, carnivals, fall festivals – I love it all!
Do you have a favorite sports team?
Tampa Bay Lightning! Let’s go Bolts!
Do you have a favorite TV show?
Favorite shows are House of the Dragon, and for a good laugh, 90-Day Fiancé!
Do you have any children or pets?
I have one son, Michael, my daughter Jami, and my daughter-in-law Michelle. I have four cats. Three were feral kittens in my yard that I tamed and couldn’t part with. I am a dog lover too! See a pic above of our puppy, Yogi.
Who are your favorite musical artists?
I like all kinds of music and have a favorite in each genre.
Tell us one fun fact about you that you’d like people to know.
When I was 18, I won a contest that landed me a job with the local rock station; Magic 92-WMJQ in Rochester, NY. Six girls were chosen to do promotions with their mascot, the Magic Moose and the DJs. I loved working at the radio station it was fun, exciting and most rewarding. I was able to meet many musicians and we even had fans of our own. I also did Saturday Morning Swap Shop on air at the sister am station WBBF. Recently, I started Troll hunting. These Trolls are made by Thomas Dambo, recycle artist and they can be found in many US states and other countries. I have seen 7 so far, 2 in Washington State and 5 in Maine. By the end of this year, I plan to see 8 in 3 different states.
What would you like to say about your experience working at Elite365?
My experience with Elite365 has been great! It can be very challenging and, at times, very stressful. That is common working in Finance. However, the people you work with and for make it less stressful and more enjoyable. I have a great team! Tracy is the best CEO and leader I have worked for. Coming from past organizations where there was a closed-door policy, Tracy is the exact opposite. In department meetings and in the quarterly Town Hall, he is open to discussion, showing he truly cares what his staff has to say. He is a wonderful motivator. Bottom line: I feel he genuinely cares about his staff and appreciates what we do. I am grateful to be a part of the Elite365 team!
