Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position:
Julie Macc: I’m a certified consumer/business credit consulting and identity theft specialist. I help consumers achieve the best credit score possible and assist business owners with obtaining business credit and funding (in many cases with no personal guarantee). I also assist identity theft victims in removing identity theft items from consumer reports.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Macc: My father was a credit manager for over 30 years.
NNBW: Is there anything new going on at your company or in the industry itself?
Macc: Yes, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime and our children are the most affected.
NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
Macc: That I can make a difference by improving an individual or family’s life financially.
NNBW: What’s the most challenging part about your job?
Macc: The misinformation that I read and hear about the credit reporting industry.
NNBW: What advice would you give anyone who wants to get into your profession?
Macc: Study, research reporting laws and get certified.
NNBW: What is the difference between an individual and a business being credit worthy?
Macc: An individual needs credit for “emergencies” that may arise, such as car or home repairs. A business needs credit for different reasons. It may need funds in between billing cycles or to order parts or inventory so that the owner is not using personal funds to run the business.
NNBW: What is the criteria?
Macc: A consumer needs a creditor account that has reported to the three major bureaus in the last six months to generate a credit score. A business needs three open accounts reporting to either Dunn and Bradstreet, Experian or Equifax. A business is rated on net 10-20 day payment history.
NNBW: What is the single best thing an individual can do to keep their credit golden?
Macc: Pay bills by due date. Keep open revolving accounts with no late payments. Check credit reports for errors, and correct ASAP with the bureaus if any have been found. Eighty-five percent of Americans have incorrect information on their credit reports, and many consumers are shocked when they uncover some of the unethical creditor tactics being used against them.
NNBW: Do you monitor your own credit profile?
Macc: Before the credit card companies started offering credit monitoring, I used to order a free report quarterly from www.annualcreditreport.com.
NNBW: Talk about the different aspects of your work: author, lecturer and expert witness.
Macc: As an author, I write about current credit reporting trends and how a consumer may protect their credit ratings and correct errors. As a lecturer, I educate and offer free resources for consumer protection for both credit and identity theft protection and solutions. My work as an expert witness involves assisting attorneys by reviewing and identifying reporting errors that are not in compliance with various federal laws that outline the legal standards for reporting.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Macc: Reviewing mortgage files for insurance compliance.
NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work?
Macc: Traveling with my husband.
NNBW: Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
Macc: Anywhere by an ocean or lake.
NNBW: If you had one moment in time to cherish for the rest of your life either professionally or personally what would it be and why?
Macc: Hard to say. I have many blessings
NNBW: Last concert or sporting event attended?
Macc: The Eagles concert
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming as a kid?
Macc: Veterinarian.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not?
Macc: No, I would not retire just yet! Too many people need credit assistance after 2007 and the economic meltdown. Nevada is still number three for lowest credit scores in the nation.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here?
Macc: The people are friendly and welcoming; there are a lot of activities to enjoy year-round.
