PBUS Hall of Famers Ponder the Past and Future of the Bail Industry
- October 04, 2010
- by Collateral Staff
- Business Tips
[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="PBUS Hall of Famers Lead into the Future"][/caption]
In the bail industry, bail agents who exemplify professionalism and responsibility don't always get the recognition they deserve. Their achievements are often overshadowed by negative press coverage about the bail industry and adversity from those who oppose the private bail system.
AboutBail.com is all about recognizing achievements and giving a voice to the bail industry's leaders, which is why we organized a Q&A session with three PBUS Hall of Fame members - Linda Braswell, Randy Parton and Marco LiMandri - who have been in the business for at least three decades each. They shared their thoughts on the past, present and future of the bail industry, as well as discussed lessons learned over the years that they want to pass along to their peers. Here's what we learned from these long-time bail professionals in their own words.
How long have you been a member of PBUS?
Braswell: I have been a member for 30 years.
LiMandri: I joined when they first started years ago. Then, once again after a lapse in my business, I came back around 15 years ago.
Parton: I attended the first meeting 30 years ago and I have been a member for 27 years.
What has your role been over the years with PBUS?
Braswell: I have been an area director, vice president, senior vice president, executive vice president, president and a member of the council of presidents.
LiMandri: I was the director at large for years and the vice president for two terms.
Parton: I have been an active member, sponsor of many activities and events, member of council of presidents and currently a chair.
When were you inducted into the Hall of Fame and what does that mean to you?
Braswell: In February of 1995. It is a very prestigious award for one thing. You have to be in business for a minimum of 30 years, and if you haven't you don't qualify. It is nice reward when you are acknowledged for the profession you chose. I chose the bail industry and love it. It's one of the most coveted recognitions and it does recognize my years in the business.
LiMandri: It was six years ago. Obviously it's an honor; it says that my activity in the bail business is noteworthy and the work I have done to make things better in the industry has been recognized.
Parton: It was six years ago and it means a lot that I have been recognized by my peers as having accomplished some extraordinary things in the 30 years I've been in business.
How has PBUS helped you in your career?
Braswell: I don't understand people that don't recognize what PBUS can do. It provides education, networking and information. If you know what's going on, you can be prepared and aware. It's good and wonderful for your profession when you can be a leader and get programs instilled. I get the most out of and enjoy networking the most. Every state is different, and I like keeping up on what's going on. Information and knowledge is power. If you have knowledge, you have power and you are ahead of the game. Education is important - devote your life to it and be as good as you can be and better yourself on a daily basis.
LiMandri: I have gained a lot of contacts. A lot of the classes have been very helpful and have bettered my business. Talking to agents at meetings has helped me in my business as well, and things I have learned different about the laws from them. When networking, you learn about things that have worked for individuals in other towns and states that will ultimately help your business succeed.
Parton: It is a national network of agents and contacts that I have made around the country. For me, it has been a great opportunity to meet people and get early indicators of developing trends and issues that impact positively and negatively.
What have been some of the biggest technology changes in the bail industry?
Braswell: I would have to say the invention of the cell phone. I ran around with a roll of quarters back in the day. There is no longer the need for an answering service, no more pay phones and no need to stay home waiting on a call. Cell phones help deal with issues immediately. Next, I would say the Internet. There is so much information out there and the Internet makes it easy to to keep up with someone.
LiMandri: 1. Cell phones - they have changed everything. When I started all we had were answering services. 2. Computers - I used to do everything by hand, including double-entry bookkeeping, and now computers have made things much easier. 3. GPS has changed a lot of things.
Parton: When I started we had first-generation pagers that only emit one tone, and I had to drive around town with quarters and find payphones. Cell phones were the biggest for our business and then certainly computers. Next I would say computer programs and cyber search sites that have become increasingly important. Finally, the importance of online advertising has played a major role, since the majority of people find bail agents by searching the Internet.
What do you think will happen with the pre-trial services program in the next five years?
Braswell: It is hard to tell. Every time you try and figure out how people think, you are wrong. We are living in a climate of people who want something for nothing and think they will get it. People and bureaucracy are no longer concerned with public safety, but they are with money. More jails need to be built and bad people need to be held accountable. The government thinks they can do everything to everyone and have lost sight of reality. People are no longer held accountable for actions, not just crime, but in life in general. In my opinion, everyone seems to want freedom and it's not possible if you don't have safety. People are not safe right now, crime rates are going up - just turn on your TV.
LiMandri: I think it depends on who's in power. If the public is aware of what goes on and what it costs, there will be a reduction. Originally we didn't reject pre-trial, but now it has gone way beyond the stated mission and the program is trying to put us out of business. If they go back to the original goal there would not be a problem. Now, people are getting greedy and are trying to make more money. For the future, it will depend on the individuals in power and the legislation they proceed with.
Parton: I think as state, county and municipal budgets become tighter, that the government is going to recognize the value and service that bondsmen provide the criminal justice program, and they will realize their resources will be better spent on other endeavors.
As the bail industry continues to face key issues (like pre-trial release), how does PBUS play a role?
Braswell: PBUS is not designed to play an individual role in an individual place or state. PBUS has and will continue to provide information and networking. PBUS can't solve everyone's problems - no one can - all they can do is provide people with tools to help themselves and they will continue to do that.
LiMandri: By monitoring what they are doing and responding to things they say, PBUS will help local organizations and states with information and material so individuals will be able respond accurately. You may not know anything about a specific law in your town, but PBUS does and they can help inform you and guide you on what to do. PBUS will continue to provide a lot of aid and support for local and state associations.
Parton: PBUS plays an important role in providing a forum for agents all over the country to present challenges they are facing with regard to how pre-trial agencies programs are being implemented. Forewarned is forearmed, and if we can get warning about what's going on, someone else may be able to head off the problem sooner.
What are some lessons you have you learned in your career that you'd like to share?
Braswell: First, I learned long ago and believe with all my heart, first impressions are lasting. It is one of the most valuable lessons I learned. If you want respect, look and act professional all the time. People need to know I'm a business professional and I require respect, so I look and act like a professional at all times. I start out with the upper hand by how I look, act and carry myself professionally.
LiMandri: I don't know that you learn lessons about ethics. I say scruples, some people have them, some don't. You can be taught the law, but not everyone knows what's right from wrong. Most people I know in PBUS know this and run their business accordingly and that's why so many have been around for so long, because they treat their clients right. The more knowledge you have the more chance you have of taking charge of opportunities. There are other things you can do in conjunction with the industry that can help your business. Most agents wouldn't know about if it wasn't for PBUS.
Parton: Continuing education has been critically important. Keeping current on statutes and rules is important in conducting business effectively and efficiently. One of the things I learned is agents that are practitioners of the highest standards are those who survive and thrive.
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