Whenever a customer applies for credit on any of MFA Oil’s credit lines – Petro-Card 24, Preferred Card or propane and bulk fuel sales – the credit department jumps into action. Receiving hundreds of applications a month, the team assesses the credit worthiness of customers and uses that information to determine credit eligibility.
“Our goal is to provide a quick turnaround time,” Curt Ricks, director of credit and collections, says. “We aim for same day or next day approval when feasible.”
To evaluate credit eligibility, the team reviews credit reporting websites and checks bank and trade references when necessary.
In addition to making credit approval decisions, the department strives to deliver excellent customer service and timely support to field employees, Ricks says.
“Customers are the reason we’re in business – they are our top priority” Ricks says. “We’re dedicated to serving customer needs through timely credit approval, compassionate collections and prompt customer service.”
The credit team also helps MFA Oil field staff reconcile accounts and solve customer inquiries into their statements. For Petro-Card 24, Preferred Card and some large-volume business customers, the credit department handles customer inquiries directly.
“We take great pride in customer satisfaction,” Ricks says.
MFA Oil customers receive a statement from the company at the end of the month if there is a balance on their account. An average of 80,000 statements are generated for customers per month. When these statements aren’t paid in time, the credit department’s job becomes tougher.
“We understand things happen in people’s lives that are beyond their control,” Ricks says. “We try to take a compassionate approach to collections when the situation calls for it.”
The credit department helps customers develop payment plans that work for both the company and the customer to resolve delinquent accounts. Ricks says sometimes it’s as simple as reminding the customer of the company’s policy.
Located on the first floor of the corporate office, the credit department plays an integral role in supporting MFA Oil’s reputation of excellent customer service. With a simple goal in mind – to retain on-time, paying customers – the credit department works to minimize risk and maintain the company’s bottom line.
Get to Know the Credit Department
Casey Block, senior credit coordinator
What do you enjoy in your free time? Playing volleyball to relieve some stress.
Where is your favorite place to be? The Jacuzzi tub with a glass of wine.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? Stay at home mom.
Haley Davidson, area credit supervisor
What are three words that best describe you? Outgoing, assertive, and organized.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why? Bora Bora. It’s absolutely beautiful and I could benefit from a little sun, sand and island time.
You’re happiest when? I’m spending time with my daughter.
Nicole Richardson, credit secretary
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? Family.
What characteristic do you admire most in others? Honesty.
Where if your favorite place to be? At home.
Curt Ricks, director of credit and collections
What are three words that best describe you? Quiet, analytical, disciplined.
What characteristic do you admire most in others? Confidence with humility.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Working out.
Brian Robinson, area credit manager
What do you enjoy in your free time? Spending time with my family & friends, more specifically, my granddaughter.
Where is your favorite place to be? I know it may sound crazy, however, I personally am the happiest and feel rewarded when I am at work.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? I’d be retired and doing whatever my wife told me to do.
Nicole Schepers, credit coordinator
Where is your favorite place to be? Hanging out at home with my husband and puppy!
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without? My friends…who are more like family….
What do you enjoy in your free time? Hiking! Going on adventures!
Carrie Steere, credit coordinator
Where is your favorite place to be? The beach.
You’re happiest when? I’m with family.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Hawaii. I’ve always wanted to go.
Amy Thoenen, credit coordinator
What are three words that best describe you? Strong-willed, friendly and compassionate.
Where is your favorite place to be? At home with my husband, daughter and our two dogs.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current job? Nursing.
Tim Wilson, credit coordinator
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would love to travel to Italy for the food, countryside and architecture.
What do you enjoy in your free time? Long walks and going to the pool with my family.
You’re happiest when? I’m at home with my family.