Thea Dudley is the Vice President of Financial Services and Customer Care at Guardian Building Products and a credit advice columnist for ProSales Magazine. With more than 30 years of credit and collection experience, she’s heard more than a few far-fetched reasons for non-payment. With so many entertaining stories to share, it’s no wonder that she is one of IBS’s highest-rated returning speakers.
We recently caught up with Thea to ask her a few questions to get a glimpse into her personal side.
NAHB: What are you most looking forward to at IBS?
THEA: Definitely the people – everything from seeing old friends to getting to meet new people and finally putting faces to those voices I hear on the other end of the phone. The other fun thing I like to do is visit The Mob Museum. It contains some fabulous history of the area.
NAHB: Do you have a favorite podcast or show you listen to regularly?
THEA: I enjoy listening to “Home Improvement with John and Dave” on WBT 1110 AM – Charlotte’s News Talk Radio. While it is a home improvement show for DIYers, it provides me with lots of insight into what the end-users in our industry are concerned about. Plus, the show is just plain funny!
NAHB: What is your favorite vacation spot?
THEA: Any vacation is a good vacation, but a vacation that I don’t have to plan is even better!
NAHB: Since you live in Greenville, South Carolina, what are some go-to recommendations for out-of-town visitors?
THEA: You must see the Falls Park on the Reedy (River) in downtown. It is absolutely beautiful. Dining downtown is lovely, too. You can sit at any of the riverside restaurants, drink wine and chat with friends. Plus, you can bring your dog.
NAHB: You’ve been a speaker for a while now. Do you have a memorable speaking story you’d care to share?
THEA: In one of my first presentations, I misjudged the size of the stage and walked right off. I must say it is incredibly hard to recover and continue with the presentation after “mooning” the audience!
NAHB: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are three items you’d want with you?
THEA: Chocolate, wine and my husband (so he can open the wine and build a fire).
NAHB: Finally, in three words or less, what is your prediction for the building industry in 2016?
THEA: Cautiously optimistic.
Thea will be presenting “Laughing Your Way to the Bank: Credit & Collections Tips to Improve Your Cash Flow & Limit Your Loss” on Tuesday, January 19.