Our Story
RSIG has been supporting professional repossessors for over 3 decades. In evaluating the needs of the industry and understanding the industry from both a repossessor’s and insurance provider’s point of view, we are able to meet those needs and offer exceptional product and services that are un-matched.
RSIG is also the most respected and recognized group of repossessors in the industry today. We earn that respect by maintaining a positive professional reputation with lenders nationwide and by fulfilling the needs of the industry.
RSIG is the industry’s Trusted Source for repossession insurance, repossession assignment management and repossession education & training.
Ed Marcum
Chief Executive Officer, IG., Inc./ Recovery Specialist Insurance Group (RSIG)
Ed completed his studies of Computer Science at American University in 1970. He has been affiliated with the repossession industry over 32 years as a recovery agency owner and through his affiliations with IG., Inc and Recovery Specialist Insurance Group (RSIG). Before his entry into the industry, he worked in law enforcement and insurance investigations. His experience in the insurance field in addition to his 30+ years as the owner of a repossession agency and management of multiple repossession related businesses has given him the expertise required of his current position as Chief Executive Officer of IG., Inc./RSIG. In addition to his duties with IG., Inc./RSIG. He is also the founder and President of the Recovery Agents Benefit Fund (RABF), a Non-Profit corporation established to assist members of the recovery industry who have been seriously injured or killed while employed in the industry. For over 20 year’s Ed has endeavored to educate and professionalize the industry. Being a co-founder of IG, Ed ‘s main and continued goals are to strengthen the image of the recovery industry, while maintaining IG/RSIG’s position as a leader in the industry. To further this effort, Ed recently spearheaded the computerization of RSIG’s training and certification course, for the repossession industry by making it available on-line 24/7 and more easily accessible to the industry.
Dana Loan
Dana joined IG., Inc. in January of 1997. She has her Bachelor of Science degree from George Mason University in Business Management. Before coming to work for IG., Inc., Dana was employed at a local law firm as an Account Analyst and Assistant Treasurer. Her duties at IG., Inc. include processing claims that meet deductible criteria, working closely claims representatives. Dana is a licensed property and casualty insurance agent and assists the General Manager with the daily operations and management of IG., Inc, as well as publishing the IG., Inc./RSIG Newsletter, directory, event planning and advertising.
Leon Scroggins
Leon began his career in the financial and repossession industries in July 1972 working for a California Industrial Loan and Thrift, The Morris Plan Company of California. From 1972 till 1981 Leon was a branch manager, approved loans, including a large portfolio of dealer derived auto loans, as well as performing “self-help repossession” on any delinquent loans and personally excelled in “in person collection” efforts. It was this in house repossession experience that led Leon to pursue a full time career in the repossession industry beginning as a part time field agent for Affiliated Recovery Service in 1975 and then full time in 1981. In 1988 Leon opened his own repossession company, Leon’s Quality Adjusters, Inc. in Fresno, CA. In 1998 he opened a second office, Kern County Recovery, in Bakersfield, CA.Leon sold his repossession companies in September of 2015 but still maintains his Qualified Manager’s Certificate with the State of California and works part time as a field agent in Utah for a licensed Repossession agency in Nevada. Leon served eleven years on the board of The California Association of Licensed Repossessors, Inc. (CALR) including two terms as the Association’s President. Leon has previously served on the Board of Directors for RSIG from 2003 until the sale of his business in 2015 and joined RSIG as an employee in March of 2019.
Bill Ehrke
Bill Ehrke graduated from Northwestern University in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and received his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago in 1981. He started his legal practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in May of 1981.
Bill served as a shareholder for 23 years with Crivello Nichols & Hall, S.C. (formerly Crivello Carlson, S.C.) before moving to an Of Counsel position in April of 2023. Bill’s original civil litigation practice focused on the defense of corporations, insurers, municipalities, creditors, repossession agents, forwarding agents, and lenders, with emphasis on personal injury defense, first party property insurance investigations and bad faith defense, third party casualty insurance defense, municipal civil rights claims defense, and employment discrimination defense. Bill has also provided advice, counsel and training to businesses, municipalities and private insurers in these areas outside of and prior to litigation in a risk analysis and loss reduction context.
During the last ten years before his 2023 move to Of Counsel status, Bill focused primarily on the defense of and litigation relating to wrongful repossession cases. This included working with repossession agents, and their insurers in Wisconsin Consumer Act, Illinois Collateral Recovery Act, and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act claims. The cases he handled were filed in both State and Federal Courts.
In his present Of Counsel role, while stepping back from actual litigation, Bill has continued in a consulting role, advising former and present clients in a risk management context. His primary consulting work now relates to and focuses on repossession companies, lenders and their insurers. Bill also provides advice and mentoring to the attorneys at the firm who are now handling the litigation of wrongful repossession claims.
Bill is a member of the Wisconsin and Illinois bars, and is admitted to practice in the State and Federal Courts in Wisconsin and Illinois as well as the United States Supreme Court. His experience includes over 60 jury trials and hundreds of administrative hearings and proceedings over the past 43 years, with multiple arguments before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also a member of the Civil Trial Counsel of Wisconsin.
Bill recently joined RSIG as a Risk Management Consultant and looks forward to continuing to work with the repossession industry to reduce and mitigate risk.
Chris Marcum
Chris has been with RSIG on a full-time basis since December 2001. He currently works as the Claims Administrator for RSIG. In this capacity he is the liaison between the members and the insurance company; assisting daily in gathering information necessary to process claims. He also works with claimants directly, handling losses that are below the policy deductibles. Chris is certified in the STARS estimatic program and has taken other classes in Automotive Estimatics and Small Loss Estimatics. Chris has also taken the courses needed to become a licensed insurance agent.
Angie Dodson
Angie joined RSIG in May of 2024. She is currently the accounts receivable specialist, taking care of monthly repossession reporting and payments as well as other duties within RSIG. Before coming to RSIG Angie took a break from accounting to be home with her four children and teach preschool. After fourteen years it was time to reenter office life. Angie has an associate’s degree in applied science and over 10 years of experience working in various accounting positions as well as different industries such as government contracting, construction, and advertising. Angie is a native to Virginia, she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. On the weekends you can find Angie supporting her children at various sporting events and band competitions. When there is spare time you may find her on a hike, walking her dog, watching football, reading, or making a big family dinner.
George Wilkins
Chairman
Bud Wilkins established Omni Recovery Service in Birmingham, AL, in June 1989. He became a member of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group in June 1992 and has been on the Board of Directors since December 1995. Bud has served on the Membership and Financial Controls Committees and is dedicated to the continuing education and professionalism of the repossession industry. Bud graduated from Harlem High School, Harlem, GA and attended Augusta College in Augusta, GA. His background includes serving four years in the US Air Force, over fifteen years experience in the finance and mortgage banking fields and is a past member of the Rotary Club.
Lisa Hird
Director
The RSIG Board of Directors is pleased to introduce Ms. Lisa Hird of Lone Star Recovery & Adjusters Inc. in Manchaca (Austin-area), Texas.Lisa was married to prior RSIG Director, Dave Hird who passed away in November 2006. Dave served the RSIG Membership and on the Board from 1998 until 2006. Always a strong supporter and advocate of RSIG in the state of Texas, Lisa has always expressed an interest in serving on the Board and accepted the nomination and appointment after the recent meeting of the Board of Directors where a replacement director was chosen for the vacancy left when Keith Pettit closed the repossession part of his business.Lisa is anxious to help and serve the membership in any way and to help the Board continue with RSIG’s vision of professionalism and growth. We welcome her positive attitude, professionalism, experience and love for this industry to the Board.
Keith Burger
Director
Keith Burger earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from American International College in Springfield, MA 1984. Served two years in CT Army National Guard, 1984 to 1986. Keith repossessed his first vehicle in 1984 as an employee of Hawk Inc., Norwich, CT, simultaneously working with American Lenders of Hartford, CT. He founded Auto Lock Unlimited Inc. 1986, sold Auto Lock to his then partner and founded a Massachusetts based repossession agency, Recovery Zone Inc. in January 2005. Keith became a member of RSIG in early 1996 and shortly thereafter experienced one of the biggest physical damage/lot claims seen (thus far) in the industry with a fire that destroyed 136 bank owned vehicles. It was his firsthand experience that solidified Keith’s belief in RSIG and everything the group stands for. Keith is a strong supporter of educating this industry at all levels. By working together with the financial intuitions, their customers, and the auctions, in a professional manner, he believes the processes of repossession and remarketing can be made as professional as everyone knows and expects it should be. Keith has been member of Somers, CT fire department since 2006. He has served as the Past Chairman of the Fire Commission, is the Current President of the Fire Association and Current Vice Chairman of the [Fire Association] Board of Directors. He is also an active member of Somers Rotary currently holding the position of President elect.
Bruce “LJ” Littlejohn
Director
Bruce “LJ” Littlejohn is President and owner of Standout Recovery, and has been in the repossession industry since 1996. His interest in the industry began with a towing business and it was during this time that Enterprise Rent-A-Car asked him if he would he would be interested in searching for missing rental cars. He fell in love with the “hunt” and no state in the US was excluded from his territory. As a result, he expanded his client base and his expertise, dedication and passion to the industry has never wavered. LJ has a solid reputation for being professional, compassionate and the innate ability to deescalate unpleasant situations. Bruce keeps abreast of new technology, equipment, industry standards and laws, and uses this information to consistently improve the effectiveness and efficiency of his business. He is well respected by colleagues and clients due to his passion, expertise and determination. He is always willing to share best practices and the latest industry trends. LJ is a native of Kansas City, Kansas and is an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and he never misses a game! His family and friends refer to him as the “grill master” and they are always eager to sample his new creations. He spends his spare time as a mentor, enjoying time with his family and traveling with his wife.
Donna Green
Director
Southwest Recovery Bureau, Inc.
Donna has been President of Southwest Recovery Bureau, Inc since 2007. Before that Donna spent 10 years as a Teacher/ Librarian with El Paso Independent School District.
She joins us brining years of experience in Operations, State and Federal law, Accounting, Communications, Human Resources, and more.
Education:
Master Degree – University of North Texas
BS Degree – University of Texas at El Paso
Southwest Recovery Bureau, Inc. has been a member of RSIG since 1997.
“I would like to thank the RSIG board for consideration as a sitting board member hopefully to represent the small and middle sized repossession companies that belong to this organization. Having a voice at the table reflects the diversity, which I hope, is what RSIG strives to maintain.”
J. Ace Carter
Director Emeritus
John Ace Carter started his repossession business, Oregon Adjusters, in May of 1953. Ace is a resident graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS and had an avocational military career from 1950 to 1983. He is a charter member of the American Recovery Association and a member of the California Association of Licensed Repossessors. Ace has been a Board member of IG., Inc. and its predecessors since June of 1989. Ace currently serves as Chairman of IG., Inc. and has served on the Financial Control Committee as well as the Membership and Budget Committees.
In Memory of Our Directors
Dave Hird
March 1, 1945 to November 27, 2006
With deep sadness, the death of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group Board Member, Dave Hird was announced by RSIG’s administrative office on November 27, 2006.
Due to his ongoing medical issues, Dave had been unable to attend the past couple of annual seminars.
Dave dedicated 20 years of his life to the repossession industry, starting in 1986 when he began working for American Lenders. Within 3 months, he was offered his own franchise. In April 1996, he joined RSIG and was appointed to the RSIG Board of Directors in May 1998, where he served as an alternate on the Membership Committee for several years.
For those newer members who did not get the chance to get to know Dave, you missed meeting a charismatic, outgoing individual who had a love for life and the finer things in it.
Dave had a passion for golf that could only be rivaled by that of Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods himself. He also enjoyed dove hunting with life long friends, in Kenedy, Texas. Dave also enjoyed traveling and history. He was a big man, big enough to be called a “Texan”, big hearted, always upbeat in attitude and known as a shrewd businessman.
Jim Clark
It was with extreme sadness that we announced the March 1st, 2020 passing of Jim Clark
Jim Clark joined IG’s predecessor company RSIG, Inc. in 1990 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1991 In 1995 Jim teamed up with Ed Marcum to purchase the assets of the struggling RSIG, Inc., founded IG., Inc., and turned it into the successful company IG., Inc. d.b.a. Recovery Specialist Insurance Group is today. Jim has held the office of President, where he has diligently served and helped to gain significant advancements for the membership at large. Jim developed vast experience in the recovery industry while working both sides of the industry. First as a collection manager at Merit Finance and later working for Ford Motor Credit and later as the owner of Clark Recovery. Jim has also owned and operated a motorcycle dealership and is a licensed private investigator.
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announced the March 1st, 2020 passing of Jim Clark, (at the time of his passing) Vice Chairman of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group (RSIG) and founder of Clark Recovery in Tennessee from a brief struggle and hospitalization from an extremely rare blood disorder. Jim was a veteran of the US Marine Corps.
Jim faithfully served the Board and Members of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group for over 30 years. He served as a member of the Executive Board, the Membership Committee, and several other committees throughout his years of service. Jim’s passions within RSIG including building the membership, helping new members and his work at the annual seminar. REPO2020, RSIG’s annual seminar and all seminars that follow will not be the same without him.
Jim took great pride in his volunteer work in disaster recovery and relief efforts. Jim leaves behind his wife JimmiJayne, adult children Eric and Jennifer and his beautiful grandchildren.
Thomas Glen “TG” Carter Jr.
All American Recovery of Jacksonville
November 27, 1940 – February 27, 2008
With great sadness, we must announce the death of our esteemed friend and colleague, TG Carter. TG entered the hospital on February 14th for a procedure to remove a blockage from one of his arteries and suffered a stroke when a piece of plaque broke off during a procedure, entering his cerebral artery. After a tracheotomy procedure yesterday, TG experienced complications, went into respiratory failure and passed away today in the early morning hours.
TG retired from the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff’s Office after 23 years prior to entering the repossession field, during which time his career started as a patrol officer and included supervising the Evidence Tech Program that entailed all major crime scene collection and preservation of evidence. While with the Sheriff’s Office, TG founded and supervised the post Blast Bomb Squad as well as its Narcotics Squad until his retirement. After retiring from the Sheriff’s Office, he went to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) as a special agent. Upon leaving FDLE, TG began his next career when he opened the American Lenders franchise in Jacksonville, Florida in April 1988 and remained with American Lenders until January 16, 1997 at which time he joined with RSIG as All American Recovery of Jacksonville, which he believed, was the best decision of his business career.
TG was elected to the Board of Recovery Specialist Insurance Group in June of 2000. TG served on the claims, finance and membership committees and his goals were to make a closer working relationship with all member offices and to have a health insurance program all could afford.
TG was a true patriot, a Civil War history buff and a lover of his two Rottweilers, Rambo and Dixie. TG held his family and friends as his greatest and most valuable assets. He is survived by his wife Jodie, son Tommy and daughter Lynn. His caring and genuine nature will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.