2024 Monitor Top Women in Equipment Finance: Kim Nugent, Vice President of Collections, North Mill Equipment Finance

by Monitor Staff Nov/Dec 2024
“Believe in your abilities and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Your unique perspective and dedication can drive success. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always support and uplift each other. Remember to have fun along the way and always treat everyone with respect. Be different!"
Kim Nugent
Vice President of Collections
North Mill Equipment Finance

Kim Nugent is a standout figure in the equipment finance industry, with more than 35 years of experience spanning across various roles that highlight her versatility, resilience and adaptability. She began her career in credit with Tokai Financial and has since expanded her expertise to include customer service, dialer management and, most notably, collections. Nugent has consistently risen to meet new challenges, and her career stands as a testament to her leadership qualities and commitment to excellence in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Nugent’s path into collections began during the economic downturn of 2018, while she was working with Marlin Business Services as a trainer and dialer manager. The shift into collections came with a steep learning curve, but Nugent tackled it head-on with enthusiasm and determination. What started as an unexpected change eventually became a space where she found her passion, thanks, in part, to her ability to adapt and thrive in new environments. Her experience with Marlin and later NewLane helped her hone her skills, setting her up for success as she transitioned into her role as vice president of North Mill Equipment Finance (NMEF) in 2021.

Nugent’s leadership style is marked by her exceptional communication skills, open management approach and ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, management partners and customers alike. She believes deeply in leading by example and refuses to be intimidated by unfamiliar territory. Her core values — relationships, respect, leadership, honesty and curiosity — are not just guiding
principles, but practical tools she employs daily. These values have been critical in her efforts to maximize delinquency results and maintain a clear understanding of NMEF’s organizational priorities.

Nugent’s proactive approach in collections sets her apart. She is part of a network of industry leaders who alert each other about fraudulent or potentially fraudulent transactions. This collaborative strategy not only mitigates risks, but fosters a supportive environment. Her commitment to maintaining integrity and security in the leasing space is evident, and her forward-thinking mindset has undoubtedly contributed to her ongoing success.

“Kim’s energy is truly contagious! Having worked with her across multiple organizations, I can confidently say she is a trusted colleague,” Michael Morris, vice president of national accounts at NMEF, says. “Whether it’s a straightforward task like amending a contract or a complex project like developing new collection procedures, Kim consistently delivers with professionalism and integrity. She has a wonderful rapport with her customers, which makes her exceptionally successful in leading the collection department.”

Nugent’s dedication to her work and her willingness to take on new challenges have made her a role model for others, especially women. Despite the male-dominated nature of the field, Nugent remains hopeful that her success will inspire other women to take on leadership roles in collections and beyond. She is a firm believer that confidence — in oneself and in the business cycle — is key to success, and she continues to demonstrate that belief in her work every day.

Nugent’s career is also a testament to the importance of professional relationships. As she often jokes, she has only ever applied for one job; every other opportunity has come from the relationships she has built over the years. This speaks volumes about her reputation in the industry, where trust and integrity are paramount. Her story exemplifies the power of hard work, confidence and the ability to build and maintain strong professional connections. •

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