We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Genevieve Dobson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Genevieve, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In 2006, I was working for a small company in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the student loan industry. I was asked to move to the Florida office and I jumped at the opportunity to move myself and my son to a state where we knew no one. After working for the company for 5 years it was time to jump into my own business. The company moved to Boston and I stayed in Florida. I took a job in Tampa in a similar industry but it was horrible. We were very poorly treated and knew I needed to make a move to working full-time in my business. I waited for the company to fire me so I could do what I loved. This happened within 2 years and I jumped into working my business full-time. It was a big risk while I also was working on finishing college, writing my first book, and raising my son. The risk was worth it to me and I have now owned Degrees of Success since 2010 and have been working for myself full time since 2012.

Dr. Genevieve, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I worked for a company in the industry and fell in love with being able to help borrowers with student loans to make smarter decisions that relieved them from the burden of managing their own debt. My company, Degrees of Success, helps with consolidation options, repayment restructuring, forgiveness/cancellation opportunities, and with getting borrowers out of default. We also deal with credit management and helping students to take advantage of the proper loans and scholarships when attending school.

I am always so proud when a client who was previously denied for a home is approved once we work to adjust their student loans. I also love when we get deserving clients full forgiveness of their loans. Knowing that I provided relief of that burden is the reason I do what I do.

Many times borrowers just don’t know what options are best for them to save money on their loans. The key is making smarter decisions by hiring an expert that can save you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. I have a recent client who achieved over $100 thousand dollars in forgiveness. Another who just got $20 thousand wiped clean. And I have so many of these examples. This is life-changing for them and their families.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation in your market is imperative. Not only do you have to consistently work in the industry you are building but people have to trust that you know what you are doing. It’s important to be able to prove your knowledge and expertise in your industry. A great way to do this is to publish a book, which I did. This shows people that you really know what you are doing and can lay out all the specifics in a book. The most important way to build your reputation is to be an honest business owner. Treat your employees and clients well and they will tell others about you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As an entrepreneur, I feel resilience is always a necessary part of the journey. When Covid hit, business declined just like in most industries. You have to become very comfortable being uncomfortable and learn to pivot when needed. I took some time to be with my family during Covid and looked at other opportunities that would allow me to still produce revenue. I ultimately fell in love with coaching and I even started teaching part-time at a local college. I loved it. I was giving back and I was able to supplement my income all while still managing my company and my loyal clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Studentloanmanagement.info
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DegreesofSuccess
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-genevieve-dobson-dba-02390816?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B2HNsHfrYSd2f955CXkm3Ag%3D%3D
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/DegreesSuccess
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ8XWscwysyrTbsLzKiM8EA

Image Credits
Marlo Laney Photography