Rick’s background is in debt collections. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the Ohio State University in 1987, Rick accepted a position in debt collections. For over a decade, Rick worked as the GM for the Columbus, OH branch of NCO Financial Systems, Inc servicing Discover Card Financial Services.   

Rick has a special interest in helping debt collectors and debt buyers learn the business and grow profitable operations. He understands the level of knowledge needed to be successful and shares his expertise with audiences as a national speaker and industry trainer. 

Rick has also written and developed low-cost computer applications for the industry...Locate1 Collection Software and Portfolio1 Asset Management Software.

Rick wrote a book entitled Debt Purchasing-An Investor's Guide to Buying Debt, in conjunction with former partner, John Pratt. The Investor's Guide, published in 2005, is currently in distribution nationwide and is regarded as an invaluable resource for start-up agencies. The year prior to this, John, John's son, Jason, and Rick developed another business entity known as Portfolio Management, LLC that specialized in more detail on the growing debt-buying market. 

Since July of 2001, Rick Shell has been operating Locate Services, LLC dealing primarily with collecting purchased debt. Locate Services offers a number of products and services which give businesses the tools needed to succeed and grow with confidence.  On December 31, 2007, in exchange for his shares of Portfolio Management, LLC, Rick became the sole owner of Locate Services, LLC and now focuses primarily on the art of debt collections.