Member Highlight: Art Christensen

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• Dec 9, 2014 • ARA Member SpotlightComments Off on Member Highlight: Art Christensen
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This month’s Member Highlight is on Art Christensen, President of the Commercial Service Corporation and longtime member of ARA.

There is not enough room in this newsletter to highlight the accomplishments of Mr. Christensen, a one-of-a-kind man who has made invaluable contributions not only to the industry, but also in his community in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Art was one of the first to use automation in the industry, automating ARA, AFA and some of the largest repossession companies in America. His unbelievable career spans across 54 more years, four national association memberships and immeasurable contributions to ARA and the industry as a whole.

Art was instrumental in setting up the Council of Repossession Professionals and the North American Repossessors Summit, organizations near and dear to all of our hearts. Additionally, he served as the president of ARMS, director of ARA and established the first and only recognized state chapter of ARA in the country. And it doesn’t stop there – Art also founded The Hard Times News, an industry newspaper that has helped many.

His accomplishments have been honored on several occasions, most recently when he received the Bob Dempsey award at this year’s convention – a huge milestone in his life, as Bob was his mentor. ARA has also created an award in Art Christensen’s name for similar industry trailblazers.

A treasured member of the Maplewood, New Jersey community, Art is active in the Maplewood Rotary Club and has been a key organizer for “Affairs of the Heart,” an event for children recovering from heart operations. In fact, he opened up his bed and breakfast, Les Saisons, for them to stay as they recovered. More recently, he has served as a trustee for New Jersey SafeNet, an organization dedicated to providing a safe environment for youth through mentorship and tutoring. Art received the Maple Leaf Award for his service, and we couldn’t think of someone more deserving.

In his spare time, Art spends time with his seven children and eleven grandchildren. We are so thankful to know him and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

Do you have an exciting hobby or are involved in raising money or awareness for a worthy cause? Please help us by submitting pictures and stories of those who deserve some recognition or those who are involved in projects of interest. We’d love to hear from you – submit your interesting stories and photos to rachel@wellingtongrouppr.com.

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