http://www.trutv.com/shows/operation_repo/interview-matt_burch.htmlMatt Burch
"Oh, man, I was a total screw-up. I was fired from every single job I've ever had before I became a repo man eight years ago. And now, at 47, I've got my head on straight and I'm also a certified personal trainer. I love both jobs."
Q: What are three things you should never forget while doing a repo?
A: Never take anything or anyone for granted, no matter how big or how small. Always remain alert; if you let down your guard, even just for a second, it can come back to bite you in the end. It's not about being afraid, it's about being careful.
Q: Is each repo a hassle, or does anyone ever simply say to you, "Sure, no problem. Take the car. Be my guest?"
A: It does happen every once in awhile. We show up, the guy says "I knew you were coming for it, here are the keys, let me just get my stuff out." And those are the ones that are a pleasure. If you're nice, you're calm and you're understanding about the whole thing, I can take my time and you can get all of your property out of the vehicle. But if you're gonna rant and scream, well, then I'm gonna just take your car and stick your stuff in a locker for $40 a day. But I don't like to have to do that; I go in with a cool and calm attitude, not to be a big bad guy.
Q: Describe your scariest moment on the job.
A: Well, that would definitely have to be when I got shot in the groin. This young lady was upset I was repossessing her car and she shot me. The bullet entered my scrotum, just barely missed my testicles and exited the back of my ass.
Q: What was the funniest thing you ever saw on the job?
A: I was repossessing this car, and the owner, a gay guy, offered to orally gratify me if I could let him go. I said, "I'm flattered, really I am, but I've gotta do my job."
Q: Based on your experience, what kind of person is most likely to get very angry? Male or female? How old? What type of car does he or she own?
A: Women, by far, are the worst to deal with, and are the most likely just to blow up. Most ladies are fine, but when they get angry, look out! They take it very personal and just start ranting, screaming and crying. Doesn't matter if it's a Mercedes SUV or a '91 Ford Aerostar.
Q: When on a repossession job, is there any place the law doesn't allow you to go? Can you, for example, go into someone's garage or climb over a fence surrounding someone's house?
A: If it's behind a locked gate or a locked garage, somewhere that can't be breached, I can't get to it. That's breaking and entering, and it's against the law. But anywhere that's in public, out in the open, I can legally come and get it. It can be at your workplace, at your mother's home or the White House lawn, and I can come and take it away.
Q: Is the bad economy good for your business?
A: Unfortunately, yes. And that leads to some heartbreaking jobs. The best repos are the guys who refused to pay the bills and are just jerks. Those are a pleasure to do. But the worst are the guys, the normal Joes that are the ones that are just trying to pay the bills and have just come up a little short. It sucks, but that's my job. If I don't do it, I lose money. So I do what I gotta do.
