Rapid Collections is founded
CEO Robert Barger launches the firm in St. Louis after leading AR for a global PR firm. His goal was to transform how collections are managed while protecting client relationships.
Rapid Collections wasn’t built to follow industry norms. We were built to fix them.
Built to Change Collections Forever
Rapid Collections was founded in 2003 with one goal: to redesign and streamline the way business debt collections are handled. Companies everywhere face the same challenge of protecting their brand image while improving cash recovery. We built this firm to eliminate that tension.
Our approach is precise, controlled, and professional. The results speak for themselves.
20+ Years of First-Class Performance
After two decades in commercial debt recovery, Rapid Collections has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most effective and trusted firms in the U.S. and abroad. That reputation is built on consistency, transparency, and performance. We serve clients of many types, from mid-market leaders to Forbes 500 enterprises.
95%
Success Rate Across Active Accounts
$600M+
in Receivables Managed Every Year
In 2022, we were honored as one of Financial Services Review Magazine’s Top 10 Debt Collection Agencies in the nation.
Collections Leadership Rooted in Real-World Performance
CEO Robert Barger founded Rapid Collections after managing AR for one of the largest public relations firms in the world. With $400 million in annual revenue, that firm provided the insight needed to shape a better way forward. He saw how high-volume collections could be handled more effectively, with less friction and more professionalism.
That insight still drives our work. We bring operational clarity, sharp communication, and measurable results to every file.
A Timeline of Performance, Vision, and Growth
Every year, Rapid Collections has expanded our services, refined our systems, and earned deeper trust from the companies we serve. Here is how we became one of the top-ranked commercial collection agencies in the world:
Recovery Performance Proven Across Industries and Economies
Our work spans industries and continents, but the results stay consistent. These case studies reflect how Rapid Collections and Unified Professional Group have delivered high recovery performance, strategic communication, and long-term partnerships despite global disruptions.
Construction & Engineering
Client: Fortune 200 global construction and engineering firm (Los Angeles HQ)
Relationship Since: 2014
Scope: Collection agency cases
Results: Over $25 million in placements with a 95% success rate
This firm relies on Rapid Collections to manage large, often complex receivables across global operations. We’ve sustained consistent results and clear communication over a multi-year partnership.
Advertising, Marketing & PR
Client: Fortune 200 advertising and PR firm (New York HQ)
Relationship Since: 2003
Scope: Shared Services (AR) and Collection Agency support
Results: Over $3.5 billion in receivables managed annually with a 90% working capital success rate
This high-profile agency chose Rapid Collections and Unified Professional Group because we operate behind the scenes without disrupting key client relationships.
Data Security & Cloud Services
Client: Mid-market tech firm based in St. Louis, MO
Annual Revenue: $400 million+
Scope: Full AR shared services and collection agency work
Results: Recovery performance above 90%, conflict resolution handled with clarity and care
This client values our ability to maintain professional relationships even when resolving complex issues. Our “Collect and Protect” approach helped them streamline AR while staying brand-safe.
Industry-Wide Resilience During COVID
Context: Cross-industry performance from 2020 through 2022
Challenge: Global disruption, economic uncertainty, and heightened debtor sensitivity
Results: Maintained a 94% success rate across all collections, never lost a client
Our team stayed professional, empathetic, and effective through shutdowns, delays, and economic stress. We adapted payment plans, communicated clearly, and upheld client reputations in every interaction.
