Meridian Financial Services: Setting the Standard for Integrity and Innovation in Timeshare Collections

Gregory Sheperd’s journey from military service to financial expertise is reshaping the landscape of ethical collections.

Gregory Sheperd, President of Meridian Financial Services, has crafted a successful career defined by discipline, adaptability, and an in-depth understanding of financial obligations. While his entry into the world of timeshare collections was unanticipated, a combination of education, experience, and opportunity ultimately guided him to carve out his niche in this intricate industry.

A Path to Leadership
Sheperd’s background blends law enforcement and finance, providing a unique foundation for his career in timeshare collections. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University, with minors in accounting and military science. Commissioned as a reserve officer in the Army Reserves, he served as a military police officer with plans to attend law school.

However, an opportunity at Peppertree Resorts in Asheville, North Carolina, redirected his path. There, he took on a role managing collections for early-stage delinquencies.
“I found that I had a knack for working with people to help them understand their financial obligations,” Sheperd recalls. “It was about conveying responsibility in a way that wasn’t threatening but helped people recognize the value in maintaining their payments.”

At the time, Peppertree Resorts struggled with third-party collection agencies that lacked industry-specific knowledge. These agencies treated timeshare collections like traditional consumer debt, creating unnecessary tension with owners and yielding poor recovery rates.

Recognizing the need for a more effective solution, the developer decided in 1988 to launch its own collection agency. This marked the beginning of Meridian Financial Services in 1989, with Sheperd invited to join the founding team. Initially, he planned to stay temporarily before heading to law school, but his rapid career progression at Meridian led him to reconsider his future.

“I was hiring law school graduates at the time and realized the field was saturated,” Sheperd explains. “I loved the work at Meridian and saw a future in building a business that served the industry ethically and effectively.”

By the midlate-1990s, Sheperd had risen to the role of president in 1997. In 1989 2001 Meridian was acquired by Interval, which recognized the company’s growing significance in the timeshare industry.

Then in 2018, Interval International was acquired by Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW), resulting in Meridian becoming a subsidiary of MVW. Despite the corporate transitions, Sheperd remained steadfast in his commitment to preserving Meridian’s focus on ethical, service-driven collections.

In July 2024, Sheperd took full ownership of the company from Marriott Vacations Worldwide, ensuring the company’s continued independence and reinforcing its long termlong-term vision. . This pivotal transition marked a new era for Meridian, one centered on innovation and a continued commitment to customer-centric collections.

Meridian’s Approach: Ethical, Compliant, and Effective
Meridian Financial Services specializes in debt collection for the timeshare industry, providing comprehensive, contingency-based solutions for developers, homeowner associations, and property management companies.

Unlike traditional collection agencies that may take an aggressive approach, Meridian focuses on ethical and compliance-driven strategies that maintain positive relationships with timeshare owners while ensuring resorts recover revenue efficiently.

Key aspects of Meridian’s approach include:

• Industry-Specific Expertise: With over three decades of experience in timeshare collections, Meridian understands the unique challenges that come with vacation ownership. This allows the company to craft customized solutions tailored to individual resorts and owner associations.

   

• Compliance-Driven Practices: The financial services industry is heavily regulated, and Meridian ensures strict adherence to federal and state collection laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other consumer protection regulations.

   

• Owner-Centric Communication: Rather than relying on aggressive tactics, Meridian’s team prioritizes clear, respectful communication that helps owners understand their obligations and options for resolution.

   

• Technology-Enhanced Solutions: By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Meridian streamlines the collections process, making it easier for resorts to track accounts, receive updates, and ensure compliance.

   

• Customized Payment Solutions: Meridian works with timeshare owners to develop payment plans that align with their financial situations, reducing defaults and fostering long-term owner satisfaction.

A Commitment to Long-Term Success
Under Greg Sheperd’s leadership, Meridian Financial Services continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of the vacation ownership industry. The company remains dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that balance financial responsibility with exceptional customer service, ensuring that resorts maintain their financial stability without compromising relationships with their owners.

With a team of highly skilled professionals, Meridian provides full support to clients, from initial outreach to final resolution. This comprehensive approach allows clients to focus on their core operations, confident that Meridian will handle collections with integrity and effectiveness.

Sheperd emphasizes that successful collections are not just about recovering funds but about preserving the relationships between timeshare owners and the resorts they love. “We see ourselves as problem solvers,” he says. “We work with owners to help them find solutions that make sense for their circumstances while ensuring that our clients can recover what is owed to them. It’s a balance of business needs and human understanding.”

Looking Ahead
As the timeshare industry continues to evolve, so do the challenges associated with collections. Economic fluctuations, shifting in travel habits, and changing consumer expectations all impact how resorts manage their finances. Meridian Financial Services stays at the forefront of these challenges, providing strategic insights and tailored solutions that help clients navigate this dynamic landscae.

With Sheperd’s extensive experience in both finance and law enforcement, he brings a unique perspective \ that emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and ethical business practices. His leadership ensures that Meridian will continue to set the standard for timeshare collections, embodying professionalism and integrity.

For timeshare developers, homeowner associations, and management companies seeking a trusted partner in collections, Meridian offers a proven track record of success. By prioritizing compliance, ethical communication, and innovative strategies, Meridian is redefining what it means to be a leader in financial recovery within the vacation ownership industry.

For more information, contact:
Gregory Sheperd, President, Meridian Financial Services, Inc.1636 Hendersonville Rd, Suite 135 • Asheville, NC 28803828.575.5179 • Fax 828.575.9570Cell 828.280.0474
gsheperd@Merid.com, Website: www.merid.com