truTV: Not Reality. Actuality.

Matt 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... 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 do you have some occasions when things go very smoothly?

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: 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 and just barely missed my testicles.

Q: What was the funniest thing you ever saw on the job?

A: I was repossessing this car, and the owner offered to orally gratify me if I could let it 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?

A: Women, probably. Most ladies are fine, but when they get angry, look out. They take it very personally and just start ranting, screaming and crying.

Q: When on a repossession job, is there any place the law doesn't allow you to go?

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.