In this article, we’ll break down what Milliken & Michaels does, explore their approach to collections, and explain what businesses should look for in a debt recovery partner. We’ll also compare how their model stacks up against industry leaders like Advanced Collection Bureau (ACB).
The Basics: What Does Milliken & Michaels Do?
Milliken & Michaels is a commercial debt collection agency based in Vero Beach, Florida, with a national and international reach. They primarily serve business-to-business (B2B) clients, focusing on the recovery of delinquent receivables in a way that maintains the integrity of client-customer relationships.
You can learn more about them directly on their website, which outlines their services and team background.
Their headquarters is located at:
1114 17th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772) 217-8700
Unlike many high-volume agencies that rely on repetitive calls and letters, Milliken & Michaels takes what they call a "professional investigative approach." This includes conducting financial audits before beginning collections and offering legal forwarding services through attorney partnerships when needed.
Services They Offer
Milliken & Michaels offers a collection of tailored services that go beyond basic recovery. According to their services page, these include:
- Commercial debt collection
- Investigative asset and liability discovery
- Legal forwarding for litigation
- Client reporting through a 24/7 online portal
- International collection support
They aim to act as an extension of your business—rather than an outside firm. Their strategy emphasizes dignity, precision, and communication.
This approach may be ideal for companies that value brand protection and ongoing client relationships, especially in industries like logistics, distribution, or professional services.
What Businesses Should Consider Before Hiring Them
While Milliken & Michaels offers a polished presentation, it's important to look deeper. One thing to note is that they are not currently BBB-accredited, which may raise questions for some businesses evaluating credibility. You can view their BBB profile here.
They also operate at a smaller scale compared to larger agencies. That could mean more customized service—or it could mean fewer resources to chase more complex recoveries.
When evaluating any collection agency, ask:
- Do they specialize in your type of debt?
- Can they provide transparent updates and recovery metrics?
- What do other clients say about their effectiveness?
- Do they understand local and federal collection laws?
For a more detailed breakdown of these questions, see Choosing the Best Outsource Debt Collection Agency.
Milliken & Michaels vs. Advanced Collection Bureau
Where Milliken & Michaels focus mostly on commercial debts, Advanced Collection Bureau (ACB) offers deep experience across residential, commercial, and medical collections. ACB is also 100% U.S.-based, never outsources, and reports to credit bureaus twice monthly—a key feature that often speeds up debtor response.
Another major difference? ACB handles a wider variety of cases: broken leases, unpaid rent, bounced checks, medical co-pays, and more. If you’re in property management or healthcare, you might want to check out How Apartment Debt Collection Works or Best Collection Practices for Assisted Living Facilities.
And while Milliken & Michaels claim “over 100 years of combined experience,” ACB brings 25+ years of proven success, strict legal compliance, and a no-fee-unless-we-collect guarantee.
If you're facing difficult tenants or late-paying patients, ACB’s specialized guides like Strategies for Collecting Debt from Long-Term Delinquent Tenants can help you stay compliant while recovering funds faster.
Final Thoughts
Milliken & Michaels may be a solid choice for businesses seeking a professional, investigative approach to commercial debt collection—particularly those dealing with high-value accounts or international invoices.
