Howard S. Dvorkin is a serial entrepreneur, a twice-published author, and the founder and chairman of Debt.com. But one theme runs through all of his efforts: A personal hatred of personal debt.
Consolidated Credit
Dvorkin’s first international success was the founding of Consolidated Credit in 1993. Now one of North America’s largest and oldest nonprofit credit counseling agencies, Consolidated Credit has helped more than 10 million people achieve financial freedom.
Debt.com
Dvorkin left the helm of Consolidated Credit and launched Debt.com, the nation’s first one-stop shop for solving every form of personal debt. Since then, the Florida-based firm has helped 3 million people resolve $12 billion of debt.
Other Enterprises
Dvorkin also founded several fintech startups including Power Wallet, Financial Apps, All Clear Decisioning as well as Start Fresh Today. But his entrepreneurial interests aren’t limited to the financial sector. In 2011 he became the majority owner of the six-title Florida based Lifestyle Magazine Group and he expanded it to 11 titles before selling it in 2023. His real estate investments – both commercial and residential covering three states.
National Media Source
Three decades of success in the financial industry has impressed national media outlets, who regularly interview Dvorkin – including The New York Times, Washington Post, CNBC, Money Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Investor’s Business Daily, and virtually every national newspaper in the country. He has also appeared as a finance expert on national and local television and radio programs, including the CBS Nightly News, ABC World News Tonight, The Early Show, Fox News, and CNN.
Author
His first book, Credit Hell – How to Dig Out of Debt (Wiley & Sons, revised 2010) was a practical, step-by-step guide to budgeting, establishing good credit, and knowing your consumer rights. His second book, Power Up: Taking Charge of Your Financial Destiny (Wiley & Sons, 2013) studied both the financial and psychological stressors that propel people into debt, while offering proven solutions to overcome mind-and-money barriers to a worry-free life.
Dvorkin on Debt Column
“Dvorkin on Debt” is a compelling financial column where Howard delivers insightful advice and strategies to help readers effectively manage and overcome their debts. The column delves into a wide spectrum of debt-related topics, catering to individuals at different stages of their financial journey. Dvorkin discusses the psychological and emotional aspects of debt, exploring the reasons behind excessive borrowing and overspending. With an empathetic approach, he provides valuable tips on how to overcome the shame and guilt associated with debt, while emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and a positive mindset.
Forbes Advisor Council Member
Howard is part of the Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only community for executives in accounting, financial planning, wealth and asset management, and investment firms. He was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors.
Entrepreneur Leadership Network ®
Howard is a part of this exclusive program where selected industry experts help Entrepreneur’s millions of readers with information on how to start, build, and succeed in business. Howard has shared his educational resources and knowledge providing valuable content that helps entrepreneurs enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends and industry information.
Academic and Professional Achievements
A CPA who graduated from the University of Miami with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the American University, Dvorkin has served in the following roles:
- • Past president of the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA)
- • Consultant to the Board of Directors for the Association of Credit Counseling Professionals (ACCPros)
- • Inducted into the prestigious 1923 Society at American University and is a member of the Kogod School of Business Advisory Council
- • Former member of the Board of Governors of The H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University
He has received the following accolades:
- • Listed in the Marquis Who’s Who in the Finance Industry
- • Among the premier group of CPAs recognized with the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation
- • Named Heavy Hitter of the Year by The South Florida Business Journal
- • A two-time nominee for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- • Recipient of the South Florida Diamond Award for outstanding individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership
Parkland Cares
In the aftermath of the 2018 mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland – his hometown – Dvorkin established Parkland Cares. Within two weeks, this new charitable organization was fundraising to provide mental health counseling for students, teachers, family members and anyone in the community who needed it. Since then, Parkland Cares’ mission has expanded to help all South Floridians in need of trauma counseling. Dvorkin’s efforts have raised more $1 million to support 14 mental-health agencies provide thousands of hours of care.
In 2023, Dvorkin’s home county declared Sept. 8 of that year to be Howard S. Dvorkin Day.
Philanthropic Achievements
Dvorkin’s charitable giving and leadership is too long to list here, so this is just a sample:
- • Appointed to the Executive Board of the United Way of Broward County
- • Named a Laureate in the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and former board member of the South Florida Chapter of Junior Achievement
- • Won the Israel Bonds Commemorative Medallion for working toward the betterment of Israel
- • Formerly the Chairman-Elect for the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida
- • Founding member of the South Florida American Heart Association Board of Directors
- • Board member of Henderson Behavioral Health