This week, we have the pleasure of celebrating Katelyn Neuls’ 8-year anniversary with Stride Capital. With over 13 years of experience in the accounting industry, Katelyn has been an integral part of our growth and an incredible leader to our Administration Team during her time here. We sat down with Katelyn to discuss her career with Stride, her favourite memories with the team, and opportunities she sees on Stride Capital’s horizon.

How has your role evolved over the past 8 years, and what have your growth and Stride Capital’s growth looked like during this time?

First of all, wow! It’s hard to believe it’s been 8 years—time flies when you’re having fun and working with the best team! When I started back in 2016, besides the owners, I was employee #4; we had a Credit Analyst, a Documentation Specialist, a Customer Service Coordinator, and myself as the Accounting Manager. In 2017, I became the Financial Controller which allowed me to lead a team and be involved in all of the financial aspects of the company. I later became part owner of Stride Capital which opened my eyes to the entrepreneurial side of things—something I never imagined would be in my career highlights! Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in the sale of Stride to Servus Credit Union and be a part of the Management Team now in place, helping to lead our team through this next exciting chapter. All this to say, over the last 8 years, the company itself has grown tremendously, and I’ve been fortunate to have had my career grow alongside it.  

What’s one of your favorite memories from your time with Stride so far?

My favourite memories with Stride are our yearly Christmas parties where we bring the team together to celebrate our successes from throughout the year. It’s a chance to see the individuals who work remotely and connect with our team outside of work. We always have a fun event planned, and there is no shortage of laughs and good times!

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time here?

I have been fortunate enough to have guidance from the most amazing mentors in the industry (in my opinion!). From Randy Mannix teaching me the fundamentals of the business and industry, to Randy Smyth providing mentorship on leadership and entrepreneurship, to Aaron Van Hoevelaak sharing his extensive knowledge on the accounting and financial aspects of the business, to Andrew Del Bucchia and Todd Redmond offering crucial insights into sales as well as the dynamics of our industry partners and vendors, to Jason Patterson sharing his deep understanding of the securitization world and relationships with our funding partners, and beyond. Their mentorship has allowed me to become a more well-rounded employee and leader. My most valuable lesson is that there’s a wealth of knowledge within your own team, and to ask questions and learn from those around us.

What do you enjoy most about working with your team and contributing to Stride Capital’s mission?

What I enjoy most about working with my team at Stride Capital is the sense of collaboration and teamwork. From the early days when we would all gather around the table to problem-solve in real time, to now having our team meetings and finding creative ways to approach challenges, each of our team members brings a unique perspective and has a positive attitude. This allows us to have a productive, fast-paced work environment, with a shared dedication to providing the best service we can to our customers at the centre of it.

How do you stay motivated and inspired after 8 years, and what excites you about the future with the company?

I stay motivated by being a part of a team with a strong work ethic that also fosters an atmosphere of fun. This inspires me to work hard and being involved in new projects that allow me to embrace challenges and learn new skills keeps me excited. However, the greatest motivator for me is the sense of accomplishment I get from contributing to the company’s success and witnessing its growth. As a company, we have ambitious growth plans, and I’m excited to be a part of the journey and to continue to grow alongside the team!

Learn more about Katelyn and get in touch today.