Navigating a Major Acquisition and Family Dynamics

At 19, my journey began alone. Balancing college studies, I manned a call center for Jack Henry & Associates by night. This demanding yet thrilling role was my gateway into a rapidly expanding company.

The typical college experience eluded me as I worked constantly to cover my car and housing expenses. At work, I seized every opportunity to solve issues, honing a drive to excel even in unfamiliar tasks. Failure was not an option on either personal or professional fronts.

This commitment paid off. I earned a reputation for high-quality execution and empathy, ultimately rising to vice president before departing Jack Henry in 2022 after two decades.

Childcare and Career: A Balancing Act

As a wife, a mother to five, and a foster parent to seven, my reputation in Missouri was so reputable that Fingercheck, an HR company in New York, engaged me to aid their expansion with a focus on acquisition.

This role required extensive travel, with me spending two out of three weeks in Brooklyn. My husband diligently managed the children's routines, taking them to school where he served as superintendent.

For three years, I facilitated the growth of Fingercheck, culminating in their $150 million acquisition by October 2024.

Venturing into Education

Post-acquisition, I remained with Fingercheck until July to smooth the transition. I planned a hiatus to regroup, but another path beckoned.

Faced with the church's inability to support my husband's growing school, we decided to establish our own institution, impacting 100 children. I prefer to be the silent partner and stay out of daily operations, focusing instead on consulting and running my podcast, Between Builds. This journey is also about self-discovery and pacing.

Finding Daily Connection

My husband doesn't earn a salary; his work is our way to give back. When he transitioned from a salaried role into education 13 years ago, I became the main earner. This setup allowed us to respect our separate life spheres.

My experience in New York centered on fast-paced growth, contrasting with his rural, community-focused role. We admire each other's strengths and support each other—me supporting his school because of my love for him, him supporting our family despite little understanding of fintech. Mornings over coffee yield discussions on mutual support, now more feasible since my departure from Fingercheck.

The Gift of Hard Work

Having emerged from poverty, I'm aware of the fortune my family now possesses. Beyond monetary contributions, we give our time. I aim to be the advocate for my children and foster kids that I never had, helping them develop emotional resilience.

My children witness influencers claiming easy wealth, but I want to instill a solid work ethic and value in tangible achievements. It's crucial they find satisfaction in tackling challenges and developing perseverance, a vital skill for life.