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Creating Connections & Cultivating Knowledge: The Library at the Heart of Fayetteville

Creating Connections & Cultivating Knowledge: The Library at the Heart of Fayetteville

Nonprofits, Trailside Talk

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The latest episode of Trailside Talk features a conversation with Christina Karnatz, Director of Development for the Fayetteville Public Library Foundation. The Foundation acts as the philanthropic partner of the Fayetteville Public Library, raising and managing essential funds that help the library continue its mission of empowering the community through free and public access to knowledge.

A Lifelong Connection to the Library

Christina’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of libraries. Born and raised in Fayetteville, Arkansas, she grew up visiting the library with her mom for story time and to check out books so the library has always been part of her life. 

After graduating from the University of Arkansas, she worked as a server, developing strong relationship-building and multitasking skills. Recognizing these strengths, her stepfather suggested she explore a career in fundraising. That suggestion led her to her current role, where she combines her love for the library with her passion for connecting with others.

The Evolving Role of the Library

The Fayetteville Public Library has grown significantly over the years, expanding its offerings far beyond traditional books. Today, it provides an extensive range of resources including its Center for Innovation which features photography, recording, and video studios and many other spaces for artistic endeavors and technical skill-building. 

One particularly notable initiative is FPL on Wheels, a mobile bookmobile that brings library services directly to the community. “The goal with the bookmobile is to take the library out to where the people are,” Christina explained. 

The mobile library visits housing complexes, senior centers, and parks, removing barriers to access and bringing services to the community. This initiative, made possible through grant funding, is a shining example of how libraries can extend their reach and make a tangible difference in the community.

A Successful Expansion and a Bright Future

A major milestone for the library was the completion of its 100,000-square-foot expansion in 2021. Christina and her team led a successful capital campaign, raising the necessary funds to support the project. In November of last year, the final $2 million gift was secured, marking the end of the campaign and the beginning of a new chapter for the library. “Now that we’ve completed the capital campaign and paid off the expansion, we can celebrate that success and focus on what’s next for the library,” she said.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Foundation is focused on community events and donor engagement. The library will host its third annual indoor mini-golf fundraiser on April 12th, inviting adults to enjoy a whimsical round of mini-golf throughout the library’s youth area. Additionally, bestselling author Amor Towles will visit the Fayetteville Public Library for a discussion and book signing on June 5th as part of the library’s commitment to bringing celebrated authors to the community.

Leveraging Salesforce for Impact

An aspect of the Foundation’s success is its use of Salesforce, implemented and supported by WhiteRock. The platform serves as the Foundation’s donor relationship management (CRM) system, streamlining campaign management, tracking grants, and enhancing donor communication.

“We can easily tag a gift and be able to reference that there,” Christina notes. “It is a really great tool to allow us to track our interactions with donors.”

WhiteRock: A Partner in Progress

Transitioning to Salesforce was no small task. “Without WhiteRock, I wouldn’t have known what to do with integrating from our old CRM to Salesforce,” Christina shared. WhiteRock has supported the Foundation by enhancing data accuracy and streamlining reconciliation processes, particularly through Salesforce’s integration with Sage Intacct.

With Salesforce in place, tasks like sending donor letters that once required tedious manual effort are now automated, saving time and ensuring consistent outreach. Christina also explained that “improving those systems cuts back on the amount of time that we are spending behind a computer instead of being out and about building relationships.”

Managing Change with Confidence

When asked about her approach to managing change, Christina emphasized the importance of preparation and clear communication.

“Change is inevitable. Plan as much as you can for what you may or may not know,” she said. “Focus on what you can control. As a leader in the organization, try to provide as much information to your team as possible.”

Advice for Nonprofits

For nonprofits considering a Salesforce partner, Christina’s advice is clear: “It’s really important that your cultures sort of match, that they have an understanding of the nonprofit world and care about the community.” She also encouraged development professionals to lean into relationship building—not only with donors but also with internal staff and external partners.

“Fundraising is all about relationships and having a CRM that tracks all of that so you can really nurture your relationships is very important,” she advised.

A Lasting Impact

As we wrapped up, Christina encouraged listeners to explore their local libraries and discover the wealth of resources available. Libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer innovation, learning opportunities, and cultural experiences.

From the expansion of the Fayetteville Public Library to the success of its FPL on Wheels initiative, Christina and her team’s dedication to their community shines through. As the Foundation’s Salesforce partner, WhiteRock is honored to play a role in supporting the Foundation’s mission and the continued growth and success of the library.

To learn more about the Fayetteville Public Library, visit faylib.org. Be sure to tune into this full episode of Trailside Talk for more details on how philanthropy, innovation, and technology are helping shape the future of the library.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their communities.

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Stewardship in Action with The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas

Stewardship in Action with The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas

Nonprofits, Trailside Talk

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In a recent episode of the Trailside Talk podcast, we spoke with Reverend Wayne Clark, President and CEO of The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas. Reverend Clark shared his journey and highlighted the profound impact the Foundation has had on Arkansas communities. 

A Journey of Faith and Leadership

Reverend Clark’s journey to leading the Foundation is marked by his deep-rooted experience in ministry and a willingness to embrace new challenges. As an ordained United Methodist minister, he served local churches and held chaplaincy roles in hospitals and colleges. “When I was at the college towards the end of my chaplaincy, the college asked me if I would be a fundraiser,” Clark shared. Despite initial hesitation, he accepted the role and grew to enjoy the work.

This leap of faith ultimately prepared him for his current role at the Foundation. “I’m not a finance person, I’m not a lawyer, but I do enjoy what I get to do. It’s a different type of ministry,” Clark explained. Under his leadership, the Foundation emphasizes responsible financial management and impactful giving. Today, the Foundation manages over $225 million in assets and awarded more than $1.8 million in grants in 2024. As the 7th largest Methodist Foundation in the country, they lead in grant distribution, demonstrating their commitment to supporting meaningful initiatives across Arkansas.

Supporting Communities Through Meaningful Initiatives

The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is committed to stewarding resources responsibly. Notable initiatives include providing $22,000 annual scholarships for seminary students as well as undergrad scholarships, funding leadership development opportunities, and addressing food insecurity through grants for food hubs in underserved areas.

“We’re trying to do what little we can to help with that,” Clark said, referencing the Foundation’s efforts to combat food deserts. “We are providing grants to open food hubs in regions where grocery access is limited.”

“We helped open one at a church in southwest Arkansas and are looking at another in northeast Arkansas,” Clark explained. 

Expanding Impact and Embracing Change

In addition to their focus on alleviating hunger, the Foundation helps clergy to enhance their preaching skills through a grant from the Lilly Foundation. Another innovative project involves funding electric vehicle charging stations at churches, furthering community service and sustainability.

“We’ve received and matched a grant to provide 14 EV stations for churches and institutions,” Clark said. “We provide the unit and delivery to the church or institution and they handle installation and upkeep.”

Recognizing the importance of regional presence, the Foundation recently opened a new office in Northwest Arkansas. “There’s a lot of population growth, a lot of industry up there. So, we’ve made a commitment to be present there and it’s been successful,” Clark said.

Additional impact focus areas for the Foundation include, but are not limited to, camp and mission trip scholarships and a variety of service opportunities for students. The quantity and variety of initiatives that the Foundation currently supports and spearheads are impressive. Coupled with a continuous growth and innovative mindset, they are a force for positive change to be reckoned with.

Partnering for Success with WhiteRock

Technology has been instrumental in supporting the Foundation’s mission. Partnering with WhiteRock for Salesforce implementation has empowered the Foundation to streamline operations and enhance engagement with their stakeholders. “The more we use Salesforce, the more we realize how it can help us,” Clark shared. “WhiteRock has been incredible in holding our hands and walking us through the process.” 

Clark praised WhiteRock’s approachable and solution-oriented support: “We don’t do complications. That’s why we go to WhiteRock. They are just so incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and attentive and responsive — all of those make for a really good partnership.”

The collaboration has also introduced significant operational efficiencies. WhiteRock helped customize the Foundation’s Salesforce interface to better suit their specific needs. “We now have customized our screen to really match what it needs to be, and that’s opened our world,” Clark said. “That has been so helpful in my work. I use it every day now.”

From streamlining data management to improving donor communication, WhiteRock has provided hands-on support to empower the Foundation to maximize the platform’s capabilities. Clark also shared how trusting the platform’s reminder system simplified his workflow. “I didn’t want to trust it at first, so I still wrote reminders in my regular calendar. But once I gave it a try, it worked and I even get this great email. Something simple like that has kind of freed me up”

A Model for Effective Change Management

Navigating change has been a key theme throughout Clark’s career. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and proactive communication, especially during the United Methodist Church’s recent denominational split.

“We were very open and honest, transparent. I sent letters to all the churches telling them that we were still available, no matter how that split happened,” Clark explained. “I think that has helped — not just putting our heads in the sand, but hitting it upfront.”

This commitment to transparency and service has enabled the Foundation to thrive and expand its impact.

Looking Ahead

As the Foundation continues to adapt and grow, Clark remains committed to its mission. “Change is constant, but if you’re not changing, you’re not thriving,” he reflected. Through strategic partnerships and a steadfast dedication to service, The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas is making a lasting impact and positive change in the community.

“We are entrusted with a lot of money, and we try to be good stewards of those resources,” Clark emphasized. Whether through scholarships, grants, or service projects, the Foundation’s work continues to uplift Methodist ministries and the people they serve.

To learn more about The Methodist Foundation for Arkansas and their work, visit their website or reach out to Reverend Clark directly at: wclark@umfa.org

Tune in to this episode of Trailside Talk to hear the full conversation and gain insights on leadership, stewardship, and driving positive change.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their community.

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Lessons in Sales, Leadership, and Purpose: A Conversation with Michael Griego

Lessons in Sales, Leadership, and Purpose: A Conversation with Michael Griego

Influence, Trailside Talk

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In a recent episode of the Trailside Talk podcast, Michael Griego, the founder and president of MXL Partners, discusses his journey from humble beginnings to founding a highly sought-after sales consultancy. The conversation was an enlightening exploration of sales strategy, resilience, faith, and the importance of meaningful partnerships.

Michael’s unique career trajectory—from selling books door-to-door in his youth to founding MXL Partners —serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, innovation, and intentionality. His story is one of balancing professional success with personal growth, and it offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to excel in business and life.

From Humble Beginnings to Sales Mastery

Michael’s career in sales started during his college years with a summer job selling books door-to-door. While grueling, this experience taught him invaluable lessons in mental toughness, resilience, and the art of building genuine connections. These qualities would become the cornerstone of his approach to sales and leadership.

Over the years, Michael climbed the corporate ladder, taking on leadership roles that allowed him to refine his understanding of what makes sales teams and organizations successful. In the early 2000s, amidst the uncertainty of the dot-com bust, Michael took a leap of faith and launched MXL Partners, a California-based sales effectiveness consulting and training firm.

“I coach, counsel, and clarify sales process and messaging, build playbooks, and coach teams how to be more effective in their structure and go-to-market plans,” Michael explained. His work has impacted businesses ranging from high-tech organizations to those in the industrial space. It has elevated him as a trusted advisor to private equity firms seeking to optimize sales processes within their portfolio companies.

Innovative Collaboration: The Mike and Mike Show

A key segment of the episode highlighted Michael’s collaboration with WhiteRock and WhiteRock’s founder and CEO, Mike McGibbony. Together, they’ve developed a dynamic partnership that integrates strategic sales playbooks with cutting-edge CRM systems like Salesforce.

Dubbed “The Mike and Mike Show,” their collaboration is an innovative blend of human expertise and technical solutions. “WhiteRock has different ways to work with people at any level,” Michael shared.

The partnership’s success lies in its iterative approach. While Michael focuses on clarifying and executing sales processes and methodologies, WhiteRock implements these strategies within the client’s CRM environment, ensuring seamless integration and scalability. This dual focus on human and technological challenges has proven transformative for many high-growth companies, particularly those backed by private equity.

Faith as a Guiding Principle

Beyond his professional achievements, Michael’s personal life is deeply rooted in his faith. As the founder of Biblical Viewpoint, a blog and podcast dedicated to exploring faith and leadership, Michael has reached thousands with his reflections on how spiritual principles can guide decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.

“In a sense, I feel I’ve been gifted to be a coach and a teacher on the business side and the sales side, as well as on things I think of big consequence around faith and understanding of how the world works,” Michael said. He spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship, recounting how his faith influences his approach to coaching and developing the next generation of leaders.

Michael also shared how he balances the demands of running a business with his commitment to family and community. From writing impactful weekly blog posts to coaching his grandchildren’s sports teams, his life reflects a commitment to living with purpose and intentionality.

Advice for Aspiring Sales Leaders

For listeners seeking to grow in their sales careers, Michael offered practical advice grounded in decades of experience. He emphasized the importance of internships, real-world experience, and a strong foundation in sales fundamentals. “Sales is not a personality thing,” he noted, “ it’s about being smart about the problems, asking questions, and talking to people, engaging and guiding conversations to uncover issues.”

Michael also drew from his books, 42 Rules to Increase Sales Effectiveness and No Excuses: A Better Way to Sell, which provide actionable insights into mastering sales processes and cultivating a winning mindset. He also recommended several classic resources that have shaped his own career, including:

“I’ve been reading books like these all my life now and it really makes a difference in getting your head right, motivated, and grounded,” Michael said.

Celebrating Accomplishments and Looking Ahead

As the conversation drew to a close, Michael reflected on his biggest accomplishments over the past year. From expanding his consulting business to celebrating personal milestones, his reflections painted a picture of a life well-lived.

Among his achievements, Michael expressed gratitude for the opportunity to mentor young professionals, including his two sons, who are thriving in their own sales careers. 

Final Thoughts

Michael Griego’s journey is a testament to the power of discipline, intentionality, and faith. Whether you’re an aspiring sales professional, a business leader, or someone seeking inspiration for living a more purposeful life, his story offers a wealth of wisdom and practical advice.

To learn more about Michael’s work, visit mxlpartners.com or contact him at mike@mxlpartners.com. For insights into integrating sales strategies with CRM solutions, explore WhiteRock’s services.

Tune in to this episode of Trailside Talk to hear the full conversation and discover how Michael’s approach to sales, leadership, and faith can inspire you to reach new heights.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their customers.

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Advancing a Salesforce Career: Ramon Vingochea’s Journey at WhiteRock

Advancing a Salesforce Career: Ramon Vingochea’s Journey at WhiteRock

Trailside Talk

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The latest episode of Trailside Talk features Ramon Vingochea, a Salesforce Software Engineer at WhiteRock. Ramon shared his unique journey from a sales role to a software engineering position at WhiteRock, offering valuable insights into career growth, the power of Salesforce, and the importance of tenacity.

A Journey Begins: From Internship to Full-Time Role

Ramon’s journey at WhiteRock started two years ago when he joined the company as an intern while studying at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). During his internship, Ramon was exposed to the sales process and gained hands-on experience with Salesforce. This initial exposure laid the foundation for his eventual transition into a full-time sales role at WhiteRock.

As a Business Development Representative (BDR), Ramon delved deeper into the CRM world, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Salesforce’s capabilities. However, his passion for technology and a desire for a more technical role led him to consider a career shift. Ramon’s decision to transition from sales to software engineering was not taken lightly, as it required him to step out of his comfort zone and embrace a new set of challenges.

Embracing Change: The Shift to Software Engineering

When Ramon realized he wanted to move away from the business development and sales side of the business, he initiated a candid conversation with his team. This decision, driven by his long-standing interest in Salesforce, marked the beginning of his journey as a Salesforce Software Engineer. Ramon credits his love for learning and the supportive environment at WhiteRock for making this transition possible.

“I deeply valued the relationships I had with the team and didn’t take it lightly to just walk away from that,” Ramon explained. “But I realized I wanted to do something more than the BDR role and I wanted to do something that fit my future career path.”

His passion for Salesforce, combined with the encouragement of his colleagues, allowed Ramon to thrive in his new role. He quickly adapted to the technical demands of the position, immersing himself in the complexities of Salesforce and the broader tech ecosystem.

The Role of Tenacity: Lessons from Baseball

Ramon attributes much of his success to the lessons he learned on the baseball field. A former baseball player at UCA, Ramon believes the mental toughness and tenacity required in sports have translated well into his professional life.

“Baseball and tenacity go hand in hand,” Ramon noted. “Being able to handle pressure, regardless of the situation, and welcome it… I think that’s a good mindset to have for your career as well as in life.”

He shared an analogy that has guided his approach to work and life: when faced with a storm, cows run away from it, prolonging their time in the storm. In contrast, bulls charge through the storm, facing it head-on and emerging on the other side more quickly. This mindset of confronting challenges directly has been pivotal in Ramon’s journey, helping him navigate the ups and downs of his career.

The Power of Salesforce: Transforming Businesses

As a Salesforce Software Engineer, Ramon spends much of his time working with Salesforce, a powerful cloud-based tool that helps businesses manage customer relationships, sales, marketing, and service operations. He has seen firsthand how Salesforce can transform organizations by streamlining operations, improving customer interactions, and enabling businesses to adapt to changing environments.

Ramon is particularly excited about some of Salesforce’s latest features, including Social Studio, which allows businesses to track and analyze social media interactions in real time. This tool, along with others like Salesforce Einstein AI, is helping companies provide more personalized customer experiences and make data-driven decisions.

Continuous Learning: A Key to Success

One of the recurring themes in Ramon’s story is the importance of continuous learning. As he has transitioned into a more technical role, Ramon emphasizes that learning never stops. Whether it’s mastering new Salesforce features or improving project management skills, Ramon is committed to growing both personally and professionally.

He recommends resources like Salesforce Trailhead and Salesforce Ben as valuable tools for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of the platform. These resources provide a wealth of information and practical exercises that can help users stay ahead in the ever-changing CRM landscape.

The WhiteRock Difference: Innovation and Adaptability

When asked what sets WhiteRock apart from other Salesforce partners, Ramon pointed to the company’s innovative approach and adaptability. WhiteRock doesn’t just stick to the basics; instead, it creates unique tools and methodologies tailored to address specific business challenges across various industries.

“Our ability to truly understand our clients’ needs and tailor those solutions accordingly makes for some really successful Salesforce projects,” Ramon explained.

This client-centric approach, combined with a culture of continuous learning and innovation, has allowed WhiteRock to consistently deliver top-tier CRM solutions.

Final Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Salesforce Engineers

As the conversation drew to a close, Ramon offered some advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps. For anyone aspiring to become a Salesforce Software Engineer, Ramon stressed the importance of building a strong foundation in the platform’s fundamentals. He recommended starting with Salesforce Trailhead to gain a solid understanding of the basics before diving into more advanced features and capabilities.

“Communication is always top of the list,” Ramon added. “Be able to clearly understand the business process that the customer’s asking for and what their needs are before diving into the technical solutions.”

Ramon’s journey from sales to software engineering at WhiteRock is a testament to the power of passion, tenacity, and continuous learning. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a career change or deepen their expertise in Salesforce.

For more insights and stories like Ramon’s, be sure to tune in to Trailside Talk.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their customers.

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Inside StenTech: Leadership, Growth, and Market Strategy

Inside StenTech: Leadership, Growth, and Market Strategy

Trailside Talk

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In our latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the inner workings of StenTech with their Director of Finance, Ryan Hellmers, discussing leadership, growth, and market strategies. This conversation provided a wealth of insights into how StenTech has established itself as a market leader through strategic planning, innovation, and a strong operational framework.

Who is StenTech?

StenTech is the leading manufacturer of stencils, wave solder pallets, SMT carriers, and tooling supplies serving the SMT and EMS markets. With a strong emphasis on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, StenTech has earned a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that meet the stringent demands of modern manufacturing processes. Their expertise in the field and commitment to technological advancements have positioned them as a key player in the industry.

Leadership & Communication Approach

Ryan outlined StenTech’s leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of a solid market presence and high-quality standards. He discussed how the company maintains a strong relationship with their private equity partner and works closely with the WhiteRock team as well. This collaborative leadership strategy ensures that StenTech remains at the forefront of the industry by continually innovating and adapting to market needs.

As a distributed team, StenTech team members go above and beyond to ensure that they stay connected and on the same page as colleagues regardless of location. Ryan shared that, “Collaborating and making sure that everyone’s voices are heard and that the overall goal and strategy is still aligned really is important for us.” By leveraging the right software tools and regularly scheduled meetings, StenTech’s team prioritizes their internal collaboration efforts.

Navigating Challenges

Ryan discussed one of StenTech’s biggest challenges: the miniaturization of electronics. As components become smaller and tolerances tighter, StenTech must continually innovate and lead with their product and design capabilities to meet the evolving needs of contract manufacturers and OEMs. Ryan highlights significant investments in stencil coding technology, frame technology, and process efficiency improvements to maintain quick turnaround times. This commitment to excellence and reliability no doubt contributes greatly to StenTech’s position as a market leader.

Role of Technology

Technology plays a crucial role in StenTech’s operations and growth. Ryan discussed how advancements in stencil coding and frame technology have enabled the company to meet the evolving demands of the electronics industry. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and optimizing internal processes, StenTech can offer innovative solutions. This focus on technological innovation is key to StenTech’s ability to lead the market and deliver exceptional value to their customers.

They have also focused on leveraging commercial technology platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Power BI, which sit at the center of their operations. These systems have facilitated better collaboration and optimized business decisions by relying on data rather than intuition. Implementing these systems has helped StenTech manage change effectively. Ryan emphasized that these technologies provide confidence in decision-making and elevate their operational capabilities.

Partner Contribution

WhiteRock has had the privilege of contributing to StenTech’s growth and operational excellence. In regard to our partnership, Ryan shared, “WhiteRock has really taken the time to listen and think through our processes from a business lens and throughout the design of our CRM system and the implementation of our CRM system.” The partnership with WhiteRock has enabled StenTech to access valuable resources and insights, facilitating strategic decision-making and fostering innovation. 

Strategy and Vision for the Future

Ryan elaborated on StenTech’s market strategy, explaining how the company uses data-driven insights to make informed decisions, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to changing market dynamics. This proactive approach has enabled StenTech to identify and capitalize on new opportunities, driving sustained growth.

When looking to the future, the StenTech team is very excited about several opportunities in particular, including their new coding, StenTech BluePrint, which allows manufacturers to run many more prints with their stencils with increased efficiency. This eliminates the need for frequent replacement of stencils and extends the lifespan of the stencil. This will decrease the need for maintenance and replacement costs while dramatically enhancing overall performance. StenTech BluePrint will be rolling out over the course of this year. 

Some of StenTech’s Accomplishments

Throughout the discussion, Ryan highlights several of StenTech’s key accomplishments that demonstrate the organization’s strength and innovation. In July 2023, StenTech successfully acquired Photo Etch, showcasing their robust operational capabilities. The launch of their new BluePrint coding product, a market differentiator, was another significant milestone. Internally, improvements in operational visibility through Salesforce and Power BI have provided greater insights and reassurance to both the team and their private equity partners.

Future-Ready & Positioned for Success

StenTech’s journey is a testament to the power of strategic leadership, innovation, and collaboration. Through the insights shared by Ryan Hellmers, it is clear that StenTech’s commitment to excellence, technological advancement, and market adaptability has solidified their position as a leader in the industry. Their proactive approach to navigating challenges, such as the miniaturization of electronics, and their strategic investments in technologies showcase their dedication to meeting and exceeding market demands.

StenTech is well-positioned for continued success and market leadership. Their focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction ensures that they will remain a key player in the industry, driving innovation and setting new standards for performance and efficiency.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their customers.

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Innovative Approaches to Banking Technology with Smiley Technologies

Innovative Approaches to Banking Technology with Smiley Technologies

Trailside Talk

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In a recent episode of the Trailside Talk podcast, Ben France, Director of Business Development at Smiley Technologies, shared valuable insights into the world of banking technology and Smiley’s unique approach to serving community banks. France’s discussion highlighted Smiley’s commitment to a relationship-first approach, the challenges of the rapidly evolving fintech landscape, and their vision for the future of banking technology.

Prioritizing People, Processes, & Technology

France emphasized Smiley’s strategic IT objectives, which focus on prioritizing people, processes, and technology to empower their customers. This triad forms the backbone of Smiley’s operations and their mission to help community banks thrive in a competitive market. Smiley is a privately held organization that places a strong emphasis on understanding and addressing the unique needs of their clients. They go against the grain as the industry pushes the people element out of the equation, value the process of “getting into the weeds and helping banks with issues they may be having”, and pride themselves in handling the technological needs of bank in order to allow bankers to be bankers. 

Navigating Fintech Noise

One of the significant challenges that Smiley faces is deciphering the constant noise in the fintech industry. With new technologies and trends emerging at a rapid pace, it can be difficult for community banks to determine which innovations will truly benefit them. France explained, “there are some really good fintechs out there, it’s just that there’s a lot of noise and bankers get a lot of different requests. We just want to be a partner to help figure out what’s best with the bank.” This role as a trusted advisor is crucial for community banks that may lack the resources to navigate the complexities of the fintech world on their own.

Vision for 2024 & Beyond

Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Smiley has an ambitious vision for future-proofing banking technology. France outlined several innovative initiatives, including enhancing API middleware, exploring real-time payments, and investigating opportunities with artificial intelligence. These initiatives are designed to help community banks stay ahead of the curve and continue to offer seamless, efficient services to their customers.

France highlighted the potential of AI to revolutionize various aspects of banking, from automation to personalized customer service. “AI is is a game changer and we’re taking a methodical approach to it,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field.

Patience, Positivity, & Celebrate the Little Wins

France also shared valuable advice on maintaining patience and positivity in the face of challenges, emphasizing the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. This perspective is crucial when navigating a long sales cycle within an industry that is constantly evolving, where staying focused and maintaining a positive outlook can make a significant difference. Also key to keeping motivated and acknowledging progress, “celebrate those little wins,” France suggested, highlighting the importance of recognizing and appreciating incremental progress as part of a larger journey towards success.

WhiteRock’s Contribution

Smiley Technologies has also benefited from the support and expertise of WhiteRock. WhiteRock has been instrumental in helping Smiley implement and leverage Salesforce for their business. France shared his appreciation for the big picture view that WhiteRock brings to the table, saying, “they’re very good at looking at us not just a couple of months from now, but years in advance of what we should be doing on the CRM standpoint. I think adding that timely support is great but also bringing that big picture holistic view to to our company.” This collaboration has enabled Smiley to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions to their clients.

A New Reporting Tool for CDFI MDI Banks

A notable accomplishment for Smiley Technologies has been the introduction of a new product through their reporting tool for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) banks. This tool is specifically designed to meet the unique reporting needs of these institutions, helping them comply with regulatory requirements and better serve their communities. France discussed how this product has positively impacted the banks they serve, stating, “We came up with a solution to help automate that process for the banks. I go back to let’s let the bankers be bankers and let us provide help with technology and create more efficiencies for them.” This innovation underscores Smiley’s ability to identify and address niche market needs, further solidifying their role as a versatile and forward-thinking partner.

A Forward-Thinking Partner

Overall, the podcast provided a comprehensive overview of Smiley Technologies’ approach to empowering community banks through innovative, people-centric solutions. France’s insights underscored the importance of a balanced approach that prioritizes people, processes, and technology, while also navigating the complexities of the fintech landscape. As Smiley looks to the future, their commitment to their customers positions them as a partner for community banks seeking to thrive in an ever-changing industry.

By maintaining a clear focus on customer needs and staying ahead of technological trends, Smiley Technologies continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of community banking. Their relationship-first approach, combined with strategic technological initiatives, ensures that they remain a trusted advisor and valuable partner to their clients. As the banking industry continues to evolve, Smiley’s dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions will undoubtedly drive their success and the success of the community banks they serve.

WhiteRock’s Trailside Talk podcast program shines a light on organizations that are leveraging Salesforce in powerful ways to better serve their customers.

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