Spring is a time for refreshing goals, recentering priorities and reimagining the future. Seattleites and Washingtonians are shaking off the icy gray of winter and anticipating the warmth of a seaside summer.
At Center, growth isn’t reserved for the optimistic springtime months. The Bellevue-based spend-management software company recently raised $15 million in series B funding to further its product and team, and the company’s rich history of agile thinking and innovative pivots is worth noting.
For Senior Business Development Representative Ryan Kratochwill, Center’s growth mindset is manifested in the opportunity for stretch projects and meaningful collaboration with his peers.
“A company like Center provides ongoing opportunities for employees to try new things and explore new projects,” Kratochwill told Built In Seattle, detailing a cross-functional exploration of personalized marketing techniques with the growth marketing team.
“It was a powerful extension of my daily work and gave me new ideas on how to better connect with prospective Center customers,” he added.
From planting the seed for exciting collaboration to nurturing fulfilling career paths, Center takes employee growth and development seriously — and it’s hiring. Built In Seattle sat down with Kratochwill to find out how Center helps his skills bloom.
Center is aiming to shape the future of spend management with configurable, extensible and intelligent solutions. Its goal is to help companies make the most out of their time and money. Center is passionate about the transformative power of forward-looking technology and real-time data.
Think back to your early days on the job. What surprised you or stood out to you most about your company’s culture?
What became apparent very early on at Center was the level of openness in communication and collaboration across the entire team. I felt comfortable asking questions and talking to those outside my specific department and organization.
What became apparent very early on was the level of openness in communication and collaboration across the entire team.”
It’s a very inviting and supportive culture — everyone wants to help each other achieve their specific goals. I’ve also had the chance to build some incredible friendships that extend beyond working hours.
What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on recently, and what skills did it help you develop?
Recently a few individuals on my team got the chance to partner with our growth marketing function to try a new account-based marketing motion where we prospect into a select list of accounts in a more personalized fashion. We collaboratively defined and executed approaches that helped us better differentiate ourselves in the market and reach our prospects with timely and relevant messaging.
