Team Spotlight: Kyle Blanchard, Product Manager - Crowdz

We caught up with Crowdz’s new Product Manager to talk about creating a “data-science-driven approach” cash flow solution for SMBs, Disney’s Robert Iger, and Kanye.

What are some highlights from your professional background?

I like to think about my professional background in terms of the people I’ve helped serve and the lives I’ve been able to impact. Some of my proudest accomplishments in my career are:

• Helping local elementary and middle school children in the Bay Area develop an understanding of engineering and science at the Ingenuity Lab.
• Creating an exceptional digital onboarding experience for Fitness International LLC through personalization and customization.
• Helping underrepresented taxpayers achieve compliance with the IRS and providing them relief from the aggressive collections efforts from the IRS.
• Launched solutions to help serve underrepresented small businesses via alternative data sources to drive SMB credit decisions.

Why was Crowdz a match for you?

Crowdz is a natural fit for me because it fills a void in an industry that desperately needs it and creates a novel, data-science-driven approach to helping SMBs accelerate their cash flow. The mission comes naturally to me: helping small businesses (especially during the post-lockdown period) is one of the most important missions to be working on right now.

Can you describe your role?

I’m a Product Manager at Crowdz. It’s my responsibility to ensure that we solve the most impactful problems for our customers and make their lives easier and better.

What are some of the hats you wear (known or unknown)?

I think I’ve worn every hat. In product management, you often find yourself filling whatever role the team needs to improve and impact the customer experience.

Why were you interested in working with Crowdz?

I love the mission and the team. I think what we’re doing is important and can have a big impact on those who need help.

What makes Crowdz unique?

Our focused mission on helping the smallest businesses drive cash flow is unique because this challenge is so hard. It’s often hard to evaluate the creditworthiness of SMBs, so the SuRF score alongside our platform and technology is what makes this unique and possible.

What is the future for Crowdz?

You’ll have to wait and find out 🙂

What’s one fun fact we don’t know about you?

I’m colorblind.

If you could choose anyone as your mentor, who would you pick?

I feel like this answer changes often. Right now, my answer would be Robert Iger. I’ve recently read his biography, and it’s hard not to admire his tenacity, drive, and ability to make hard decisions. I’d seek him out for mentorship on leading a team/company to become the best versions of themselves.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Looking for supernovae.

If you could learn anything, what would it be?

I’m currently learning piano, which has been a lifelong dream of mine. I’m about a year in, and I couldn’t be happier. My next goal is to gain expertise in Data Science. I’m joining a master’s program in January 2022.

What was the first concert you attended?

Blink-182 was my first concert ever. I was 13. Kanye still holds the title for my favorite concert ever.

If you have 30-minutes of free time, how do you pass the time?

Play piano, read a book, or hang out with my wife.