Digging In is a regular series of blog posts profiling UDig employees. We hope this series helps you to get to know our team and understand why we dig what we do!
Today we are sitting down with Susan Frank, UDig Chief Financial Officer and wife of CEO and Founder, Andy Frank. She shares her unique perspective on the organization and the future of UDig.
UDig: Tell us a little bit about your background and your role at UDig.
SF: I love numbers! I majored in Accounting at UVA and spent 3 years in Audit at Coopers & Lybrand after graduating. From there I spent 9 years at Circuit City Corporate and had the chance to work in many different accounting and finance functions, including division controller. Following Circuit, I spent 6 years in real estate.
I joined UDig in 2009 and oversee all financial operations for UDig including vendor relationships, risk management, insurance, accounting, legal, and payroll… all of the back office processes that make the business run.
The financials are simpler in a small business, but the infrastructure is so different from a larger enterprise. We all play a lot of roles, and wear a lot of hats, which gives us the chance to learn so much. I love knowing every day I’m making a significant impact on the business.
UDig: What does Do What You Dig mean to you?
SF: To me it’s all about embracing what you are doing, not only at work, but in your life. If you are passionate about what you are pursuing, you will be excited about going to work each day. I am constantly preaching about it to my kids, if you don’t love what you are doing, no amount of money can offset it. We all have a short time on earth and it is so important to use that time well. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.
UDig: You’ve had a unique vantage point to watch the evolution of UDig. How would you describe where we’ve been and where we are headed?
SF:I’m so excited about our future! We’ve made many changes since I officially came on board and really shifted the business over the last few years. I firmly believe we are headed in the right direction. If we had stayed the same, we wouldn’t be able to be the company Andy and I are so passionate about being. Providing the benefits, compensation and culture that allows our teams to do what they dig!
Today, our organization is maturing. We’ve made a tremendous shift…in our brand, our culture. We are having more consultative conversations and doing really interesting work.
UDig: What is the best career advice you ever received?
SF: My Dad was a big influence on me and he encouraged me to find what I enjoyed and my strengths, then pursue a career that aligned with those. Also, one of my managers at Circuit City was extremely supportive in encouraging me to try new things, take risks and gain new experiences.
UDig: What is your favorite online procrastination tool?
SF: The News. I enjoy staying up to date on what’s happening in our country and the world. You’ll find me reading the headlines on several news sites and getting my daily dose of The Skimm.
UDig: What is the most played song in your library?
SF: It’s most likely something by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros or Mumford & Sons.
UDig: What did you want to be when you grew up?
SF: I love animals and always thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. Until, I had to do a dissection in high school. That definitely showed me that I was more comfortable with numbers than with a scalpel!
UDig: You’ve been told you are not allowed to work tomorrow, how do you spend your day?
SF: Outside! Exercise, relaxing, time with my family and dogs. I love the beach, eating outside and just being with family and friends.
