Fintech Marketing Manager enjoys helping build fast growing startups

1 November 2022

This week’s up-and-comer is Melissa Otten, director of marketing and communications at Central Payments and Falls Fintech.

Name: Melissa Otten

Age: 36

Hometown: Huron

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Doesn’t everyone move to Sioux Falls after graduation? 😊 A job at KELOLAND was the final straw for me moving to Sioux Falls after graduating from SDSU. The career opportunities in this community are limitless and it has had a profound impact on my career and personal life as well. I met my husband during my time at Great Western Bank.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

This is the best small/mid-sized city in the nation! What I mean by that is it’s the perfect size to make it what you want the community to be. If you like a smaller, familiar community, you can certainly position yourself that way and bump into everyone you already know; if you prefer a bigger city, meeting new people, new opportunities, shopping, etc., Sioux Falls offers that too. Truth be told, growing up I couldn’t wait to move south, out of the snow, but when I was old enough to start traveling, I quickly realized that the people and culture of this community is second to none.

What do you like best about your job?

The people. My colleagues have inspired authenticity in me that I never imagined would show through my time in corporate America. From a more practical standpoint, I love having the opportunity to build the company’s marketing strategy from the ground up. I have always worked in established companies with brand identity and procedures already set such as Daktronics, Sanford and POET to name a few. At Central Payments, I have a greater opportunity to build and influence the direction of the company.

How did you get connected to your industry?

Trent Sorbe and his master LinkedIn skills. I interviewed with Nikkee Rhody a few times and it was all over – I was in. I had worked in traditional financial services at Great Western Bank, but I honestly wasn’t very aware of this rapidly growing fintech – financial technology – industry and how involved Sioux Falls is in it before this role. Honestly, the learning curve was a little steep, but totally worth it!

Describe central payments in three words.

Humble. Resourceful. Passionate.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

You know how most kids have dreams of being a teacher, astronaut or president? Oh, not me. I saw the movie “What Women Want” with Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson and was sold on this marketing/advertising world. 😊

What is your favorite way to give back to your community?

My servant’s heart is with the children in our community, especially disadvantaged youth. I have been a Heart & Sole Coach through EmBe, a Licensed Foster Parent, and am currently a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate. The need never ends. If anyone reading this is interested in learning more about any of these experiences, please get in touch. We cannot have compassion from a distance.

Professionally, I recently joined Sales and Marketing Leaders of Sioux Falls and am looking forward to digging into their Marketing Committee, and I am also participating in the 2023 class of Leadership Sioux Falls. I hope to give back to these organizations as much as I gain through these experiences!

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Honestly, we have enough big national chains for me. I would like to see the local entrepreneurial businesses continue to grow. There is nothing better than a unique, local restaurant. Three used to be my favorite – I’m excited to see what the Rolling Pin team opens in that space!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Professionally, I plan to continue working for an organization that creates a positive impact on society, and I want to become even more of a positive influence for growth, both for the company and for friends and colleagues. I have a passion for coaching and developing people and I will strive to increase my presence in that area. Personally, I hope to grow our family as we have struggled with the not-so-publicized fertility challenges that so many struggle with. Cheers to the possibilities of the next five years – I’m here for it!

CEO Series: Trent Sorbe