Product manager advances career in hometown with fast-growing fintech company

March 14, 2023

This week’s up-and-comer is Gabby Stewart, Product Manager for Central Payments.

Name: Gabby Stewart

Age: 31

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is a vibrant city! I grew up here, so it’s been really fun to see all the growth the city is experiencing. There is so much Sioux Falls offers: restaurants, nightlife, music, art, technology, entrepreneurship, community; the list could really go on. There are many opportunities to have a life dreams are made of, no matter what that may look like.

What do you like best about your job?

There is much more to payments than meets the eye. My favorite part is being able to dive into the details of how things work and how we can elevate financial experiences. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how great my colleagues are! All the people at Central Payments really care about their work and the vision of our company. They are all quirky, funny, intelligent and passionate. I wouldn’t be in the trenches with anyone else.

How did you get connected to your industry?

The majority of my career has been in retail. I was introduced to banking in my early years of college. A friend had recommended I apply for a teller position at the bank she worked at, and I quickly fell in love with the financial industry – even going so far as to declare my degree in business finance at USD. Go Yotes! Since then I have worked in various capacities, such as leading teams in digital customer experiences and later becoming a business analyst.

Entering the payments and fintech industry happened when I saw the news of Central Payments capital raising on LinkedIn. From there I really started to look into who Central Payments is, what their vision is and what they stand for. I was inspired by this innovative, small but mighty company, located right here in Sioux Falls. Becoming a product manager was a goal I had set for myself, so when I noticed they had a product manager position open, I knew I had to jump at this opportunity. I’m so glad I did and they welcomed me with open arms. It’s already been a fun adventure!

Describe central payments in three words.

Innovative, passionate, funny.

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

I’ve seen Dierks Bentley five times; you can say i like his music!

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

I like to volunteer where and when I can. I donate to the Sioux Empire United Way and I have been fortunate enough to volunteer with Junior Achievement, The Banquet, Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon and various other community organizations and events. Other than these things, I just try to be a good neighbor and a good person.

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

Cheesecake Factory – because cheesecake.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If we’re being honest, does anyone really know where they see themselves in five years? Life is a bunch of turns, ups and downs, and roundabouts. Although I will say that I hope that in five years I will be happy, healthy, fulfilled and truly soaking up all that life has to offer. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s about the journey and not the destination, right?