Stephanie Taylor, founder and CEO of Broad Fit Financial, has spent the last 30 years developing her knowledge, skills and experience in both the fitness and finance industries as well as in various leadership roles. The culmination of these experiences instilled in her a progressive, reputable stance on how she navigates through the equipment finance space as a woman, a leader and a trusted ally to the market she loves and serves.
Taylor embodies what it means to be an exceptional leader – someone that possesses confidence and humility, acts with integrity and transparency and is open-minded. Naturally engaging and upbeat, she easily establishes connections and leads with sincerity, respect and kindness.
Early in her career, Taylor became the first female sales and operations manager at a publicly traded company with more than 7,300 employees, where she was consistently recognized as one of the highest performing managers nationwide while holding a top retention rate. She completed the Gallup leadership training program, was promoted to manage one of the highest producing sales offices in the U.S. and was active in the company’s future leaders committee. She established her business acumen during these instrumental years.
After years of corporate success in a variety of roles, including operations, sales and management, Taylor identified the ideal time and team to launch an equipment finance company. Together with her partner, Daniella Douglas, vice president of Broad Fit Financial, they spent over a year establishing the solid foundation of which Broad Fit would be well-positioned to thrive. The goal was clear: build a modern company with great culture, a place where passionate, driven equipment finance professionals can grow and thrive.
Launching Broad Fit Financial has been a major accomplishment for Taylor, not only because of the immense support and success realized in such a short period of time, but also for the progressive workplace culture where independent, responsible and motivated employees are trusted, respected and valued. Of equal importance to her was the successful implementation of modern systems and technology to greatly improve the process flow, efficiency and the customer experience, all of which have proven to be instrumental to the company’s impact.
Taylor’s leadership style is innately positive, confident and inclusive and as a result, the company culture is much of the same. The respect and admiration Taylor has for her team, colleagues and customers is evident through her continuous commitment to their growth and success. She leads by example, supports an environment for optimal performance and inspires with her enthusiasm and passion for the work and this industry.
“I’ve worked with Stephanie for 25-plus years in a variety of roles. She has always provided both myself, my customers and my team members with a high level of support and service,” Rod Karstetter, strategic account manager for Precor, says. “Her knowledge and communication create a more trusting and open experience for us. I feel grateful to have her as a financing resource for my customers.”
“Be open to continuous learning, be humble but confident, be accountable; mistakes are lessons, so learn them and move on. Be a leader not a follower, stay positive and genuine. Acknowledge others for their accomplishments and contributions. Recognize those who support you along the way … Success is not a solo act.”