Spencer Thomas, CEO of KLC Financial, has been named one of the 2026 C-Level Award honorees by Finance & Commerce, recognizing top executive leaders across Minnesota who demonstrate outstanding leadership, business performance and community impact.
The inaugural C-Level Awards celebrate executives who are making a meaningful difference within their organizations and industries. Honorees are selected based on professional achievement, leadership and their contributions to the broader business community.
As CEO of KLC Financial, Thomas leads a team focused on building long-term relationships with customers, vendors and banking partners across the country. Under his leadership, the company has continued to grow while staying grounded in the culture it was built on.
“I’ve had the chance to work alongside Spencer for many years, and what stands out most is his consistency. He treats people the right way, he keeps the customer at the center of every decision, and he’s built a team that takes pride in doing things the right way. This award fits him perfectly,” Kevin Kelly, chief financial officer at KLC Financial, said.
“Spencer leads with humility, vision and a genuine commitment to people. He has built a culture where relationships come first, and that shows in the way our team works together and the way we serve our customers every day,” Amy Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at KLC Financial, said.
“One of the things that makes Spencer such a strong leader is the standard he sets. He expects a lot from himself and from everyone around him, but he also gives people the trust and support to succeed. That combination has driven the growth of KLC for decades and is a big reason this recognition is so well deserved Brett Sorensen, chief revenue officer at KLC Financial, said.
Thomas has nearly three decades of experience in the equipment finance industry and has played a key role in strengthening KLC Financial’s reputation. His leadership has helped guide the company through continued growth while staying true to its core values of integrity, innovation, passion and resilience.
The 2026 C-Level Award honorees will be recognized by Finance & Commerce at an awards event in May.
