SLCC alum finds success at financial giant

Christopher Speer is one of countless examples showing that a start at Salt Lake Community College can lead to great things.

Until Speer enrolled at the College, he was a professional freestyle skier for seven years with three different industry-related companies. In 2008-2009 Speer had his sights set on an education in business, starting out at SLCC while also taking on a management role at a small company that refurbishes wheels and hubcaps.

“Lacking an inventory system and organization, the company needed a lot of work to recognize its potential,” Speer said. “Drawing from the communication, leadership and technical skills I was learning in my SLCC courses, I was able to rally the troops at the small business in support of strategic projects to organize and grow the company.”

Speer said SLCC instructors gave him the “technical acumen and confidence I needed to become a successful business leader.” With his “new skills” from SLCC, Speer said he helped increase revenues and cut costs at his company. He graduated in 2009 with an associate’s degree in business, and in that same year he started a small business of his own called BCN Industries.

In 2009-2010 Speer studied finance at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. By the beginning of 2011 he was hired by Goldman Sachs, where he now works as a financial controller.

“The teamwork, analytical and leadership skills I obtained from SLCC have continued to be a source of great strength and support to me as I have built out my career in business,” Speer said. “I will always be incredibly grateful for Salt Lake Community College for the critical role it has played in my life.”

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