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.”