Throughout the next few weeks, SGB will be highlighting our 2016 40 Under 40 Award Honorees. 

Ellyn Biedscheid | Vice President of Finance | Hydro Flask
Age 40 | 4.5 Years in the Industry

Ellyn is responsible for finance, information systems, legal and HR. She joined Hydro Flask in 2011 with over 15 years of finance, accounting and process improvement experience. She has advised clients in the high tech and consumer products industry on internal controls and GAAP accounting treatment through her work in the PricewaterhouseCoopers audit group. Ellyn also held positions at Intel, Global Accounting and Financial Services group overseeing transition to a shared services model and implementation of the first business process management program for the Fixed Assets Accounting group.

EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: Bachelor of Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting. Certificate of International Business (cum laude) from University of Notre Dame. CPA in Oregon state and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified.

MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED: There are no mistakes. What matters is what you learn from the experience.

BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN OR THAT I WOULD GIVE: Don’t ask why; ask why not. Focus on solutions. Challenge yourself to be open to new ideas. Make sure you are solving the right problem.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE OVERCOME: My biggest challenge has also been one of my accomplishments; being a part of the rapid growth at Hydro Flask.

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DATE: My two children. They inspire me to be true to myself and do my best.

WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL: Jim Collis and Scott Allan from Hydro Flask have given me the freedom, encouragement and trust to grow my knowledge and experience with Hydro Flask.

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE: Someone who made a difference, who didn’t give up when things got tough and who lived life with passion.

BIGGEST LIFE LESSON: Despite your best plans, things may not always turn out the way you expect. Sometimes the results are better – sometimes not – but don’t let that stop you from moving forward.

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting
some kind of battle.” – Anonymous