Goldleaf was started and founded by 3 individuals, one of which was my Dad, Jack Anderson. One thing that I quickly learned about starting a new business was that a lot of long hours were required. This resulted in me and my brother, Cal Anderson, spending a lot of time at Goldleaf after school.
I remember these days like they were yesterday. Going into the conference room to “do homework”, but in reality, we would sneak out and raid the candy drawer in the break room. I also spent a lot of time walking around the halls of the office to visit all the different employees and tell them about my day. The Goldleaf office felt like a second home and the people there always welcomed me and Cal with open arms. As I got older, people would often ask me if I was going to work at Goldleaf when I grew up. I would tell them that I didn’t even know what a bond was, so the quick answer was always no.
I then moved to Fargo to attend North Dakota State University and pursue my education and pave my own career path. Through my jobs and life experiences, I quickly found myself more and more intrigued by what Goldleaf did. I knew that I would never have the education and skill set to be an underwriter, but I was drawn to the service that Goldleaf provided as well as the relationships that the staff developed with the individuals that they worked with. Because after all, I heard over and over again that surety was all about relationships.
Then things changed. In 2022, I learned about an opening at Goldleaf that did not involve any underwriting. This role would handle the marketing and advertising for Goldleaf and well as managing all new business inquiries that came through the door. For me, this meant taking the time to connect with each customer that called, so I could help them understand the bonding process, help navigate the initial steps to obtaining a bond, but most importantly making them feel confident and secure that we will do whatever we can to help them with their bonding needs. So, I applied, interviewed, and was absolutely thrilled when I was offered the job. Over the last two years, I have jumped headfirst into the surety industry, and I have never looked back.
Now, let’s fast forward to a recent day at Goldleaf that I will never forget. My daughter was off from school for spring break, so she came with me to the office. The first thing that happened when she arrived at the office was her uncle Cal showed her where the candy drawer was. We then got her set up in the conference room just as we did as kids. Throughout the day, I would look out to see her walking around the office talking to different members of our team. Some of which were the same individuals that I talked to as a kid. There was something incredibly special about that full circle moment.
I never anticipated that when I was grown, I would find myself at Goldleaf, but I am incredibly thankful that I did.
–Kendyl Meseck, New Business Intake Manager
