July 6, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ryan Nepodal, the controller at Interstate Office Products.

Name: Ryan Nepodal

Age: 28

Hometown: Platte

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

The University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business does an outstanding job connecting their students with businesses prior to graduation. I had the pleasure to intern with RSM US LLP in Sioux Falls my senior year at USD, which led to a full-time job post-grad school, prior to my move to Interstate Office Products.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is the perfect size. It has so many large-city amenities while keeping the small-town feel.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the variety of different types of problems/projects that arise that keep each day challenging yet fulfilling. It is extremely rewarding completing a project and being able to see the positive impact it has on the business.

How did you get connected to your industry?

When I was younger, I would help my parents with the books for our farm. I was always fascinated with the financial side and learning what it took to make a successful operation. After taking a couple accounting/finance classes in high school, I knew that I wanted to obtain the CPA credential and work my way to be an integral piece of a business.

Describe Interstate Office Products in three words.

Innovative. Caring. Reliable.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

Especially when working with individuals outside of South Dakota, people are generally surprised that a small-town farm kid ended up in accounting. I definitely have my dad to thank for instilling a strong work ethic that transferred over to my current career path.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I thoroughly enjoy golfing, so if there is any way I can support a local fundraiser by means of a golf tournament, I am all in!

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

It would be awesome if a Punch Bowl Social or something similar were to come to town.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to continue to grow with the amazing people at Interstate Office Products as well as further developing my personal and professional relationships with other individuals within the community.