This week’s Up-and-Comer is Laura McAreavey, director of finance at Poet.

Name: Laura McAreavey

Age: 38

Hometown: Montgomery, Minn.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Attending college at Augustana University. I wanted to be in a big — but not too big – town, with lots of amenities and close to extended family.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The Sioux Falls area is a great place to live and work – Midwestern values, plenty of activities indoor and outdoor, a great community, good schools, a place I’m proud to raise my family in. I met my husband while at Augie, and we settled in as we’ve found plenty of opportunity in the local area.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Challenge. No day is ever the same. I love that Poet is dynamic, growing and changing the world with an environmentally friendly alternative fuel to oil. The people I get to work with day in and day out are incredible; being part of this team is such a rewarding experience.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I started at Poet – then Broin & Associates – right out of college. This company gave me my first “real” job and has continued to provide many opportunities to grow in various positions and experiences. Poet has grown exponentially since I started in 2001, enabling an impressive growth path for myself and the company.

Describe Poet in three words.

Conviction, leadership, progressive.

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

Uber!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself as continuing to be a highly growth-oriented professional who loves to continue learning and attacking the next challenge. I find that approach set me up to be happy in my career and life.