Even after they’ve moved on to new opportunities, every Avantee leaves their mark on our culture. David, we’re proud of everything we did together and we know you’ll keep thriving! You’re in the Avant Alumni Club for life.
David Gaytán
Former Associate FP&A on the Finance team
With Avant 2013-2023
What’s it like to work @Avant? We asked David for his take on our culture, and here’s what he said:
1. How would you describe Avant’s culture?
Avant is a “Work Hard, Play Hard” kind of culture. We know when we have to get stuff done and grind it out, and we also know how to come together and have fun. There are lots of events that bring us together to celebrate and be rewarded for our hard work.
Another thing I like about the culture is that we’re really open to trying new ideas. We’re not very rigid here, which means when somebody has an idea on how to improve something, we all listen and we try it. The best idea can come from anywhere – and I’ve worked at places where that’s not the case!
Avant also really steps up to the plate with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. And whenever something happens in the world, Avant makes time for a group dialogue, or sends out a message of support. It lets us know that the company is with us, following what’s happening, and we have each other’s backs.
2. Why are you happy/successful here?
For me, it’s the work-life balance. Like, I have a life outside of work! And whenever I check in with my managers, of course we talk about work that needs to be done, but they also make sure we’re updating each other on what’s going on with our lives, how we’re doing. I really appreciate that. They get to know me as a whole individual who is more than the work he brings to the team. That’s why I’m very happy here.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the way your specific job role works?
My favorite part about my role is that I get to talk to lots of people across every department. It exposes me to other areas of the business, and I like working with people outside of just my Finance team.
I actually started out here in 2013 doing something totally different. I started in Customer Service at our old call center, then I moved over to Loan Verification, and then after that to Training, helping onboard all the new people coming onto the call center floor. Then I left Avant for about a year! But I missed it, the culture and the energy, so when I saw an open position in Accounting, I applied for it. Now I’ve been here for about 6 years total. So I’m a veteran!
I still don’t know the answer to everything, but because of all the people I talk to across the company, I can usually hook you up with somebody who does. There are a lot of moving parts that make Avant go, and when we can see how those parts work together, we can make it work better as a whole.
4. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an airline pilot! I remember going into arcades as a kid, and I would always go to the flight simulator games because I liked to fly the planes and see the sky.
