Plaid is a financial services company that provides data and payment solutions to businesses, with a focus on empowering consumers through financial inclusion. The company's sales team, led by Jake Stern, aims to build relationships with potential clients, understand their needs, and offer tailored solutions to help them succeed. As the first New Business Associate hire at Plaid, Jake has had a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the company, developing new business opportunities, and working on outbound sales strategies for international markets. He credits his experience in Ecuador with shaping his interest in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economics, which have informed his approach to sales and helped him thrive in his role at Plaid.