Dave Pfeifer, Business Development Director at Scouts Talent
Dave has over twenty years of experience in global organizations including a Big Four public accounting firm and Fortune 50 companies in the Twin Cities. Over his corporate career, he was successful in financial reporting, technical accounting, and budget planning and created processes and teams to efficiently complete month-end close, revenue accounting, and procurement. His broad experience from managing system implementations to leading teams through audits gives Dave insights into the challenges facing finance leaders today.
Dave’s natural curiosity and passion for connecting with people is a great fit for Business Development. He enjoys seeing others succeed through relationships and knows first-hand the value a Finance Partner brings to the table.
Dave is a proud Gopher, earning his MBA at the Carlson School of Management. He also serves as the Treasurer for his neighborhood association. In his free time, you’ll find Dave outside playing golf and pickleball or on his annual family road trip with his wife and 2 daughters, stopping at National Parks on the way to the beach.
If you could try a different job for a day, what would you choose?
National Park Ranger. It would be hard to pick the National Park as there really is something for everyone, whether you like the desert – Saguaro, mountains – Mount Rainier, or forest – Muir Woods. If I had to pick one, it would be the Badlands because it is such a unique landscape in a wide-open space.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Enjoy the ride! Like any good road trip, it’s better when you have the right people with you.
Finding a mentor is important. They should be someone who has been down the path that you are following and can provide lessons learned. It is equally important to make connections with peers who are in the same boat as you. Having those shared experiences is invaluable and years later it will be fun to look back at how far you have all come.
What is your mantra?
If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits. I came across this quote as I considered returning to school for my MBA. It resonated with me back then and still does today. Always believe in yourself and take the chance – you won’t regret it later.
How do you get yourself out of a slump?
Get outside. Sometimes things get busy and it’s challenging to stay focused and make sure I am prioritizing the right things. Getting some fresh air always helps me reset and take a mental break. A short walk or a weekend round at the golf course are great ways to hit pause and focus on something fun.
What companies or leaders do you admire?
Warren Buffett. I had the privilege of working for one of his companies, International Dairy Queen, and checked a career bucket list item when I met him in 2019. Hearing him speak at the annual meeting was inspirational. What I admire most is the genuine care and commitment he puts into his companies, and how that carries over to his personal life through charitable donations and work through his foundation.
What has been the biggest shift you’ve noticed in your industry in the last decade?
Remote work has transformed how and where work gets done in business. Technology has provided the resources to allow people to stay connected and collaborate with their teams without needing to be physically together in the same office space.
Companies no longer need large office space to accommodate their full staff and have been able to lower their costs. Also, it has opened the talent pool for remote positions that can be filled with talent from outside the local area.For employees, remote work has provided more opportunities to gain experience and work for companies that would have previously required relocatiion. Additionally, remote work provides flexibility for employees to do their best work when it works best for them, more sustainable work-life balance, and happier employees.
Who has been most instrumental in your career?
It’s true that it takes a village to be successful in life. I have been fortunate to have people in my career who believed in me and gave me opportunities to prove what I can accomplish. Getting the chance to join EY out of college provided a foundation for my career. Almost half of my career was spent at Target, a great company that invests in its people. I had mentors in all my roles who had positive impacts on my career. My wife and two daughters have always been my biggest supporters and are there for me every step along the way.
What is your go-to celebration meal, drink or tradition?
Texas barbecue is my go-to. Ribs and brisket with all the good sides: mac and cheese, cornbread, and house-made pickles with an old fashioned…smoked of course!