Crystal Ladder Award
Aimee Spuller
Firm: Keybanc Capital Markets
Aimee Spuller feels gratitude for the opportunities shes seized in a male-dominated industry. Ive never felt completely out of place, or that I didnt belong. I have to credit the women in the investment profession ahead of me who really paved the way for my generation, she said.
Spuller is a director of equity sales trading in the Chicago office of KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM). In 2015, Spuller moved up from vice president to director because of her consistent contributions to the firms bottom line, and because she accepted a leadership role following the acquisition of Pacific Crest Securities (PCS). Spuller helped lead the integration efforts of the KBCM and PCS brokerage teams. She also kept clients informed on the integration, so theyd see how the acquisition benefitted them.
I know that to survive in this business I have to keep my competitive edge, Spuller said. I do things ethically, and I strive to be smart and thoughtful in commentary to clients.
Success requires hard work, according to Spuller. I have an early start to the day, getting up at 4:15 a.m. I check what the markets are doing and what the futures are doing. On my way in to work, I familiarize myself with our research and prep myself for our morning call at 6 a.m. But she loves the work. Keeping up with the news, thats one of the things I like about our field; its always changing, its dynamic. You learn something new every day, and that keeps me coming back, she told Traders.
This work ethic comes directly from her parents example. My mother was an elementary principal, and my dad a dentist. They always told my brother and me that it doesnt matter what you do, as long as you work hard. Be proud of what you do.
Spuller believes that women have great opportunities in the industry. Its about support, she said. I think its important as women in a male-dominated industry that we cant forget to root for one another.
