Stephanie Alsbrooks, founder and chief executive officer of defi SOLUTIONS, has been selected as a Southwest region finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year. This prestigious business recognition program honors the most innovative business leaders in the country, based on criteria of innovation, financial performance, risk and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Alsbrooks started defi SOLUTIONS in 2012. Gathering a team of technology experts, she set out to create an affordable, flexible and scalable loan origination system (LOS) and accomplished that goal, and won the first client in six months.

Today, defi SOLUTIONS is one of the leading LOS providers in auto finance, having grown from six individuals to a team of more than 70 with a family of lending services that includes the loan origination software with eContracting and digital loan documents, a loan management and servicing system, analytics and reporting, and the first and only integrated auto loan portfolio marketplace.

“Stephanie’s that rare individual who can drive a fast-paced, growing operation and still take time to communicate,” said Georgine Muntz, defi SOLUTIONS chief operating officer. “She has incredible ideas that she brings to the table and she’s able to listen, discuss, and gain agreement to rapidly create valuable solutions for lenders while focusing on team and culture as a competitive advantage.”

At defi SOLUTIONS, Alsbrooks and her leadership team have created an environment of collaboration, innovation and teamwork. The company strives to attract and retain the best talent and leverage new technology to ensure that defi customers get the most benefit out of their relationship with defi.

Most employees have ownership or options and all are kept in the know on company health and strategy, and they are encouraged to move the company forward through teamwork and challenging the status quo.

“What Stephanie has done is simply amazing,” said Glenn Munro, an early defi SOLUTIONS investor and current vice president of sales. “I’ve known her for a very long time, and it’s been incredible to watch her lead this company and the industry. Stephanie’s not after the spotlight, but she deserves it.”

The EY Entrepreneur of the Year regional winner will be announced at an awards gala in Dallas on Saturday. Once regional winners are announced, the national winner will be selected in November to compete for the global award in 2018.