Kristie combined her entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in finance to found American Finance Inc., which was instrumental in providing the necessary capital for a multitude of commercial projects, thereby facilitating her transition into the banking industry. Her tenure in banking was marked by influential roles such as Market President and Regional President at two significant banks, where she honed her skills in strategic planning, employee development, and performance management. In 2018, she capitalized on her extensive corporate and banking experience to establish Bender-Carey Capital and Consulting, a firm dedicated to guiding professionals in achieving growth and securing diverse funding sources. The consultancy has notably improved business strategies and leadership capabilities for its clients, ensuring tailored capital solutions for their distinctive project requirements.