Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Candice Hansen | Chief Financial Officer of PurCo

Growing up in Utah, Candice Hansen, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PurCo, is at the heart of managing the company’s strategic navigation of the finance department. Her sharp financial acumen and forward-thinking leadership skills have played a key role in strengthening the company’s financial resilience. In this exclusive interview, read her life and career insights on dealing with the challenges of modern finance in an ever-evolving and dynamic market.

Blue Ocean: Tell us about your professional journey. What led you to a career in finance and eventually to your role as CFO at PurCo Fleet Services?

Candice Hansen: I grew up in a small town in central Utah and always dreamed of living in the city. As soon as I graduated from high school, I moved. After spending some time in Washington, I thought I’d be a college professor, like my dad, and started out by studying education. But along the way, I realized I wanted to find my own path. After some soul-searching, I landed in accounting and everything just clicked.

From leading the accounting club at Dixie University to earning my master’s degree while working full-time and raising a young son, I’ve always had a drive to grow and keep pushing forward. I joined PurCo as a senior accountant and worked my way up to CFO. It’s been a journey of hard work, resilience, and a lot of learning.

Funny enough, after all those years of chasing the big city, I’m now raising my son on a small farm in the same rural county I grew up in. We have cows, chickens, pigs, and horses, and I’m raising my son with the same small-town values I grew up with. It’s not the path I expected, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve found a balance between career, family, ambition, and simplicity. That’s made all the difference.

Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look like for you in your role at PurCo?

Candice Hansen: There’s definitely no such thing as a typical day, which is part of the fun. I wear a lot of hats: reviewing financials, handling cash projections, managing payroll, resolving banking issues, and supporting my accounting team with whatever challenges come up.

Some days I’m deep in spreadsheets; other days, I’m collaborating with leadership on strategy or helping troubleshoot unexpected roadblocks. But what grounds every day is the opportunity to support an amazing team and help keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Blue Ocean: What is one trend in the fleet services or risk management industry that excites you?

Candice Hansen: I get excited about anything that brings efficiency and clarity, and technology is doing just that. Whether it’s automation in claims management or better data for predictive decision-making, the industry is shifting toward smarter, faster ways of doing business. It allows us to stay proactive and better serve our clients while giving our internal teams tools that make their jobs easier.

Blue Ocean: How have you differentiated yourself as a finance leader, and what do you believe underpins your success?

Candice Hansen: I lead with empathy, consistency, and a genuine love of problem-solving. I’m not someone who wants to push numbers around; I want to understand the full picture and be part of building solutions. I think what’s helped me stand out is a willingness to get in the trenches with my team, to listen before reacting, and to always stay open to growth.

I’ve also never been afraid to say, “Let’s figure it out,” even if the answer isn’t obvious at first. That mindset has served me well at every stage of my career.

Blue Ocean: How have your experiences as a business leader shaped who you are—both personally and professionally?

Candice Hansen: Being a business leader has definitely made me more thoughtful and self-aware. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered, supported, and valued.

Personally, I’ve become more confident and comfortable trusting my instincts. Professionally, I’ve learned to zoom out and see how all the moving parts connect, not just in accounting but across the business. I’ve also seen firsthand how much people thrive when they feel heard and encouraged.

Blue Ocean: What is something unique you offer to your clients and your team at PurCo?

Candice Hansen: I think one of my strengths is translating complex financial information into something clear and actionable—whether for clients, executives, or my own team.

But beyond that, I bring a deep commitment to people. I genuinely care about the success and well-being of the people I work with. I try to show up consistently, communicate clearly, and lead by example. I want my team to know that I’ve got their back and we’re all in this together.

Blue Ocean: What advice would you give to your younger self, just starting out in your career?

Candice Hansen: Trust yourself more. You’re smarter and more capable than you give yourself credit for. It’s okay not to have it all figured out right away. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, take up space, and chase what feels right, even if it’s not what you originally planned. Take the leap before you feel 100 percent ready. Some of the best things in your life are waiting just outside your comfort zone.

Blue Ocean: What is something you are deeply grateful for?

Candice Hansen: My family, without a doubt. My husband has always supported me, whether I was changing career paths, going back to school, or working late nights during a busy day. Being a mom has also given me a whole new perspective on what really matters.

I’m also deeply grateful for the people I work with. Having a team that shows up, supports each other, and genuinely cares makes even the busiest days feel rewarding.

Blue Ocean: What sources of happiness and inspiration do you draw upon to maintain your drive and enthusiasm in your work?

Candice Hansen: At work, I find joy in solving problems, mentoring my team, and knowing we’re building something meaningful together. But stepping away and seeing the world always brings me back with renewed energy and big-picture clarity.

Outside of work, my son reminds me to be curious and present. As a family, we love exploring new places, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and learning history firsthand, which really fills my creative and emotional tank.

Blue Ocean: Outside of work, what passions or interests do you pursue?

Candice Hansen: Travel is one of my greatest passions. I love exploring new cultures, diving into history, and experiencing the world through a fresh lens. Each trip is unforgettable in its own way and has given us new memories and perspectives that we will remember forever.

Closer to home, we love spending time together outdoors. Camping and riding side-by-sides through the mountains have become our newest favorite pastimes. Golfing has become a regular weekend escape. Whether we’re traveling abroad or exploring our own backyard, quality time as a family is what I cherish most.

Blue Ocean: What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

Candice Hansen: “I lead the way I live with integrity, clarity, and compassion.”

This mantra grounds me both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or control, it’s about how you show up every day, how you treat people, and the intention behind your actions.

In finance, clarity is key, but so is empathy. Whether I’m supporting my team, making big decisions, or navigating a challenge, I try to lead in a way that reflects who I am at my core. When in doubt, I come back to this: do the right thing, communicate it clearly, and care about the people you’re doing it with.