TheMReport

18 | TH E M R EP O RT COVER STORY it would mean leaving the PhD program at University of Texas— where he had already invested 3 1/2 years into a five-year program. "On a PhD salary, it was a pretty risk--free decision," Stroud quipped. The Team T oday, Sicklick and Stroud use their different skill sets to make HouseCanary strong and diversified—and while Sicklick works out of the company's office in San Francisco, Stroud and his team of researchers are based in San Antonio. On their well-blended partner - ship, Stroud says, "Jeremy will come up with a lot of the theories of what he wants to prove or disprove with data. My skill set is suited to find these answers. I let him know what's possible and not possible and then build the solution." As HouseCanary got off the ground, Sicklick and Stroud fo - cused on building a strong team around them. One of their early hires was Stroud's former profes- sor, Dr. Ye, who is now a senior researcher for the company. "One of my main goals with our team is to surround myself with people who are smarter and better than I am, who are direct and transparent and have a great attitude," Sicklick says. In a small company— HouseCanary has 50 employees— the quality of the team is crucial. And for Stroud—quality means, above all else, well rounded. "The skill set that I'm looking for as the head of the research team is professionals who are not only qualified academically—meaning PhD level training in mathematics, statistic, physics, engineering, etc.—but can actually take their knowledge and implement it into technology products they can leverage nationwide," Stroud commented. While its clear that Sicklick and Stroud greatly value their team, the feeling is mutual. "I was drawn to HouseCanary after my first meeting with Jeremy, when I understood his vision for the company—to help facilitate better, faster residential real estate decisions. This isn't about skin-deep, simplistic calcu - lations—this is about delivering certainty and context in every real estate transaction. As part of that, Chris is brilliant and humble all at once. When you talk to him, you find that he is quietly cracking the code that will help all of us objectively value real estate and make better decisions," Paul Wehrley, the company's COO says. Erika Blaney, the company's CMO agrees. "The energy, creativity, and enthusiasm at HouseCanary is extraordinary at every level of the organization, and I don't think that is happen - stance. I attribute this to Jeremy and Chris—as founders they have laid the foundation for each of us to be part of something big." The Data O n the surface, if you work in the housing or mortgage industry it may seem like you are inundated with housing stats, facts, and news multiple times a day. However, it's often difficult to connect these tidbits Erika Blaney CMO "The most rewarding aspect of working at HouseCanary is hearing customer feedback after they see our products for the first time. Lenders, investors, real estate agents, and others respond so positively—you see them light up, as they too start seeing the possibilities." Jim Adams CTO "New technology often tries to remove the professional from the problem. Whereas, sometimes, augmenting the professional makes for a more efficient and elegant solution. We've taken a totally differ- ent approach, as we see a way to support and compliment professionals. Ultimately, this is about helping everyone make better real estate decisions."

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