Saying Farewell To Two Founders As A New Chapter Begins

Spry Digital co-founders Sheila Burkett, Ken Moire and Julia Koelsch
News

After thirteen years of growth and innovation, Spry Digital is announcing a significant but planned transition. Two of our founding partners, Ken Moire and Julia Koelsch, are moving on to their next big adventure. While they are partners in both business and life, this strategic shift has been in the works for a long time.

Architects of Our Success

Ken served as our Chief Strategy Officer, while Julia acted as our Chief Purpose Officer. Together with CEO Sheila Burkett, they built Spry Digital on a shared vision of multidisciplinary excellence and inclusive culture. Ken and Julia are the architects of the success we enjoy today. They infused this brand with a sense of purpose and passion that remains the bedrock of everything we do.

A Proven Formula for Growth

By every metric, their leadership formula worked. Under their guidance, Spry Digital earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies. We were also named the #1 Healthiest Employer among small businesses in St. Louis. Furthermore, Spry was recognized as a top place for women to work by the Women’s Foundation of St. Louis.

Even during the pandemic, Spry’s teamwork and spirit were on full display.

Impact Beyond the Office

Our founders always prioritized people over projects. Over the years, Ken shared his expertise on customer experience (CX) and digital transformation at various industry events. Julia has been a tireless mentor for women in technology and served as a judge for Arch Grants.

One of their most cherished roles was educating young scholars. They frequently visited the St. Louis City Public School Hodgen Tech Academy to inspire students about careers in design and technology.

Transitioning to Employee Ownership

Ken and Julia depart knowing the business will continue with the same core values. Part of the Spry continuum always included succession planning through an employee-ownership model. This announcement reflects a transition of ownership that the founders envisioned from the start.

Sheila Burkett, our CEO, shares her perspective:

“Ken and Julia have poured their hearts and minds into Spry Digital, and their impact is immeasurable. While stepping back from the business, their influence will continue to shape our company and how we do things.”

In the words of Ken

This moment allows us to reflect on our success. Success is knowing that you can achieve many things when you put people first. We are thankful and humbled by the many who showed trust and confidence in us. Our clients and team members have been along for the ride, and working closely with each of them has been a privilege. It’s nothing you take for granted or will ever forget.

In discussing their future plans, Julia says:

Building Spry Digital over the past  13 years has been an incredible journey: We have learned a lot and forged relationships that we deeply value. We are excited to apply our entrepreneurial and digital experience to new ventures, but first, we plan to take a breath and a little break – spending time together to recharge. We’re incredibly proud of the impact Spry Digital has made, and we will be cheering the team on as they grow and evolve.

Part of the Spry continuum included succession planning with an employee-ownership model. This latest announcement reflects a transition of ownership that the founders had always envisioned.

Wayne Turley will continue in his role as Chief Operating Officer, steering teams to deliver value to our clients. With Ken and Julia’s departure, Wayne will increase his ownership stake in Spry Digital.

“I believe in this company that Ken and Julia helped create. Our team is excited about the next chapter, and we wish Ken and Julia continued success.”

Spry Digital’s growth included welcoming Beth Gunter as Chief Revenue Officer and minority owner in 2022. This addition further solidifies our commitment to success for our clients and our business. We continue providing team members ownership in the company through a vesting program that gives them non-voting membership in our LLC.

Stay tuned for more updates. The Spry Digital story continues, and we are happy to have you along for the ride. As we bid adieu to Ken and Julia, we raise a virtual glass to their boundless dedication and the bright future that awaits us all.

Cheers to the journey ahead!

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sheila Burkett
sheila.burkett@sprydigital.com