Jackie Belsito ’11

Jackie Belsito ’11 was the featured speaker at the March 20 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Belsito is the controller for Kaulig Companies in Hudson, Ohio.

“The reason Jackie chose Thiel College was that she wasn’t just a number, but a name, and it felt like home which many students and alumni can relate to.” Zach Bergstresser ’25

“Jackie was deeply involved in campus life, balancing her time between the softball team, scorekeeping at volleyball games, and tutoring economics classes. She chose Thiel, like many of us have, for its tight-knit community and for the personalized interactions with faculty and staff.” Hailey McClain ’24

“Initially considering a career in teaching, Jackie's plans shifted when her aunt suggested she explore accounting for its promising job prospects after graduation. After just one semester of accounting studies, Jackie found herself fascinated with the subject, crediting Professor Ligo for igniting her passion.” Emma Hatfield ’25

“Her first job after graduation was at a regional accounting firm in Pittsburgh. She loved her job there. They had the same family and friendship bond that she experienced at Thiel. Additionally, they allowed her to work in audit and tax departments until she decided which she enjoyed more.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24

“Belsito started her career doing auditing before transitioning to a role in tax. This allowed her to find her niche doing taxes for non-profits. Belsito reached the role as a tax supervisor before deciding to take a job close to home in Cleveland.” Isaac Sasala ’24

“She received job offers from three clients and ultimately accepted a position at a family office, where she now serves as the controller. In her current role, Jackie enjoys the diversity of entities she works with and finds particular fulfillment in her work with the giving sector, aligning with her longstanding passion.” Emma Hatfield ’25

“She now works as a controller at a family office for Kaulig Capital. She works on 32 different entities and still loves to work on non-profit projects and overlooks Kaulig Capital’s grant program.” Nick DiLullo ’24

“Jackie oversees financial operations for a diverse portfolio of entities, including Kaulig Capital, a real estate development company, a wealth management group, and Kaulig Racing, known for its participation in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series. Notably, her commitment extends to nonprofit endeavors, ensuring financial resources align with the organization's mission.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“When asked why she found the non-profit sector fulfilling she informed us about how she loved the mission-driven work and that it made her feel like she was doing something meaningful.” George Tice ’24

“The main topic of Jackie’s presentation was the power of relationships and interest. Early in her undergraduate journey, she developed long-lasting relationships with her classmates and softball team. After graduating, Jackie continued to find relationships at the two CPA firms she worked diligently for, and these relationships ultimately landed her an opportunity to become the controller of a family company. This new opportunity offered her the freedom of time and to be involved in giving to others through charitable organizations.” Austin Siko ’24

“Today Jackie wants to continue her goal of learning more and growing as a person. She is confident that she will be able to do this and gave us some wisdom to help us do the same such as figuring out our motivations and building rapport with coworkers.” George Tice ’24

“Jackie is a very hard-working and determined individual. She doesn’t let anything stop her from getting to the next level of where she wants to be or do, and I find that very admirable.” Taya Sykes ’24

“She emphasizes the significance of strategic career planning, advocating against burning bridges and underscoring the potential of nurturing professional relationships.” Jackson Pletcher ’24

“What I loved about her experiences is how she took risks early in her career that resulted in a sequence of events leading to her current job which she currently loves.” Connor Lovic ’24

“Overall, I learned that everything in life happens for a reason and in the end it will all work out in your favor.” Madi Yurich ’24

“One lesson that I have learned and heard from many people I know that Ms. Belsito also used was, ‘the grass is not always greener on the other side.’ I never heard a more truthful statement.” Jacob Traupman ’24

“Jackie was a wonderful speaker and made it feel like a great conversation amongst friends and family.” Damion Grinnell ’25

“I found the speech to be motivating in the sense that she encouraged following your passion and happiness which I think is the most important thing in life. If you aren’t doing something fulfilling that brings you satisfaction, then why are you doing it? Overall, I loved Jackie as a speaker” Connor Lovic ’24

“Jackie was a wonderful presenter and made the presentation seem more like a conversation. It was a characteristic that I appreciated.” Hailey McClain ’24

Lessons Learned

“Attend the accounting consortium for the interview process, networking, and potential jobs.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“Pursue getting your CPA license right after school.” Abraham Hochstetler ’24
“Take what you get, take what you learn and make the most of it.” Isaac Sasala ’24
“Learn what motivates you such as money, freedom, time.” Austin Siko ’24
“Have fun and do not make it all about the work.” Abigail Sefton ’25
“Find the good in all situations.” Conor Lovic ’24
“Valuing relationships and forming and maintaining them is important to your success.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“You need to be willing to talk to new people in order to better make connections.” Alex Martin ’24
“When you get to know someone, it is easier to work with them. Ask them about things outside of work.” George Tice ’24
“Embrace relationships in the workplace. It makes people easier to work with.” Hailey McClain ’24
“Always be willing to talk to people.” Aidan Rispoli ’25
“Developing relationships with clients is key.” Zach Bergstresser ’25
“Networking and connections are essential to finding new opportunities.” Yeryoung Kim ’24
“Do not burn bridges, keep relationships even if you leave a company.” Nick DiLullo ’24
“There are a lot of opportunities in the corporate world.” Madi Yurich ’24
“The more we make, the more we give.” Jacara Green ’25

Dinner “Dishing”

“I was seated with the speaker which was amazing. Jackie was extremely easy to talk to and informal, which helped. Her current job is also incredibly unique and something that I have not heard of before.” Abigail Sefton ’25
I had the opportunity to sit at the table with Allison Walsh who created the menu and had completed an internship in Ireland. She told us about her time there and explained in detail the environment of Ireland.” Julianne Slagle ’24
“Dinner was a very unique meal that featured foods I had never had before. I tried mussels and clams in the seafood stew for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed them. The main entrée was also new to me, but it was also very tasteful.” Nick DiLullo ’24
“Tonight’s dinner was phenomenal! It completely took me to another place. The food was authentic with its flavors and presentation. The ‘Shepards Pie’ was the best thing I have had all semester. The live music recordings Allie had from her Ireland trip really set the tone for the evening. Truly a masterpiece, throughout!” Damion Grinnell ’25