Meet Kayla Kranda

Kayla Kranda is an Operations Associate at HTC. She oversees our trust accounting software and makes sure everything balances. Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is an avid football fan.

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Tappen, North Dakota, and graduated from Minot State University with a bachelor of science degree in finance. I have been in the financial services and banking industry for over 15 years. Currently, I live in West Fargo with my husband, Kyle, son Karson (2 1/2), and daughter Kora, who was born at the end of January.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy the time I get to spend with my family and friends, especially playing with my son, Karson, and snuggling with my new daughter, Kora. I love watching football – I’m a huge fan of the NDSU Bison and the Minnesota Vikings. When I find the time, I like to bake and relax on the couch catching up on my favorite TV shows.

How long have you been at Heartland Trust Company?

I recently celebrated my four-year anniversary in November. Prior to joining Heartland Trust Company, I’ve had various positions within the financial industry, including over four years in a trust department within a bank.

What is your favorite part about working at Heartland Trust Company?

I like the challenge and diversity of my position. Every day I learn something new. We have an awesome team of employees at Heartland Trust Company, which makes it fun to come to work every day.

PUMPKIN BREAD

Ingredients:

• 1 can pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 2 – 2/3 cups sugar
• 2/3 cup Crisco
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 3 – 1/3 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two (2) bread loaf pans.

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl and mix. Put the mixture into the two bread pans and bake for approximately one (1) hour.

Let cool.

Then frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired (recipe below).

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and softened butter until blended. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.