Press Release

Where Vision Meets Execution. CEO & Founder of TriData - Christian Ranke

August 26, 2025

How did you first get into this industry, what was your first role, and how did that journey evolve into where you are today?

100% accidental. When I relocated from Italy to Atlanta, it was extremely difficult to find work. The only experience I had was from the Air Force working with aircraft armament systems which does not translate well into the civilian world. I found a job as an entry level repair technician at a banking equipment company and started from there. I noticed early on within my organization dealing with multiple vendors that process, quality, and the end product appearance were not priorities. I figured this would be my area of focus to make an impression, and it did.

What is one leadership decision you have made that taught you the most—whether it was a success or a setback?

That failure is my best educator. Too many times I have fallen into the trap of blame and shame, but failure has made me more appreciative of the experience versus the result. With success I only get to enjoy that for a moment, but the failed attempts prior to the success are more realized than the success. Its a paradox in its own.

Can you share a mentor who shaped your journey, and how you try to pass that mentorship forward today at TriData?

Jim Trout, founding partner of The Banker’s Exchange. He was southern, funny, and compassionate with everyone. That was, up until you made an excuse for something rather than accept responsibility. I found this is when his compassion disappeared and he became loud and southern. His position on business and personal life were the same, the impression you leave is felt far more than any words you could ever speak. He was right!!!

For TriData, I use our failures as opportunities to exceed. Not only is it felt by our customers, but our team members gain a sense of responsibility to correct for the now and future. As we all know, the cost of keeping a client/partner is cheaper than finding a new one or a replacement. We are ALWAYS looking to invest into our current accounts as we feel outbound marketing and calling does not exemplify our values. Integrity and Performance speaks more volume than any marketing campaign we could ever deploy. Our position is having our clients be our marketing, and that keeps us dedicated to leaving a strong and reliable impression.

How is TriData currently impacting the banking industry, and where do you see the company five years from now?

The ATM Industry is composed of multiple sub-markets supporting the manufacturer lines of hardware, software, and services that sometimes cross over into each other creating a somewhat confusing environment for the Financial Institution and/or End User. My vision for TriData is to utilize the data points between all of the submarkets, combine, and then truncate a suitable delivery vehicle to the targeted audience. In short, we believe that we will reduce a customers annual spend by consolidating and simplifying each stage of project and hardware management. The data, warehousing, process, deployment, and metrics associated is the product we manufacture. We are very passionate about this value to our partners. Our goal is to lead this industry in 4PL standards and duplicate this structure to service other industries facing the same issues with visibility.

The past 5 years for TriData, we have worked with just a handful of major companies to learn, develop, and implement our craft. Our focused accounts have saved over 34% of their annual spend while delivering an enhanced vision to the lifecycle of their products. The risk reduction alone has proven invaluable. We feel 5 years from now, TriData will be considered a premium partner by FIs and OEMs alike who want to drive the business and not have it drive them by using our applications.

Who is a CEO or Business Leader you admire?

Ian Schrager. He was and is a pioneer in elevated customer experience, creating something that stood time and is unmatched in multiple industries. From the implementation of art, design, music, and class into the deliverable, he has led by hitting all of the senses of the audience at once that stay with the clients forever. He is one who I feel is overlooked in the Visionary department.

For someone just starting out in this industry, what would be your best piece of advice to succeed?

Network. Get out there and learn. Create a circle of people who want to see you succeed, ask questions, seek truth, stay loyal. Remove all toxic relationships from your life. Get up early, be the first one your clients hear from in the morning to get their best feedback. Focus on the clients who value suppliers time and efforts, they will be your best investors.

What is one habit or routine outside of work that keeps you grounded and sharp as a leader?

I keep in constant contact with my friends I grew up with back in Rochester NY. Reliving the old stories is always fun, but sharing introspect on the future in raw form keeps me humbled. We have all gone in so many directions in life, but the counterpoints we have created with each other remain and have proven timeless.

Getting to know CEO & Founder of TriData - Christian Ranke