Achieve's Ascent: How a Finance Giant is Shaping Arizona's 2026 Economy

By Kevin Lee

SAN MATEO, CA – January 23, 2026 – Digital personal finance company Achieve has secured a coveted spot on Az Business Magazine's AZ Big 100 list for 2026, an annual honor roll of organizations and leaders poised to make a significant impact on the state's economy. The recognition underscores the company's deep-rooted presence in Arizona and its growing influence in the region's financial landscape.

For years, Achieve has been building a major operational hub in Arizona, and this latest accolade serves as a formal acknowledgment of its economic contributions. The AZ Big 100 list is not merely a ranking but a forecast, compiled by the magazine's editorial team in consultation with business leaders across the state. It identifies entities that are expected to drive innovation, generate employment, and shape market trends in the year ahead.

"Being included in the AZ Big 100 list underscores our continued momentum and commitment to the communities we serve," said Achieve Co-Founder and Co-CEO Brad Stroh. "Arizona has been an important part of our company for many years and is home to a major company hub. This recognition reflects the lasting impact of our Arizona-based teams across the organization."

A Pillar of Arizona's Economic Outlook

The selection for the AZ Big 100 list considers a company's capacity to influence market dynamics, create jobs, and stimulate local industries. Achieve's inclusion comes as Arizona's economy is projected to accelerate. State economic forecasts predict job growth will climb to 1.6% in 2026, with nominal personal income growth expected to reach 5.7%. In this environment of cautious optimism, companies like Achieve, which provide both employment and essential financial services, are seen as critical pillars for sustained prosperity.

While Achieve operates nationally, having served over 1.5 million members and resolved more than $20 billion in debt, its Arizona hub is a significant part of its 2,200-person workforce. The company's economic footprint extends beyond direct employment. By providing Arizona residents with tools for debt consolidation, personal loans, and home equity loans, Achieve contributes to the financial stability of households, which in turn can boost consumer confidence and spending within the state. This symbiotic relationship—strengthening individual finances to bolster the collective economy—is a key reason for its recognition as a major economic influencer.

A Culture of Excellence and Trust

Achieve's recognition on the AZ Big 100 list is the latest in a long series of accolades that point to a robust and positive internal culture. The company has been named to the Phoenix Business Journal's Best Places to Work list an impressive 15 times, a distinction based directly on confidential employee surveys. It has also been honored as one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies for five consecutive years and earned a spot on the 10 Best Places for Women to Work in Arizona list.

This consistent praise as an 'employer of choice' is not incidental to its business success; company leaders see it as foundational. "This honor reflects the commitment our teammates bring to their work and the culture we build together," said Heather Marcom, Achieve's Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "We focus on creating an environment where people feel supported, heard and able to grow. That culture is central to our success in Arizona and across the company."

This internal focus on employee well-being appears to translate directly into a superior customer experience. Achieve holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and was recently recognized among the Top 3 in Customer Satisfaction by LendingTree for its personal loan and HELOC products. In a competitive digital finance market, this high level of customer trust is a significant differentiator, suggesting that a supported and engaged workforce is key to delivering empathetic and effective financial solutions.

Navigating the 2026 Financial Landscape

As individuals and families navigate the economic currents of 2026, Achieve's suite of services is positioned to address key financial challenges. While Arizona's economy is strengthening, lingering issues such as elevated housing costs continue to pressure household budgets. The company's core offerings—including debt relief, debt consolidation, personal loans, and home equity loans—provide pathways for consumers to manage debt, improve cash flow, and work toward long-term financial health.

Beyond its loan products, Achieve has invested in financial education, offering free mobile apps like Achieve MoLO® (Money Left Over) and Achieve GOOD™ (Get Out Of Debt). These tools are designed to empower everyday people with the knowledge and habits needed to maintain financial stability. By pairing proprietary data and analytics with personalized support, the company aims to help its members get on, and stay on, a path to a better financial future.

This holistic approach, combining financial products with education and a strong customer service ethos, reinforces Achieve's role not just as a lender but as a comprehensive financial partner. Its inclusion in the AZ Big 100 affirms its status as a vital corporate citizen in Arizona, contributing to the state's economic vitality while empowering its residents to navigate their own financial journeys with greater confidence.