Sam Stoddard
About Sam Stoddard
Sam Stoddard is the co-founder and CEO of SimpleCitizen, a company that simplifies the immigration application process, inspired by his own challenging experiences with USCIS.
Co-Founder & CEO of SimpleCitizen
Sam Stoddard holds the position of Co-Founder and CEO at SimpleCitizen. Drawing from his personal journey through the USCIS immigration process, he identified significant challenges that many face in navigating extensive government forms and procedures. His firsthand experiences became the catalyst for establishing SimpleCitizen. Sam's leadership focuses on leveraging technology to simplify and improve the immigration application process for users.
Inspiration from Personal Immigration Experience
Sam Stoddard experienced the complex USCIS immigration application process when he navigated the system himself. Faced with the daunting task of completing over 80 pages of government forms and the high costs associated with legal fees, Sam saw the necessity for a more accessible solution. His experiences directly inspired the creation of a tech-enabled platform designed to assist users in efficiently managing their immigration applications.
Educational Background in Tax Accounting
In 2013, Sam Stoddard was a student in tax accounting. His educational background provided him with critical skills in attention to detail and regulatory compliance, which later proved beneficial when tackling complex forms and legal requirements in the immigration process. His academic experience contributed to his capability to design and oversee the development of simpler, user-friendly software for immigration applications.
Founding of SimpleCitizen in 2015
In the summer of 2015, Sam Stoddard teamed up with Aydé Soto Wright and Brady Stoddard to launch SimpleCitizen. The company's first version of software emerged as a response to the cumbersome and costly immigration process Sam had personally encountered. Together, they aimed to create a streamlined, technology-driven solution to help users better manage their immigration applications.
Personal Background
Sam Stoddard married his wife, originally from South Korea, in the summer of 2013. His personal life experiences, including his spouse's background, reinforced his understanding and empathy towards the immigrant community. These insights further influenced his commitment to developing solutions aimed at easing the immigration application process.