The Right Hand to the CEO: How Melanie Schneider Keeps Apryse Moving

When you’re working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, it’s easy to go unnoticed—but not when you do it with the kind of dedication, adaptability, and heart that Melanie Schneider brings to the table. From high-stakes event planning to executive support and everything in between, she’s the calm in the chaos and a master of getting things done. Let’s get to know the person who keeps the wheels turning and the calendars (and the team) in sync.

I worked with Cass previously and have always enjoyed working with her. One day she reached out and told me she’d just become the CEO of a company called PDFTron (now Apryse), and she was looking for an assistant—she asked if I’d come work with her. I didn’t even think twice. I said yes before I even knew what the company was, just because I knew what kind of person and leader Cass is. I had no doubt she was going to build something great, and I wanted to be part of it.

I know it might sound cliché, but I really do love helping people. As an EA, my main goal is to make my execs’ lives easier—handling the behind-the-scenes stuff so they can focus on what they do best. I like that it’s a mix of organization, strategy, and problem-solving, where every day feels like a new challenge. It’s like putting together a puzzle where the pieces are always changing. The fast pace, shifting priorities, and need to stay on my toes really keep me engaged. And as someone who doesn’t like to sit still or do the same thing every day, I’ve really appreciated that Apryse has given me space to grow and level up my skills in ways I didn’t expect.

Outside of my regular day-to-day, I get pulled into a bunch of different projects. Some of the biggest being the planning for our annual Sales Kickoff and President’s Club events. These take months of behind-the-scenes work: organizing, coordinating, and handling all the small details that make the big picture come together. This past year, I was able to attend both events, and it was such a rewarding moment to see everything come together in real life. Watching something you helped plan actually happen—and knowing you had a hand in making it all run smoothly—is really awesome. I love being part of those kinds of projects where you’re making big things happen quietly in the background.

How many companies use our products—and even more surprised to realize I’d used it myself before I even knew what it was! It’s one of those things where once you join Apryse, you realize our products are everywhere. It’s really cool to be part of something and go, “Wait, I’ve used that before!”

I’m throwing it back to July 2023, when we had our Denver Office Opening Party. It lined up with our in-person Senior Leadership Team meeting, so we had even more people in the office which made it that much better. It was my first time meeting a lot of coworkers face-to-face, and getting to hang out with everyone in both work and more relaxed settings was such a good way to connect.

Go for it! Take the leap and don’t be afraid to try something that challenges you. Mistakes happen, and that’s part of the journey—just keep learning and pushing forward. The culture here is all about growth and innovation, so if you bring your energy and ideas, you’ll definitely find a way to make an impact. 

Melanie’s story is a great reminder that success isn’t always center stage—it often happens in the background, one detail at a time. If you’re looking for a place where your skills can grow, your ideas are welcomed, and every day brings something new, visit our careers page to see where your journey could begin.