Hello everyone! For this edition of the Employee Spotlight Series, we interviewed Ashton Sower. Ashton is a Vendor Correspondent and joined the SpendMend team over two years ago. When asked what he looks forward to in his future at SpendMend, he said, “I look forward to many more years of growth, both for myself and the company.” A fun fact about Ashton is that he was born and raised in Muskegon, MI. He moved briefly to Kalamazoo but decided to move back a few years ago and has been there ever since! During Ashton’s free time, he enjoys playing video games. Some of his favorite games to play are Warframe, League of Legends, and Dragonball Fighter Z. When asked why Ashton likes video games, he states, “I like video games because it’s fun to experience new worlds and stories, and they are a great way to relax, a lot like reading on both counts.” Another hobby that Ashton likes is reading. His favorite genre to read is high fantasy like Eragon or things like Lord of the Rings. He is currently reading a rough draft of “He Who Fights with Monsters” on the author’s Patreon page. Another genre he enjoys is called LitRPG. Check out the full interview below to learn more about LitRPG and why Ashton enjoys it.
Ashton does great in his role as a Vendor Correspondent! We asked his wife, Paula Shay, a SpendMend Project Analyst, about Ashton, and she said, “Ashton is a great husband and my favorite coworker! He really enjoys getting to help his team members and offer feedback to improve department functions. It’s been a wonderful experience to watch him grow in confidence and become an important part of the Shared Services and WNC teams.” Thanks for all your help, Ashton! We appreciate you!
Interview with Ashton:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Vendor Correspondent
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Two years and two months
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Paula Shay – Auditor for the Teal Pod
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Flexible, friendly, diverse.
Where are you located/from?
I’m from Muskegon originally, and I’m located here now as well, but there was a brief gap. I lived in Kalamazoo for a couple of years after high school to work to support my wife and me while she finished her education, then we moved back to Muskegon a few years ago and have been here ever since.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I look forward to coming to work because I know I will be treated well and with respect.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I had a temp assignment at a metal finishing plant a few years ago. Companies would send us parts they had manufactured, and we would apply a finish to the parts, via electro-polishing or blasting them with various materials i.e. sandblasting.
What is one fun fact about you?
I am the youngest of five children, and my oldest sibling is 15 years older than me.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I mostly listen to audiobooks during the workday, and I generally prefer the high fantasy (Lord of the Rings) and LitRPG (Ready Player One) genres.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
My main hobbies outside of work are playing video games and reading.
What are your favorite video games to play, and why?
I like to play lots of different video games, whether they’re solo or co-op with friends. A few that I’ve played quite a bit would be Warframe, League of Legends, and Dragonball Fighter Z.
What is your favorite part about playing?
I like video games because it’s fun to experience new worlds and stories, and they are a great way to relax, a lot like reading on both counts.
What is your favorite genre to read?
My favorite genres to read would be high fantasy like Eragon or things like Lord of the Rings, and another genre is called LitRPGwhich is essentially fantasy but with game-like systems included, such as leveling up and character stats like wisdom, intelligence, or dexterity for example. They’re not usually high-quality writing, but my opinion is that something doesn’t have to be perfect to still enjoy it.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading “He Who Fights with Monsters”. I’m on what will be the eleventh entry to the series once it is released, but for now, I’m reading the rough draft version as it comes out via the author’s Patreon page.
Who do you interact with?
Suppliers
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
There was an occasion when a supplier included my SpendMend email in a chain of emails they’d sent to a client, trying to receive a long overdue payment. I passed that information on to my supervisor, and they made sure it reached the client.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
When I worked in statement calling, I was absent-mindedly singing to myself while waiting on hold because there was no hold music. I didn’t notice when the supplier answered the phone, so I didn’t stop immediately. When I noticed, I was embarrassed, and I apologized, but they told me not to worry about it and that I had a nice voice.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
The best part of serving the healthcare market is knowing that every penny we save our clients makes a difference because those funds can be used to better serve patients.
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
I work remotely for the most part, but we have had some fun get-togethers and buffet-style meals in that room.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
I like that we have the opportunity to contribute to the “Bee Brave” events, it warms my heart to know that my donations can help make a difference.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Paula Shay is my inspiration, every day.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Our team maintains a very open and welcoming environment, so don’t be afraid to dive right in!
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
I am currently the most senior member of the WNC email team, outside of our leadership team.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I look forward to many more years of growth, both for myself and the company.