Happy Friday! We want to take the opportunity to talk about the fantastic Avreil Markham for this installment of the Employee Spotlight Series! Avreil is a Statement Acquisition Specialist and has been with the SpendMend team since college! When asked about her time with the company, Avreil states, “I’ve been blessed to spend my college summers at SpendMend and am coming up on one year working since graduating two years ago.” She first heard of SpendMend through her dad, and was able to spend a summer as his intern! Avreil is ecstatic to be a part of a family-oriented company. It was great hearing about Avreil’s role, and we had the pleasure of learning about what’s going on in her life right now! Something interesting about Avreil is that she used to be a dance teacher! She taught dance for seven years for ages 2-17. She taught an array of different dance styles like ballet, tap, and creative movement. Make sure to read the full interview to learn about Avreil’s fond memories of teaching dance! A fun fact about Avreil is that she loves to be outside with her family. She is the happiest when taking a walk and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and son! Her favorite season to be outside is Spring. Recently, Avreil has started to bike and takes her son along for the ride in a bike trailer. With December right around the corner, I think we all can agree that the beautiful autumn weather will be missed! Another hobby Avreil enjoys is reading. She mostly is drawn to dystopian novels or theological books! She is onboard as long as the book can stretch her mind and help her learn something new. Avreil’s favorite novel of all time is, “I Married You” by Walter Trobisch. She also highly recommends, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini! Thanks for the recommendations, Avreil! We know what books to add at the top of our reading lists!

Avreil has an energetic team spirit within her role, and we appreciate all her hard work! Travis Wheeler, Audit Manager, said “Avreil has a radiant personality! Her smile even transfers through the phone, we cherish the positive vibes she brings to the Gold Pod!” It was fun getting to know a little more about Avreil, and we are so grateful to have people like her on our team! Thank you, Avreil!

Interview with Avreil:

What is your role at SpendMend?

Statement Acquisition Specialist

How long have you been with SpendMend?

I’ve been blessed to spend my college summers at SpendMend and am coming up on one year working since graduating two years ago.

How did you first learn about SpendMend?

My Dad also works for SpendMend and I got to spend one summer as his intern. So great to be part of a family-oriented company!

What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?

Caring, Motivated, and Diligent

Why do you look forward to coming to work?

I am proud to be part of the Gold Pod full of wonderful people, and also really am thankful for Travis as our manager. He is a great leader! I also enjoy the process of acquiring statements. Whether it’s via phone or recon emailing, the challenge of getting the statements is fun and motivating for me.

Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I worked as a dance teacher for 7 years.

Tell me a little more about your experience as a dance teacher:

I taught ballet, tap, and creative movement for ages 2-17. I don’t have a favorite memory but I loved teaching a Christmas dance the most. A memory I treasure is when I had a preschool student that was having a really hard time participating in class who then surprised me by bringing flowers to class to thank me. I thought she was not enjoying it at all and I was feeling discouraged, her unexpected gift was so kind and she was my student for years after that.

What is one fun fact about you?

I love to be outside with my family. Whether it’s a family walk with my husband (shoutout to Zach Markham, my wonderful husband!) and son, or a quick trip outside when my son William is up from his nap, outside with them is where I’m happiest. I love springtime above all else. The smell of the earth waking up, how it stays lighter into the evening, and just the touch of warmth that starts to breakthrough. I LOVE spring. I am recently starting to bike again and enjoy taking my toddler for bike rides in the bike trailer. My family and I enjoy camping in the summer, up north is the place to be.

What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?

I love to listen to Hole in My Heart Ministry or anything from Moody Radio. I also enjoy listening to NEEDTOBREATHE or The Oh Hellos for music variety.

Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?

I really enjoy reading, knitting, and needlepointing when I have the chance. Now with a busy toddler boy, my hobbies include trying to catch and throw better, haha!

What types of books do you like to read?

I could go on for a while, haha. I used to strictly read Dystopian books but since graduating college I enjoy a good theological book or anything that lets me learn something.

Any book recommendations?

“I Married You” by Walter Trobisch is my favorite book of all time. It is not a romance in the way you may think, I highly recommend everyone read it! I also love “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini. HIGHLY recommend!!!! “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis is also a classic!

Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?

One time when I was calling for statements, the company did not have an AR or AP department so they transferred me to the owner. The owner was really wanting to send the statements and it worked out great for everyone!

What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?

I’ve been told that I am very pleasant and articulate to talk to. I am thankful to have been told that.

What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?

In today’s circumstances, we really need people who are hardworking and honest to serve in the healthcare market. Knowing that I can be just a small part of that is amazing.

What is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?

My husband and I would enjoy a game of ping-pong when it was available!

What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?

Shortly after my husband and I were married in 2019 there was an office cookout where people’s families could come and see the new office and enjoy a tasty summer meal. It was so fun to gather there with not only my own family but also meet the family members of others.

What is your favorite in-house event? (specific potluck, chili cook-off, bring your kid to work day, etc.)

I enjoyed participating in potlucks where everyone would bring something to share. Now that I am a parent, I would LOVE to bring my son into the office!

Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?

SO many! First of all, my wonderful husband and dad. They are such hardworking men and I look up to their work styles a lot. Also, Travis, thank you for being a great leader and for being so supportive of me being a working mom. And Christy, Carla, Felicia, and Yodit I treasure the memories of our little statement calling corner a few summers ago! And Becky, thank you for training me so kindly. I am grateful for all of you!

What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?

Be ready to work hard and diligently, but also be surrounded by wonderful people who care about you and your success.

What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?

When I was full-time, I loved the feeling of surpassing the goal of 80 calls a day. Sometimes I would get over 100 and it really made me proud.

What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?

I am thankful for right where I’m at with SpendMend right now. It serves my family and me well and I look forward to continuing.