Hi everyone, and happy Friday! To start the last weekend of 2023, let’s celebrate with an edition of the Employee Spotlight Series. This week, we are highlighting Alex Le. Alex is a Database Marketing Coordinator and has been a part of the SpendMend team for about ten months! When asked why she looks forward to coming to work every day, she states, “I look forward to coming to work knowing I’m part of an important puzzle piece, and learning new things is rewarding!” Alex is from Zeeland, MI, and attended Aquinas College and studied Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Alex decided to study business and marketing because she is interested in consumer behavior and the details that determine what attracts consumers’ interest. A fun fact about Alex is she recently got engaged at Hemlock Crossing Park, and it was a huge surprise. Alex states, “We had agreed on paying our student loan debt before getting engaged, but he couldn’t wait any longer!” Alex and her fiancé have been together for over five years and are so excited about their 2025 wedding. Alex is looking forward to decorating and picking out her wedding dress the most! During Alex’s free time, she has a side business making dog bandanas, which she started making in May of 2023! At the time, she had recently rescued a 3-year-old male husky, and she wanted him to look festive for the holidays! Instead of buying them, she did some research on YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest and learned how to make them herself. When asked what her favorite part about making dog bandanas is, Alex states, “My favorite thing about making bandanas is how much it makes people smile because who doesn’t love to see a cute dog with a cute bandana?” If you’re interested in Alex’s dog bandanas, check out her Instagram page @cutedogco! She also makes stickers and other dog accessories!
Alex is a dedicated team member as a Database Marketing Coordinator. We asked Nicole Thompson, Director of Business Development, about Alex, and she said, “Alex is an essential member of the team. She works every day to ensure our Marketing engine can run at 100% every day. Alex is diligent, hardworking, and a quick learner. Beyond work, she is a master gardener and dog-lover and enjoys trying new recipes. Better yet, she shares the best recipes with me!” We appreciate you, Alex! Thanks for all your help!
Interview with Alex:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Database Marketing Coordinator
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Ten months
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Indeed
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Friendly, Welcoming, Supportive
Where are you located/from?
I’m from Zeeland, MI.
Where did you go for higher education?
I went to Aquinas College and studied business administration with a concentration in marketing.
What did you study and why?
I studied business and marketing because I’m amazed by how much care and detail goes into determining what will attract the consumers’ interest and why.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I look forward to coming to work knowing I’m part of an important puzzle piece, and learning new things is rewarding!
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Starbucks, due to the number of regulars.
What is one fun fact about you?
I recently got engaged in November!
Where did you get engaged, and was it a huge surprise?
I got engaged at Hemlock Crossing Park, and I was very surprised! We had agreed to pay our student loan debt before getting engaged, but he couldn’t wait any longer.
How long were you with your significant other before you got engaged?
We had been together for five years as boyfriend and girlfriend before he popped the question!
What are you looking forward to planning for your wedding?
I’m looking forward to decorating and picking out my wedding dress. We’re thinking the wedding is going to be in 2025!
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Dave Ramsey Podcast
What piqued your interest in starting to listen to the Dave Ramsey Podcast?
I couldn’t bear the thought of having a monthly payment for 10+ years on my student loans, so I did some research online. That’s when I found Dave Ramsey and bought the EveryDollar subscription.
What are some of your favorite topics the podcast covers?
My favorite topic would be the debt-free scream because you hear about how people get out of debt and what kind of sacrifices were made to be in that position.
What is something you’ve taken away from listening?
Something I’ve taken away from this podcast is that so many people live paycheck to paycheck, and that’s become a normal thing. I want to be able to travel and buy a house without my student loan debt hanging over my head.
Are there any episodes you recommend?
I recommend watching any episodes! I listen to it live almost every weekday at 2 pm Eastern time.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I make dog bandanas during my free time (shoutout @cutedogco!)
When did you start making dog bandanas, and why?
I started making bandanas in May of 2023. I had recently rescued a 3-year-old male husky during that time. I wanted to make my dogs look festive during the holidays, so I made them instead of buying them. I have received compliments on the bandanas, so I’ve turned it into a side business!
How did you learn to make them, and what is your inspiration?
I learned how to make them through YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. My dogs are my inspiration because I see them every day!
What is your favorite part about making dog bandanas?
My favorite about making bandanas is how much it makes people smile because who doesn’t love to see a cute dog with a cute bandana?
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
The best part is helping to make a difference in the healthcare market.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Nicole Thompson has been guiding me through everything I need to know.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s the only way you’re going to get better at what you do. Communicate with one another and be yourself!
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
I’m happy to have picked up more Excel Microsoft skills from my supervisor and by taking a class at GRCC this past May.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I’m looking forward to more projects to work on and learning new skills.
