Let’s start the weekend with an edition of the Employee Spotlight Series! This week we are highlighting Cherie Gurski. Cherie is an Auditor and joined the SpendMend team almost three years ago. When asked what excites her about her work day, Cherie shared, “I enjoy what I do, always learning and helping others – vendors and/or the SpendMend Team.” A fun fact about Cherie is that she has lived all over Michigan! She was born in Lansing and moved to the Grand Rapids area when she was 10 years old. She also spent some time in the Metro Detroit area! Another fun fact about Cherie is that she is an unpublished writer! Cherie loves writing fiction, often blending romance and music. Her biggest influence is her father, a freelance writer, but she also draws inspiration from Hemingway, Jackie Collins, and William Butler Yeats. Lately, she’s been reading autobiographies of musicians for research. Be sure to read the full interview below to learn about Cherie’s dream project that is 20 years in the making! In addition to writing, Cherie loves to spend time with her family and friends during her free time! When asked about her favorite way to spend time with her loved ones, she said, “Just being together, doesn’t matter where. As long as we are together.” Her idea of a perfect weekend with them would be at a lake on the boat or at her dad’s place along the Jordan River in Northern Michigan! A huge common bond they all have is sports. Cherie is a dedicated Detroit Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and U of M Football fan! If she could have dinner with any player, she’d pick Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions. Cherie explains, “He was truly the G.O.A.T. – Many running backs are extremely talented, but in my many years as a football connoisseur, Barry did it all on his own.” Plus, she thinks he’d have a great sense of humor! Cherie takes game days seriously! For U of M football and the Detroit Lions, she always wears the same shirt and socks for every game. If her team loses? She switches to a new combo for the next game. Superstitions make game days fun! If you have any game day traditions, be sure to chat with Cherie—she’d love to hear them!
Cherie is a talented Auditor and is respected by her team members! We asked Jacob Schinkai, Audit Supervisor, about Cherie, and he said, “Cherie is a great person to work with and is very thorough with everything she does. She makes my job that much easier by having every detail ready to go at all times! She is such a big asset to the Black Pod and SpendMend as a whole, and she’s always able to make me laugh throughout the day with her funny remarks or references on whatever she may have just come across.” Thank you, Cherie! We appreciate all that you do!
Interview with Cherie:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
It is close to 3 years now.
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Eric Florance
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Innovative, Determined, People-Oriented.
Where are you located/from?
Born in Lansing, moved to the Grand Rapids area at the age of 10, and have been here ever since, with a brief 8-year stay in the Metro Detroit Area. I joke that I have lived in the three major metropolises of Michigan.
Where did you go for higher education?
Unfortunately, I didn’t complete my higher education due to unforeseen circumstances but had one term at Lansing Community College as a Journalism Major. I wasn’t able to get back to it, and I’m somewhat okay with that.
Why do you look forward to your work day?
I enjoy what I do, always learning and helping others – vendors and/or the SpendMend Team.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a clerk at a Record Store (Back in the day, LOL). I had some great times there!
What is one fun fact about you?
I am an unpublished Writer. (Though I have been going through a serious bout of Writer’s Block – it is REAL!)
What first inspired you to start writing?
I don’t recall what inspired me to write. It just happened when I was about 8 years old.
What genre do you enjoy writing the most?
I am a total fiction writer. Ideas often hit at the least appropriate times LOL. I mix Romance and Music together, A LOT!
Who are some of your biggest writing influences?
My father, first and foremost, is a freelance writer. Hemingway, Jackie Collins, William Butler Yeats (Poet) – I’m all over the map. Lately, I have been reading Musician autobiographies. Currently in the middle of one on Slash, from Guns ‘n’ Roses.
Do you have a dream project or book you’d love to publish someday?
I have been working on a ‘dream project’ for about 20 years now, titled “Fractured Love” – about an all-girl rock ‘n’ roll band in the late 80s. Their trials and tribulations, let’s just say, they put Motley Crue to shame. Then on February 14, 1991, they just…..disappeared. One thing to note of my writing – They are ALWAYS somehow based in the state of Michigan. All or several of the main characters will always be from Michigan!
How do you usually overcome writer’s block, or is this the toughest one you’ve faced?
Writer’s Block – The worst feeling a writer can have – Music tends to bring me out of it. Toughest one? I still deal with it from time to time.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
80s Metal Bands Playlist I comprised.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
When trying not to write the next greatest novel, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. And I am very into my sports teams – Detroit Lions, Tigers & Red Wings and U OF M FOOTBALL – GO BLUE!
What are some of your favorite ways to spend time with your family and friends?
Just being together, doesn’t matter where. As long as we are together.
Are there any hobbies or interests that you enjoy sharing with your loved ones?
Many of us are all into Sports, so that is a HUGE common bond.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend with family and friends?
A perfect weekend is up at the lake, out on the boat, or at my dad’s place along the Jordan River in Northern Michigan.
Is there someone in your family or friend circle who inspires you? Why?
MANY of my family and friends inspire me. I couldn’t call out just one. They have all been there when I needed them most, and I hope I do the same for them.
What first got you into following these teams?
Not sure what got me interested in Football, Hockey, and Baseball; I just started watching and was hooked.
Do you have a favorite place to watch games (sports bar, at home, with friends, tailgating, etc.)?
Prefer to watch at home or, if able, attend in person.
Do you have any specific game-day traditions or rituals for your favorite teams?
Ha, game day traditions? For the University of Michigan football and the Detroit Lions, I must wear the same shirt and socks for every game. Guess one could say I am superstitious when it comes to my teams! If the team loses, then I will switch to a different shirt/socks for the next game. Keep the bad mojo at bay.
If you could have dinner with any player (past or present) from one of your favorite teams, who would it be and why?
Oh my, that is a tough one. I guess if I have to choose, I would say Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions. He was truly the G.O.A.T. – Many running backs are extremely talented, but in my many years as a football connoisseur, Barry did it all on his own. He didn’t have halfbacks or fullbacks paving the lane for him. I still get chills watching clips of all his epic runs. Plus, he looks to have quite the sense of humor.
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?
I always thank the vendor for their assistance. One responded that no one had ever thanked her, which made her day. That made my day.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Being able to help others.
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
I haven’t attempted any. I do like to walk outside and sing where no one can hear me.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
Haven’t participated in any yet, but I love that they happen!
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Oh my, so many – Eric Florance for getting me to SpendMend. John Pauley was my first supervisor. Current Super – Jacob Schinkai and Black Pod Manager Jessica Osborn. It would be a miss not to mention the entire Black Pod Team!
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Prepare to enjoy what you do while learning every day.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Just being able to assist the vendors in resolving issues.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Learning more! SO much more! 🙂