Hi everyone! For this week’s Employee Spotlight Series, we are featuring Chon Lankford. Chon is an Auditor and joined the SpendMend team about a year and a half ago. When asked what three words he would use to describe SpendMend, he said, “Driven, Difference, Makers.” Originally, Chon is from Texas but now lives in Cedar Springs, Michigan. He went to Davenport University for his B.S. in Paralegal Studies and MAMin in Ministry. A fun fact about Chon is that he was the lead Pastor of a small church of 50! As a Pastor, he loved engaging with community members and striving to make a real impact. He states, “I have spent time going downtown passing out tracts, feeding and clothing the homeless, and always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need.” Check out the full interview below to learn more about Chon’s experience as a Pastor and his transition to SpendMend. During his work at SpendMend, Chon often listens to music to motivate him throughout the day! His work playlist is a mix of R&B, Christian rap, and 90’s love ballads. His favorite go-to song is Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”. If you’re looking to add some new hits to your work playlist, ask Chon! Outside of work, Chon likes to spend his free time playing pickleball and tennis. His kids introduced him to pickleball, and he fell in love with the sport! He already enjoyed playing tennis, but the speed and reaction time needed for pickleball is what got him hooked! The most challenging aspect for him is that it is a partner sport. Chon just started playing this past year but loves to play any chance he can get!
Chon is a hard-working member of the SpendMend team! We asked Seth Glaser, Audit Supervisor, about Chon, and he said, “Chon joined my team in the Blue Pod roughly eight months ago after transitioning out of the Shared Services group. In that time, he has been a wonderful individual to work with and consistantly has a positive attitude that radiates throughout our team. He is one of the hardest working individuals that I have had the pleasure to workwith in my time at SpendMend and comes to work each day extremely focused and motivated. Chon is an invaluable asset to my team and the company, and I look forward to seeing him continue to grow in his role as an auditor.” We are grateful to have Chon a part of SpendMend!
Interview with Chon:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
1 1/2 years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
I was hired out of a temp service.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Driven – Difference – Makers
Where are you located/from?
I’m originally from Texas but now reside in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Where did you go for higher education?
I have a BS in Paralegal Studies from Davenport University and a MaMin in Ministry.
What did you study and why?
I used to be a bad kid until I had a Christian witness to me on the streets, which changed my life. I went to school for my undergrad to gain respect for the law. Worked in journeyman jobs for the next 15 years. I decided to go to school to become a pastor because I felt led to and wanted to share the same Good news that had been shared with me and make a difference.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
Opportunity to make a difference.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was the lead pastor for a small church of 50. I loved engaging with community members and striving to make a real impact.
What inspired you to become a pastor, and how did you first get involved with the church community?
As stated before, I felt led to and wanted to share the same Good news that had been shared with me and to make a difference. However, I was always getting involved in every activity I could at the church and community. I have spent time going downtown, passing out tracts, feeding and clothing the homeless, and always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need.
What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a pastor?
There is nothing easy about being a pastor. It is a lot of prep work, study time, prayer, and then the fun of public speaking. Then there are the challenges of being the listening ear to the problems everyone is facing and being a calming presence and a good counselor. You hear some pretty awful things and some real-life challenges.
What prompted your transition from being a lead pastor to working at SpendMend?
Unfortunately, I faced such a life challenge, which required me to step down from my position. I had already worked at SpendMend part-time while serving as a pastor, so when I resigned, I became full-time and transitioned from the Research Team to Audit.
What is one fun fact about you?
I have a thrill-seeking side that desires to take fears by the horns and experience life to the full.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I listen to R&B, Christian rap, and 90’s love ballads.
What does your current work music playlist include?
I listen to whatever stirs me for the day. On a normal day, it has to be R&B.
What is your favorite song?
I am overly fond of Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I’m big into pickleball and tennis.
What originally got you into pickleball and tennis?
My kids got me involved in pickleball, and I fell in love with the sport. I had already enjoyed playing tennis, but the speed and reaction time needed for pickleball is incredibly engaging.
Was it something you picked up recently, or have you been playing for a long time?
Really just started playing this past year but would love to play as often as possible.
What keeps you passionate about these activities?
It is a partner sport, so that makes it challenging.
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’m an auditor. Every credit found helps the client and cleans the books on both sides.
What was the best compliment a client or supplier has ever paid you?
“Thank you!”
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that we help provide better care to patients at the end of the day.
What is your favorite Recovery Room Activity if you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters?
I haven’t had the joy of spending time in this room yet. Bummer!
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
Hmm, can’t say I have had this experience either. Man, I gotta get out more!
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Zach Markham, Cindy Allen, John Baker, and Seth Glaser, I need more room here.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Be patient! There is a lot to learn, and it takes time. Do not rush the process but take the time to listen and learn.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Every accomplishment is a proud accomplishment. Take nothing for granted.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
Tough question. I’m an aspiring entrepreneur.