Happy Friday! For this Employee Spotlight edition, we are featuring Christie Suhonen. Christie is a Vendor Management Auditor and has been a part of the SpendMend team for 15 months. When asked why she looks forward to coming to work every day, she stated, “I look forward to a challenge and learning more about what SpendMend does.” During the workday, Christie likes listening to country music on the radio! Her favorite artists are Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and Chayce Beckam. Her all-time favorite is Garth Brooks, and she has seen him three times in concert! Christie lives north of Battle Creek, MI and during her free time she enjoys painting interior walls and decorating! She started working on her own home and loved it so much that now her friends call her for her expertise. Her favorite part about painting and decorating her house is the new look after the project is done! It’s very rewarding. The most challenging part is cutting into the ceiling and around the trim. She doesn’t use any tape or any tools; she free hands it all! If you’re looking for any interior decorating tips and tricks, Christie is the one to ask! Another hobby Christie likes to do is gardening. She likes to plant flowers because of how they smell and make her yard look. When asked what she likes most about gardening, she stated, “I like working outside, and it is very relaxing for me.” Christie’s advice to first-time gardeners is to make sure you pick the right plant for the lighting!
Christie does a great job in her role as a Vendor Management Auditor. We asked John Baker, Director of Shared Services, about Christie, and he said, “Christie joined our VMS team in October of 2022 and had an immediate positive impact. As she has learned our processes, we have thrown more work at her, and she happily welcomes it (be ready, Christie, as we always have more). We are happy to have her on our team and excited to see her grow.” Thank you for all your hard work, Christie!
Interview with Christie:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Vendor Management Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
15 Months
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Deborah Murphy told me how much she loved it.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Appreciative, Positive, Wonderful
Where are you located/from?
I live north of Battle Creek, MI.
Where did you go for higher education?
I went to Kalamazoo Community College for a semester and was unsure what I would major in.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I look forward to a challenge and learning more about what SpendMend does.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
The most interesting part was working for an insurance company that handled some of the big stars like Michael Jackson.
What is one fun fact about you?
I like to paint interior walls and decorate.
Do you usually experiment in your own home, or have you painted and decorated other houses?
Yes, I work in my own home, and when friends need help, they call me.
What is your favorite part about this activity? What is the most challenging?
When the project is done, and you have a new look, it is the best. The most challenging is cutting into the ceiling and around the trim. I don’t use tape or any tool; I do it free hand.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Country
What does your current work music playlist include?
I don’t have a playlist, and I listen to the radio.
Favorite artists?
Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, and the newer artist Chayce Beckham.
Have you seen any of your favorite artists in concert? If so, where?
Garth Brooks was my favorite back in the day, and I have seen him 3 times.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Gardening and hanging out with family and friends.
What is your favorite type of plant, herb, fruit, or vegetable to grow?
I love flowers, how they smell, and how they make the yard look.
What do you like most about gardening?
I like working outside, which is very relaxing for me.
What is a piece of advice you would give to someone who is just starting out with gardening?
My advice would be to make sure you pick the right plant for the lighting.
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 was inquiring about open invoices with a vendor, and she was asking why the invoices had not been paid. I found out she was sending the invoices to the wrong email address.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
Thank you for making this a priority.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Helping them out.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Thank you, Kierstin Doornbos, for all the help getting me started.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Great company to work for.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
I just like doing my job!
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Learning more.