Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series! This week we are featuring David Malin. David is a Senior Project Manager and has been a part of the SpendMend team since June 2021! When asked what his proudest accomplishment at SpendMend has been, he said, “My proudest accomplishment has been working with great coworkers across the entire organization to complete a wide variety of projects.” Outside of work, one of David’s favorite hobbies is participating in shooting sports with his son! David enjoys shooting precision rimfire rifles and pistols. His favorite part about shooting is buying new guns! The most challenging part about shooting as a hobby is the consistent practice it requires to keep the skills current. For David, the Michigan winters makes it really difficult! When asked where his love for the sport is, David Said, “It is a good sport to participate in because you always have the opportunity to learn something new, improve your ability, etc. Additionally, it is a sport that people of all ages can participate in.” Another hobby of David’s is traveling – he has visited over 40 countries! His interest in traveling comes from wanting to see other places and learn about other cultures. David’s favorite countries he has visited so far are Romania and Bulgaria. They are his favorite because the people were very friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the food is excellent. The next country on his bucket list to visit next is Russia! He looks forward to taking the Trans-Siberian Railway from Vladivostok to Moscow. Be sure to check out the full interview below to learn more about David’s traveling adventures! A fun fact about David is that he used to work as a private tutor in South Korea! His job involved working with elementary students that are looking to attend international academic opportunities! David taught various subjects such as English literature, history, geography, science, and writing. David liked the job because he could help students figure out their educational goals and had a flexible work schedule! David’s favorite part about living in South Korea was living close to the beach, the delicious food, excellent public transportation, and the mountains.
David is an exceptional Senior Project Manager and is highly valued on the SpendMend team. Alan Sibley, Director of Information Technology, said “David is the glue that holds our major projects together. He drives projects forward, manages communication and documentation, and maintains statuses. I appreciate David and always enjoy working with him!” Thank you for everything that you do for SpendMend, David. We appreciate it!
Interview with David:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Senior Project Manager
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Since June 2021
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Several former coworkers work at SpendMend.
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Data, Growth, Insight
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
To participate in projects that will help SpendMend continue to grow.
Where are you located/from?
I was born in Michigan and now live in Rockford, Michigan. I work out of the SpendMend office in Grand Rapids.
Where did you go for higher education? What did you study and why?
I went to university here in Grand Rapids and studied Business Administration and Political Science. I chose to study these subjects as I felt they would prepare me for a variety of careers.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a private tutor in South Korea for several years.
Can you explain your job tutoring in Korea in more detail (How did you get the opportunity to tutor in Korea? What ages and subjects did you tutor? Etc.)
My job in Korea involved working with students who were looking to attend international boarding schools, international universities, etc. I typically worked with elementary school students. In terms of subjects, I taught English literature, history, geography, science, and writing.
What was the best part about the job?
The best part of the job was helping students realize their educational goals and it provided a flexible work schedule.
What was the best part about living in South Korea?
The things I enjoyed about living in South Korea were: 1) Living close to the beach 2) Excellent food 3) Excellent public transportation 4) The mountains
What was the biggest challenge of living in Korea?
The challenges living in South Korea were: 1) The 13-14 hour time difference made it difficult to keep in touch with folks back in America. 2) Densely populated cities 3) Driving in densely populated cities.
What is one fun fact about you?
I have traveled to 40+ countries.
What piqued your interest to start traveling so much?
I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan. It was nice to grow up in a small town, but I always wanted to get out and see other places, learn more about other cultures, etc.
What have been the most interesting countries you’ve visited and why?
The most interesting countries I have visited are Iceland (because of how cold and beautiful it was), Egypt (because visiting the pyramids was interesting), and Turkey (because it was much more interesting than I had anticipated).
What countries shocked you the most (culture, food, environment, etc.)
I would say that Egypt shocked me the most as it was less clean than I anticipated and the driving was a bit adventurous.
What was your all-time favorite country you traveled to and why?
Romania and Bulgaria would be two of my all-time favorite countries. The people are friendly, the scenery is beautiful, and the food is excellent.
What country as you most excited to finally travel to in the future?
The country I am most looking forward to traveling to in the future is Russia to take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Vladivostok to Moscow (approx. 5700 miles)
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I have an eclectic taste in music: K-Pop, Country, and Romanian Manele. For podcasts, I enjoy listening to the best podcast in the universe – The No Agenda Show
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
My son and I like to participate in shooting sports. We also like to watch soccer and cricket.
What type of shooting sports are you involved in?
I mostly shoot precision rimfire rifles and pistols.
What started your love for that sport?
It is a good sport to participate in because you always have the opportunity to learn something new, improve your ability, etc. Additionally, it is a sport that people of all ages can participate in.
What’s your favorite part about the sport?
My favorite part of shooting is buying new guns!
What’s the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of shooting is that it takes constant/consistent practice if you want to keep your skills current. This can be a bit difficult during the Michigan winters!
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
I typically don’t interact with clients or suppliers. Most of the projects I work on are internal.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
I typically don’t interact with clients or suppliers. Most of the projects I work on are internal.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that everything we do as an organization can have an impact on improving patient care.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
My family has participated in the Bee Brave 5K in the past.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
I appreciate all of the help that Jeremy Toth, Alan Sibley, and Zack Aubuchon have provided on various projects.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
My advice would be to come to any new position with an open mind, be willing to learn and be willing to work as part of a team.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
My proudest accomplishment has been working with great coworkers across the entire organization to complete a wide variety of projects.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I am looking forward to continuing to help SpendMend grow and provide value to our clien