Hi everyone! Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series! This week, we are featuring Joe Vig. Joe is a Recon Team Lead and joined the SpendMend team about three years ago. When asked what three words he would use to describe SpendMend, he said, “Ethical, responsible, and friendly.” Joe grew up in Jenison, Michigan. He received his Associate’s degree from GRCC and his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Central Michigan University. When asked why he chose to study math, Joe stated, “I studied math because I like dealing with numbers and calculating things out!” Outside of work, Joe plays in a kickball league on Mondays and Wednesdays during the spring, summer, and fall. He started playing through the Grand Rapids Sport and Social club in 2019. His favorite part about being in a league is meeting new people. Be sure to read the whole interview below to find out more about Joe’s kickball league experience! A fun fact about Joe is that he enjoys reading! His favorite genres to read are sci-fi and fantasy! Some books that Joe likes and would recommend are the Southern Reach Trilogy, Dune, Ready Player One, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings. Currently, Joe is reading the Harry Potter series! When asked what his favorite authors are, he mentions, “Frank Herbert, Jeff VanderMeer, and Tokien.” Thanks for the book recommendations, Joe! Another hobby Joe enjoys in his free time is playing board games. His favorite types of games are party and strategy games! Joe recommends the games: Exploding Kittens, Taco/Cat/Goat/Cheese/Pizza, Marvel Munchkin, and Disney Villainous. He loves playing games with his friends and family! His favorite game to play in a group is Cards Against Humanity! With an expert like Joe, he will have to bring some board games to the upcoming company retreat!
Joe does a great job at SpendMend and his hard work does not go unnoticed. Cindy Allen, Shared Services Manager, said “Joe’s been with SpendMend close to 3 years and has been cross-trained in multiple Shared Services departments and proved he’s an asset to the team. Joe was promoted to Team Lead almost a year ago due to his knowledge, dedication, and strong work ethic.” We appreciate all that you do, Joe! Thank you!
Interview with Joe:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Recon Team Lead
How long have you been with SpendMend?
3 years at the end of this upcoming September
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
I was working for a temp agency in 2019 and was told about a job opportunity at SpendMend. So I took the temporary assignment and got hired eventually.
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Ethical, responsible, and friendly
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I love my job and the people I work with.
Where are you located/from?
I was born in Grand Rapids and Raised in Jenison.
Where did you go for higher education? What did you study and why?
I got my associate’s degree from GRCC and I have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Central Michigan University. I studied math because I like dealing with numbers and calculating things.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked as a lifeguard and lifeguard supervisor.
What is one fun fact about you?
I play in a kickball league on Mondays and Wednesdays during the spring, summer, and fall.
When did you start playing in the kickball league?
I started playing kickball in 2019 through Grand Rapids Sport and Social Club.
Favorite part about being in the league?
It was a way for me to meet new people, which has been my favorite part of being in the league.
Any fun or interesting stories you can share about your experience?
A fun story I have about kickball is when I recorded all 3 outs to the opposing team in an inning.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Rock and Hip-Hop music
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I exercise, read books, kayak, and play board games.
What are the go-to book genres that you enjoy reading?
I enjoy reading sci-fi and fantasy books.
Can you list a few books that you have read and would recommend?
I like the Southern Reach Trilogy, Dune, Ready Player One, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings.
Any books that you are currently reading that you love?
I’m currently rereading the Harry Potter series.
Any favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Frank Herbert, Jeff VanderMeer, and Tokien.
What types of board games do you enjoy playing?
I like playing party games and a few strategy games. I like Exploding Kittens, Taco/Cat/Goat/Cheese/Pizza, Marvel Munchkin, and Disney Villainous.
Do you prefer playing with friends or family, and what are your favorites to play with a group?
I prefer to play games with both friends and family. A game I like playing with a group is Cards Against Humanity.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
That I have good attention to detail.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
That we save hospitals money so that it can be spent on more important things.
What is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
I usually will take walks if the weather is nice to clear my head during breaks.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
I will usually donate money to Bee Brave and Toys for Tots.
What is your favorite in-house event? (specific potluck, chili cook-off, bring your kid to work day, etc.)
The company potlucks always have delicious food.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Oriana Bosma for teaching me everything she knows about vendor acct management and recon.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Being flexible in assisting with any work that needs to be done throughout each day.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Becoming the recon team lead.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Continuing the share the knowledge I have gained with anyone who works in vendor acct management and recon.