Hello everyone! Let’s celebrate this Friday with another edition of the Employee Spotlight Series! This week, we would like to introduce you to Josh Bie. Josh is a data analyst and joined the SpendMend team three years ago! When asked why he looks forward to coming to work, Josh states, “Working with a great team of people that enjoy what they do and who they do it with.” It was great getting to learn more about Josh better, and to hear about his life experiences and interests! Growing up, Josh spent a lot of time moving and living all around! Josh was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but spent his childhood in Guam and all over California. He went to Santa Barbara City College to study Creative Writing! A fun fact about Josh is that he is a published author of several short stories. He started writing at the age of ten and loves it to this day! Josh has written a lot of different genres, from comedy to horror. Josh is currently writing a children’s book, he states, “it’s about a butterfly that veers off the traditional migration pattern of the Monarch and goes on a bit of an adventure with his friends.” What a fun idea! Let us know when it’s published, Josh! Another hobby of Josh’s is reading. While he is a reader of just about anything, he is a huge fan of old horror classics of the 80s. His favorite authors to read and pull inspiration from are Stephen King, Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Steinbeck, Joseph Heller, Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, Elmore Leonard, Hemingway, Annie Proulx, Brandon Sanderson, Michael Crichton, and Terry Pratchett. Thank you for the author recommendations! Is anyone interested in starting a SpendMend book club?! Another one of Josh’s hobbies is archery. Josh found his interest in archery after attending a local Renaissance fair as a kid and tried a bow for the first time! He also found inspiration by watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Josh finds archery relaxing and full of control, which he enjoys the most. Since there isn’t an archery range close by where he lives in VA, Josh plans to build a mini range so he can practice!
Josh does a great job at SpendMend and always gives his 100% to the team. Ed Ritsema, Data Services Manager, said, “It’s great working with Josh in the data services group. His attention to detail helps make sure that the data he processes is as accurate as possible. With all the different systems and clients that we receive data from, and the multiple projects that he feeds data into, his ability to juggle everything that gets thrown at him is impressive – and appreciated.” We appreciate your dedication to the team, Josh! Thank you!
Interview with Josh:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Data Analyst
How long have you been with SpendMend?
3 years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Knew about them as a competitor in the auditing space
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Talented, Energetic, Intelligent
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
Working with a great team of people that enjoy what they do and who they do it with
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Auditing foot-candles for commercial office space. Who knew overhead lighting was so complicated?
What is one fun fact about you?
I’m a published author of several short stories.
How long have you been writing and what inspired you to start?
I started writing very, very young, around ten or so. I really enjoyed it and wanted to pursue that as a career path. I still write in my spare time but think of it more of a hobby and not something that will propel me into fame and fortune overnight.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I’ve written a lot of different genres, from comedy to horror – I’m actually working on a children’s book at the moment.
Who are your favorite authors?
for authors (in no particular order): Stephen King, Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Steinbeck, Joseph Heller, Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, Elmore Leonard, Hemingway, Annie Proulx, Brandon Sanderson, Michael Crichton, and Terry Pratchett to name a few
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Classic rock (Zepplin, Stones, Beatles) and the occasional book on tape when I’m all rocked out.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Avid reader of just about anything, but constantly go back to the old horror classics of the 80s. I also go to the archery range hoping to one day hit a target (or the broad side of a barn). I totally nerded out about archery after going to a local Renaissance fair when I was a kid and tried a bow for the first time – watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy probably had something to do with it, too! I really find archery relaxing – it’s about control of yourself above everything else. I haven’t found a range close to my new house in VA, but I’ll probably end up building a little mini range of about 10 meters or so here to practice when I can.
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
Putting together a simple, clear and easy-to-read presentation for a complex issue with many moving parts. Got the client to understand the issue after dozens of back and forth emails and meetings.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
That I was super thorough with my analysis but still easy to talk to.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Helping the business side of things ultimately helps everyone involved, from the doctors to the patients. Knowing that makes every action I take for a client impactful and meaningful.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
The events and the charities they’ve donated to are absolutely wonderful — I always cheer them on and hope one day I can be part of them in person!
What is your favorite in house event? (specific potluck, chili cook-off, bring your kid to work day, etc.)
I’m stuck out in the remote-work wilds but a chili cook-off sounds amazing!
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Ed Ritsema has made the transition to working at SpendMend a really easy thing. He’s always super supportive and can even understand what I’m trying to say after my 3rd cup of coffee!
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Be motivated, unafraid to ask questions, and know that every person here is part of a team willing to help.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Learning (and still learning!) an entirely new system and its processes.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Continuing to work with a great team of knowledgeable people.