This week we wanted to take the opportunity to talk about Joshua Kiel! Josh has been with SpendMend for 14 years and is our Regional Director of Operations- East. We had a great time getting to know a little more about Josh and we think you will too. Rob Heminger, President at SpendMend, said “Josh has played a critical operational role with SpendMend for more than a decade! By experiencing almost all operational positions within the organization, Josh has the unique background to not only maximize results, but also play a fundamental role in associate development. Josh has utilized those strengths to grow into the leadership role he currently maintains, overseeing Operations on the Eastern half of the country. I can’t think of anyone within our organization that has a natural feel for what we do more than Josh Kiel!”. As you will find out, Josh truly lives his life to the fullest and we think it serves as a great reminder that we should all spend some time doing something that we really love. Thank you for everything that you do Josh!
Interview with Joshua:
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
College Career Fair
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Client focused first
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
The challenge. The team environment and approach. The responsibility. The opportunity to improve patient care and outcome by increasing client’s operational efficiencies.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Lawn aerator for AAA Lawncare.
What is one fun fact about you?
I had open heart surgery when I was 13 years old from a BB gun/Water Balloon fight. I was having some friends over for a water balloon fight when things took a turn for the worst. I switched teams halfway through the fight and apparently it made one of my friends mad. The friend found my bb gun laying around, pumped it 10 times, and waited for me to run out of the garage. At around 10 yards he shot at me. The BB punctured my right lung and went into my heart. I passed out twice and fortunately there was a retired nurse that lived next door that had a phone (we did not) and called 911. I was rushed to Butterworth (now Spectrum Butterworth) and a helicopter was on standby. That night they sawed my chest open, removed the BB and put a couple stitches in my heart to repair the hole, and 3 tubes to drain the fluid from my punctured lung. I was in ICU for 3 days…and couldn’t play football freshman year. Never heard, saw, or spoke to the kid who shot me again.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Country music!
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
hunting, fishing, snowboarding, hiking, anything on in or near the water. Travel – mostly tropical and in the US. Real estate rehab and house flipping. Gardening. Homebrewing Beer. Wakeboarding. Fitness/Running.
What are some of the places you’ve traveled to too partake in your hobbies?
I’ve hunted in Indiana, Ohio, and Kansas for deer. I hunt annually in Kansas and Ohio. I’ve also hunted turkeys in Ohio and Indiana and one spring killed one in each state on the same day. This fall I have an elk hunt in Wyoming I’m doing. I’ve snowboarded in Utah and Colorado, as well as of course Michigan. Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia is on the snowboarding list this year.
What type of fishing do you like to do the most?
My favorite “type” of fishing is probably salt water with spinning gear. You just really never know what you’re going to pull up. I also love to fish in rivers…there’s just something calming and relaxing about a running stream or river. My favorite type of fish to catch is probably Northern Pike. They are my favorite (that I catch at least) to eat as well. My favorite fishing trip is probably to Rice Lake in Canada. I’ve taken my Dad and Brother the last 8 years. It was a trip my grandpa always took and talked about us (my dad, brother and me) going on but it never happened. He came down with Alzheimer’s in 2010 which meant it was never going to happen. So as soon as I was able to do so I booked the trip for my dad and brother and have ever since.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
The opportunity to continue being a partner. The highest compliment is a client who values the service and insight we provide and continues to partner with us through a Mending audit or allowing us back for an annual review year after year.
Would you like to give a shout out to a client or supplier?
I’d like to shout out to all clients. The level of dedication and commitment I’ve witnessed by those in the healthcare industry throughout this pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that even the smallest improvement or impact will translate to improved patient care.
What is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
Drinking coffee!
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
They have been a great way to gather the team outside of the office and support the local community.
What is your favorite in house event?
Halloween costume contest for-sure!
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
We have so many amazing, dedicated employees it is hard to point to one. However, I’ve always viewed Rob and Dan G as mentors and great leaders. Their passion for our industry and our clients, as well as our employees has always been inspiring.
What advice do you have for perspective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Trust the process. Ask a lot of questions. Be willing to learn from your mistakes. Lean on your teammates and peers. Be creative and share your thoughts and ideas.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Honestly taking the step from Audit Supervisor to Audit Manager. I interviewed against 7 of my peers, was low on the experience scale relative to several of them, and never expected to be chosen over some other great candidates.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Continuing to see this company grow and expand into new areas of service and finding new ways to bring value to our clients