Happy Friday! For this week’s Employee Spotlight Series, we are highlighting Kylee Ayar. Kylee is a Marketing Manager and joined the SpendMend team four years ago. When asked why she looks forward to coming to work every day, she stated, “I love working with my team! The marketing team is so supportive, fun, and creative. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues, and they are always encouraging!” Kylee is from Fenton, Michigan, and attended Grand Valley State University, where she received her BBA. She studied marketing and finance because she wanted to explore unique career options and learn a mix of creative and analytical skills. A fun fact about Kylee is that she got married this past November! She and her husband have been together since 2015 when they met in high school. They married in Kauai at the Beach House Restaurant, and she states, “It was super beautiful, and we were so fortunate to have our friends and family travel to our favorite place!” Read the full interview to learn more about Kylee’s wedding day and her most memorable moments! Another fun fact about Kylee is that traveling is one of her favorite hobbies! Her favorite destination is Kauai, mostly because her family lives there. She loves spending time with her niece and nephew! She also loves Kauai for the scenery, food, and culture. Kylee states, “The best part is that the people are friendly and unbelievably kind! It’s easy to feel at ease there.” On top of her travel bucket list is Vietnam! Kylee was adopted from Vietnam as a baby. She would love to explore where she was born and learn more about the culture. Let Kylee know if you have ever been to Vietnam because she would love a Q&A! Another hobby that Kylee enjoys is cooking! She started as a kid, helping her mom out in the kitchen. She likes to cook all cuisines and is always willing to try new recipes. Her favorite foods to cook are Asian-inspired because she enjoys the flavor profiles. Something new to her is learning some Chaldean dishes and favorite recipes her husband grew up on. When asked what favorite dish she likes to make, she says, “At every family gathering, I am requested to make mac and cheese. So, it’s my favorite because everyone loves it!” It sounds like we need to have a SpendMend potluck soon!
Kylee does a great job in her role as a Marketing Manager. We asked Tom Flynn, VP of Marketing, about Kylee, and he said, “Working with Kylee Ayar is an absolute delight! From her very first day in the marketing department, she has proven to be incredibly resourceful and proactive. When faced with challenges or unfamiliar tasks, she dives into research with determination, consistently developing unique solutions and delivering exceptional results. Her teammates speak highly of her, praising her ability to balance professionalism with energy and enthusiasm. With her remarkable talent, drive, and positive attitude, Kylee undoubtedly has an incredibly bright future ahead—I wouldn’t be surprised if I find myself working for her one day. She truly is an invaluable member of the team!” Thank you, Kylee, for all your hard work!
Interview with Kylee:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Marketing Manager
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Four years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Through the GVSU career fair.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Collaborative, innovative, and welcoming.
Where are you located/from?
I am from/live in Fenton, MI. It’s about 45 minutes north of Ann Arbor.
Where did you go for higher education?
I went to Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI.
What did you study and why?
I received a BBA in marketing and finance. When I started college, I was undecided about what I wanted to study. So, I took a class focused on professional development and personality types, which led me to apply to Grand Valley’s business college. I chose marketing and finance because I wanted to explore unique career options and learn a mix of creative and analytical skills.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I love working with my team! The marketing team is so supportive, fun, and creative. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues, and they are always encouraging!
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a waitress at a Korean BBQ. It was a lot of fun because the cuisine was new to me, and I loved trying all the traditional dishes!
What is one fun fact about you?
I just got married last November!
How did you and your partner meet?
My husband, Riley, and I met in high school. We had a few classes together and quickly became friends. We started dating at the beginning of 2015.
Where did the ceremony take place?
We got married in Kauai at the Beach House Restaurant. It was super beautiful, and we were so fortunate to have our friends and family travel to our favorite place!
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
I have two! The most memorable moment during our ceremony was before we exchanged our rings. Our officiant blessed our rings and gave them to each of our parents so they could say a few kind words to us. It was really special because it was on the spot! Another memorable moment was during our reception when my dad and I got to have our dance. We danced to “My Girl” by The Temptations.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I like all types of music! From pop to musical theater. Recently, I’ve been into classical Christmas music to get into the holiday spirit! My favorite podcast I have been listening to is Classical Stuff You Should Know.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I like traveling, cooking, going to the gym, participating in musical theater, and spending time with my friends and family.
What’s your favorite destination that you’ve traveled to so far, and why?
My favorite place to visit is Kauai! My sister lives there, and it feels like a second home. I love spending time with my family, especially seeing my niece and nephew. Kauai also has relaxing beaches and beautiful scenery. I love trying all the food because I love Asian-influenced cuisine and Hawaiian poke. The best part is that the people are friendly and unbelievably kind! It’s easy to feel at ease there.
Do you have a travel bucket list? If so, what’s at the top of your list?
I do! I would love to visit Vietnam. I was adopted from Vietnam when I was a baby, and I would like to see where I am from and learn more about the culture. I haven’t been back since, and I am itching to visit.
What’s the next trip you have planned?
The next travel destination is hopefully Brazil! My brother-in-law is from Brazil and wants to plan a family trip there and show us his hometown. Not sure when, but I can’t wait!
How did you get started with cooking?
I started cooking with my mom when I was little. She always would cook up Food Network recipes and have me try them!
What type of cuisine do you enjoy cooking the most?
I enjoy trying and cooking all types of cuisines, especially Asian-inspired dishes, which have some of my favorite flavors. Last Christmas, I made homemade Polish perogies using my stepmom’s family recipe, which was super fun! Recently, I have also enjoyed learning and trying Chaldean recipes. My husband is Chaldean, and it’s been fun learning the cuisine he grew up with! I hope to learn how to make dolma soon!
Do you have a favorite recipe or dish that you love to make?
At every family gathering, I am requested to make mac and cheese. So, it’s my favorite because everyone loves it!
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
The best part of serving the healthcare market is helping hospitals and healthcare systems save money. Our work supports and contributes to their cost savings, allowing them to focus on patient care.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
I would love to shout out Tom Flynn! He is an enthusiastic and positive leader for the Marketing team. I am super grateful that Tom has given me many opportunities to work on projects that require new skills and are out of my comfort zone! He is always encouraging and has greatly impacted my professional growth and our team’s success!
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be willing to try new things!
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
My proudest accomplishment at SpendMend so far was learning how to redesign the website. It involved a lot of trial and error, but it was a fun and challenging project.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn and challenge myself in marketing. I am also excited to see SpendMend’s growth in the future and the impact we can have in the healthcare industry.