We’re excited to highlight another outstanding member of our team! This week, we are featuring Michael Hermann. Michael is an Auditor and joined the SpendMend team a little over three months ago! When asked to describe SpendMend in three words, Michael chose: “Progressive, client-oriented, trustworthy.” A fun fact about Michael is that he’s based in Comstock Park, Michigan. Originally from Grand Rapids, he studied Business and Accounting at both Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College. He chose these fields because they translate well across a wide range of industries and career paths. Before joining SpendMend, Michael was a General Manager at a brewery. His favorite part of working in the brewing industry was the sense of community that it fostered. He shared, “The brewing industry is a huge community in Grand Rapids, MI—which is also known as Beer City USA!” One surprising aspect of the job? The cleaning! Michael explained that meticulous cleaning is crucial, as even a small contamination can ruin an entire batch. During his time as a manager, Michael worked extensively in accounts payable and receivable, which is experience that directly supports his current role at SpendMend. Another fun fact about Michael is that he is a talented pool player! He started playing with his dad at the age of three on the table in their basement. His favorite game is 8-ball, and if given the chance to play a match against any pro, he’d choose Efren Reyes, “the best pool player in the world!” Curious about his go-to trick shot? Check out the full interview below. As a hobby, Michael competes in a local pool league with friends and has been doing so for five years. The league meets every Thursday during the season at a nearby tavern. He loves it for both the competitive play and the social connection. Thinking about starting your own pool league? Ask Michael for some tips and tricks!
Michael does a great job in his role as an Auditor. We asked Nick VanTuinen, Audit Supervisor, about Michael, and he said, “Michael is genuinely great to work with. We work really well together, which probably explains how we can joke around all day and still get things done. He’s sharp, dependable, and always ready to help without being asked. He caught on fast, asks good questions, and handles his work without needing constant direction. I trust him to handle whatever’s in front of him, and I don’t take that for granted!” Thank you for all your hard work, Michael! We appreciate it!
Interview with Michael:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Auditor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
134 Days
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Nick VanTuinen
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Progressive, Client-oriented, Trustworthy
Where are you located/from?
I live in Comstock Park, MI, and I am from Grand Rapids, MI.
Where did you go for higher education?
I went to Davenport University for my first year of college, but not knowing what I wanted to major in, I decided to take a break and then returned to college at Grand Rapids Community College to study business and accounting.
What did you study and why?
I chose accounting and business as I knew it would translate to a lot of different industries/fields.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I get to work with a great team.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
General Manager of a Brewery.
What was your favorite part about managing a brewery?
My favorite part about working in the brewing industry is the community. The brewing industry is a huge community in Grand Rapids, MI, which is also known as Beer City USA.
What’s the most surprising thing people don’t know about working in a brewery?
You do more cleaning than anything else in a brewery; even the slightest contamination can ruin an entire batch of product.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in that role?
The biggest challenge was managing egos. Most brewers believe their product is the best and always needs to be made over others. Picking and choosing the product to showcase/market could cause issues between brewers.
What skills from that role have helped you in your current position at SpendMend?
I did a lot of work in AP/AR roles, which gave me experience with many different statements.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’m a very good pool player.
How did you get into playing pool?
I started playing pool with my dad when I was 3-4, we had a table in our basement.
What’s your favorite pool game to play—8-ball, 9-ball, something else?
8-ball is my favorite game.
Have you ever played in any tournaments or competitions?
The team I played on never made it to the city tournament, but we were in a competitive league.
Do you have a go-to trick shot or signature move?
One of my favorite shots would have to be a Karum shot, it’s where you deflect the cue ball off a ball into your object ball. (Cue off the two ball into the three ball, knocking the three ball into the corner pocket, for example).
If you could play a match against any celebrity or pro player, who would it be?
Efren Reyes. He is the best pool player in the world.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I don’t listen to music or podcasts while working.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I’m in a pool league.
How long have you been playing in a pool league?
I’ve played in a pool league for 5 years.
What do you enjoy most about being in the league?
I enjoy playing pool and socializing with all kinds of people.
Is it a competitive league or more casual/social?
It is a competitive league.
How often does your team play or meet?
Team meets every Thursday during the season, maybe 5-6 Thursdays that we do not have a game in a year.
Do any of your coworkers or friends play with you?
No coworkers play with me, and only a couple of friends.
What’s your go-to spot for league nights?
Our Tavern is the home location for our team.
Who do you interact with as an Auditor?
Clients and suppliers.
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
Sent 43 remittances at once to a vendor to help clean up a statement.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
“I appreciate what you do more than you know” – Cochlear Americas.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
I don’t really think of it from a healthcare market standpoint. I look at myself as more of a treasure hunter amongst lost credits.
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
Have yet to enjoy the amenities in the Recovery Room. Ping-pong would be fun.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
None yet.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Nick VanTuinen
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
There is no stupid question.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
More experience to do my job, learn other aspects of the company, and progress up the ladder.