For this week’s Employee Spotlight Series, we are highlighting Michelle Temple! Michelle is our Staff Accountant and joined the SpendMend team about a year ago. When asked what three words she would use to describe SpendMend, she said, “Impactful, innovative, and evolving.” Michelle was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. A fun fact is that she graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s in Microbiology with an emphasis in Infectious Disease and a minor in Chemistry. As a student, Michelle was very passionate about medical research! Another fun fact about Michelle is that she loves traveling and has spent time in four different countries. So far, she has visited South Korea, Spain, Portugal, Canada, and Mexico! When asked what her favorite country she has visited so far, she stated, “Spain because of the vibrant environment, friendly people, and amazing cuisine.” During work, Michelle likes to listen to the Armchair Expert podcast! If you haven’t heard of it, it features Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, and they interview celebrities and experts in different industries. Michelle likes the podcasts because the episodes are entertaining, vulnerable, and relatable. She recommends checking out the Armchair Anonymous episodes on Fridays if you like a good laugh! Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors playing pickleball. She started playing with her 14-year-old son last year and has been hooked ever since! She likes playing pickleball because it’s a great workout and a way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! The most challenging part for Michelle was learning the rules and lingo of the game. Good thing she is an expert now – It looks like we will need to add pickleball to the upcoming company meeting agenda!
Michelle does a great job as a Staff Accountant. We asked Nick VanZegeren, Staff Accountant, about Michelle, and he said, “Michelle has been a great addition to our finance team. She always has a positive attitude, and it’s been fun working alongside her. She is always willing to help in whatever area is needed. We’re so grateful to have Michelle on our finance team!” We couldn’t have said it better! Thank you, Michelle!
Interview with Michelle:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Staff Accountant
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Just over one year.
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Indeed
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Impactful, innovative, evolving
Where are you located/from?
I am located in the Grand Rapids area, and I grew up here as well. However, I spent about ten years after high school living in several other states around the country, including South Dakota, Illinois, and Connecticut.
Where did you go for higher education? What did you study and why?
I am a graduate of South Dakota State University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with an Infectious Disease emphasis, and a minor in Chemistry. Medical research was one of my great passions as a student.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
My awesome coworkers!
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Guitar instructor
What is one fun fact about you?
I have explored four other countries so far.
What countries have you visited?
So far, I have spent time in South Korea, Spain, Portugal, Canada, and, this past month, Mexico.
What country was your favorite to visit and why?
My favorite country to visit was Spain because of the vibrant environment, friendly people, and amazing cuisine.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
My favorite podcast definitely is Armchair Expert. I listen to that pretty much every day.
What kind of podcast does “Armchair Expert” do?
Armchair Expert is a weekly podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman. From their two giant armchairs in a guesthouse attic, they interview all kinds of celebrities and experts in various fields about “the messiness of being human.”
What do you enjoy the most about the podcasts?
The conversations are very entertaining, relatable, sometimes hilarious, and sometimes vulnerable.
Is there any particular podcast episode that you would recommend?
The Armchair Anonymous episodes that come out on Fridays are especially good for a laugh!
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I like to walk my dog Hazel, play pickleball, sing, and try interesting restaurants.
What piqued your interest in starting to play pickleball?
My 14-year-old son convinced me to start playing pickleball with him last year, and it turned out to be so much fun! I already liked playing tennis, and this is pretty similar, but maybe physically easier.
What do you like most about playing and why?
It’s a great workout and a great way to enjoy some sunshine on outdoor courts. Pickleball courts are starting to pop up in many places, including a great brewpub in Kentwood called Broadleaf (shoutout!).
What is the most challenging about playing?
The most challenging part for me was just learning the rules and the lingo, but luckily my son is a patient teacher!
If you work at the Grand Rapids headquarters, what is your favorite Recovery Room Activity?
Air hockey
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
I had so much fun participating in the most recent Bee Brave 5K.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Shout out to Nick VanZegeren, fellow staff accountant for training me and then proceeding to put up with my antics on a daily basis.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Take advantage of opportunities to network and foster relationships, especially since we are a largely remote company.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Spearheading a massive outreach effort to collect over a million dollars in past-due invoices.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I will continue to learn and increase my skill set in order to become a greater asset to the finance team.