Happy Friday! For this week’s Employee Spotlight, we would like to feature Mike Muir! Mike is a 340B Lead Analyst and joined the SpendMend Team a year and a half ago. When asked why he looks forward to coming to work, Mike stated, “I just absolutely love my team and the support that we can provide to our clients.” It was great getting to learn more about Mike, and to hear about his life experiences and interests! Mike grew up in Princess Anne, MD, and attended Salisbury University where he studied accounting. Mike’s sister was a big influence in his decision to study accounting since she is an accountant as well! A fun fact about Mike is that he worked a job in college where he gassed and washed the college fleet of vehicles. He was able to get the job opportunity from a friend who already worked there and convinced him that it was the best job on campus. Although Mike did not have any prior interest in cars, the job paid well and he could confirm that the job was the best! Make sure to read the full interview to learn the other perks Mike got from this job. One of Mike’s passions is surfing and he loves to do it all year round. When he was 14 years old, a friend invited him on a trip to the OBX and that’s where he rode his first wave and fell in love. His favorite part about surfing is the peacefulness and tranquility when sitting out on the water because it is stress-relieving. Mike thinks that the most challenging part is the paddling, he states, “Paddling all day is a killer shoulder workout!” Mike spent the most amount of time in the water in Assateague, MD but he enjoys surfing the most down in Boynton Beach FL, where he currently lives. When you are in the Boynton Beach area, keep a lookout for Mike riding the waves! Mike’s favorite hobby is playing sports such as snowboarding, softball, pickleball, and soccer. Soccer has been his #1 sport growing up and has played it his entire life. He played throughout high school and always participated in recreational leagues too. Sports were a huge part of his life growing up, he was always involved in at least one league per season, sometimes multiple! If anyone is interested in starting a soccer league, Mike is your guy!
Mike does a great job at SpendMend and it is recognized by his co-workers! Jennifer Hagen, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, Compliance, and Client Solutions, said, “In the role of 340B Lead Analyst for the SpendMend Pharmacy Compliance Department, Mike ensures that the many timelines associated with auditing are met while also assisting the auditors with processing and analyzing the data received from clients. His timeliness and attention to detail help us “keep the train on the tracks”. When Mike is presented with a challenge, he always looks for the best solution with a growth mindset and the ability to think outside the box. He continually seeks ways to expand his knowledge and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead as Mike completes his MBA later this year. For a little non-work shout…, Mike is a good choice to pick as your Pickleball partner and if the stars align, perhaps in Grand Rapids at the retreat there will be a match opportunity if there are courts to reserve, or maybe we can set up a makeshift court in the parking lot ?” Thank you, Mike, for all of your hard work! We appreciate it.
Interview with Mike:
What is your role at SpendMend?
340B Lead Analyst
How long have you been with SpendMend?
1.5 years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
My hospital’s 340B program was audited by Felicity and Chelsea Magee one year and then Jennifer, Nate, and Jim the second year. I was blown away by every team member’s knowledge and expertise in the 340B space and wanted to be a part of such an incredible team.
What 3 words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Elite, Innovative, Unique
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I just absolutely love my team and the support that we can provide to our clients
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked at the college I attended and my entire job was just gassing up the college’s fleet of vehicles and and running them through the local car wash. It paid surprisingly well!
How did you get involved in your prior job gassing and washing vehicles?
I had a friend who already worked in the Fleet Management Office and said that it was the best job on campus and HE WAS RIGHT!
Do you have any interest in cars or mechanics?
Not at all
Any funny stories you can share from the job?
I always worked during university events (job fairs, 100km bike event, marathons, ets…) and I sometimes got free swag that was handed out during those events.
What is one fun fact about you?
I surf year round and have surfed several times with snow on the ground
What piqued your interest to start surfing and when did you start?
A buddy of mine invited me on a trip to OBX when I was about 14. That’s when I rode my first wave and have loved it ever since.
What is the best part about surfing?
The peacefulness and tranquility of sitting out on the water flowing with the waves. It’s the most stress-relieving experience for me.
What is the most challenging?
A lot of people think that popping up and riding the wave is the hardest part about surfing but in my opinion, it’s the paddling. Paddling all day is a killer shoulder workout!
Where is your favorite spot to surf?
Assateague, MD (state side) is where I have spent the most amount of time in the water but I am really enjoying the surf down in Boynton Beach, FL which is where I am currently living.
Any fun or interesting stories you could share?
I surf year round even in the winter time when there is snow on the ground. Some of the best surf in Maryland comes in the fall and winter.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
JRE, Timcast IRL, Lofi Fruits
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Way too many hobbies!!! Surfing, Snowboarding, Softball, Pickleball, and Soccer are my main ones
What is your favorite sport to play and why?
Soccer has always been my #1 sport growing up.
When did you get involved in the sport?
I have been playing soccer my entire life. Every since I was able to walk.
Did you play in high school or college (league, recreational, etc.)?
I pretty much just stuck to soccer in high school and always played in recreational leagues as well.
Were sports a big part of your childhood?
Absolutely! I was always in at least 1 league every season and sometimes multiple leagues during a single season. Sports have always been a huge part of my life and something that I still truly enjoy to this day.
Do you interact with
Clients
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
The best compliment was from a client that I had helped with creating their Location Crosswalk which was required for their upcoming HRSA audit. They were so excited with how much time I was able to save them and said “We would not have been able to do this without you!”. It was so great to hear that I was able to make such an impact in their HRSA audit preparation process and that they were so grateful for the support that we provided to them.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that we are able to assist an industry that is dedicated to providing healthcare services to our local communities.
What is your favorite in house event? (specific potluck, chili cook-off, bring your kid to work day, etc.)
Annual Company Retreat
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Huge shout out to Jennifer Hagen! She has been an incredible mentor and is always willing to jump in and help anyone who is in need. I also want to shout out Nate Raney for being my go-to person for literally everything!
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Do it! It is hands down the best decision I have ever made. I love every aspect of my job and being a part of SpendMend.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
I look forward to growing along with the company. I don’t see our growth slowing down anytime soon and it’s exciting to be a part of such a process