Hi everyone! This week, we are featuring Nick VanTuinen for the Employee Spotlight Series. Nick is an Audit Supervisor and joined the SpendMend team about two and a half years ago. When asked why he looks forward to coming to work every day, he stated, “I look forward to coming to work knowing that I am an important piece of the puzzle, and that each day offers a new opportunity to make a difference in some capacity.” Nick is from Wayland, Michigan, and resides in Grand Rapids. He attended Grand Rapids Community College and then Davenport University. When asked why he chose to study business, Nick states, “I chose business because it offers endless opportunities to solve real-world challenges and make an impact, whether in finance, operations, or strategy.” During work, Nick likes to listen to music to stay focused and on task. His all-time favorite artists are Kelly Clarkston and Dermot Kennedy! When he needs to focus extra during the workday, his go-to Album is “Without Fear” by Dermot Kennedy. Nick thinks the album has a good mix of energy and calm that helps him stay productive and doesn’t distract him. A fun fact about Nick is that he was a flight attendant before he worked for SpendMend! His favorite part about the job was exploring new places and meeting people from all different backgrounds. The most rewarding part about this job was helping the passengers feel calm, comfortable, and safe during high-stress situations! Check out the full interview below to learn more about Nick’s experience as a flight attendant and the skills he learned. A hobby that Nick enjoys is traveling! His most memorable trip was to Ireland with his best friend for their 30th birthday. The trip consisted of spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, checking out the Cliffs of Moher, exploring castles, and checking out some pubs. Nick’s top bucket list travel destination is Peru for its profound cultural history! He is a massive fan of history and would love to visit Machu Picchu. Most importantly, his kids are half-Peruvian and would love to experience the country together! If you’ve ever been to Peru and have any recommendations, let Nick know!
Nick does a great job as an Audit Supervisor. We asked Jacob Schinkai, Audit Supervisor, about Nick, and he said, “Nick is such a joy to work with and never fails to make me laugh throughout the day. Half the time, I’m not sure he’s even trying to be funny! Nick’s bright personality makes work that much more enjoyable, and he is also super knowledgeable and always willing to lend a hand or offer a different perspective on how to approach something. He is a huge asset to our team!” We are grateful to have Nick on our team!
Interview with Nick:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Audit Supervisor
How long have you been with SpendMend?
2.5 years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
Former coworkers at PRGX.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Proactive, Balanced, Rewarding.
Where are you located/from?
I’m from Michigan, grew up in Wayland, and now live in Grand Rapids.
Where did you go for higher education? What did you study and why?
I went to Grand Rapids Community College and then Davenport University where I studied business. I chose business because it offers endless opportunities to solve real-world challenges and make an impact, whether in finance, operations, or strategy.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I look forward to coming to work knowing that I am an important piece of the puzzle, and that each day offers a new opportunity to make a difference in some capacity.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a Flight Attendant for a short time.
What was your favorite part of being a flight attendant?
My favorite part of being a flight attendant, besides exploring new places, was meeting people from all walks of life.
What aspect of working as a flight attendant did you find the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect was helping passengers feel calm and comfortable, especially during stressful moments, and knowing I played a small part in their journey. I was responsible not only for passengers’ comfort but also, at the risk of sounding dramatic, for their safety and, potentially, their lives. This added a level of pressure that most travelers don’t realize (The safety demos are not just for show, LOL).
Were there any skills you gained from being a flight attendant that you still use today?
The role required me to develop a unique skill set—combining patience, calm under pressure, and quick problem-solving in a more complex way than most roles require—skills I’ve carried into every position since. Along the way, I gained valuable insights into navigating airports and making travel smoother. As a nice perk, I still occasionally get a free upgrade when I let the crew know I’m a former flight attendant who can assist in an emergency.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
It’s so eclectic, but I listen to a lot of hip-hop/rap and country.
What are your favorite hip-hop/rap and country artists or bands that you listen to regularly?
For hip-hop, I regularly listen to Gucci Mane, Drake, Morray, and Megan Thee Stallion, while on the country side, my playlist has favorites like Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Chris Stapleton, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Carrie Underwood.
Do you have any all-time favorite artists?
My all-time favorite artists, though, are Kelly Clarkson and Dermot Kennedy—they’re always in rotation.
Have you recently discovered any new artists or songs that you’ve added to your workday playlist?
I recently discovered Koe Wetzel, who’s quickly becoming a go-to, especially during the workday. When I need to focus during the workday, I often put on Dermot Kennedy’s Without Fear album. It has the right mix of energy and calm that helps me stay productive without too many distractions.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
Traveling! I am always thinking about and planning my next trip, especially if it involves a concert!
What’s your most memorable trip, and what made it special?
My most memorable trip was to Ireland with my best friends for our 30th birthday (fun fact: my friend and I were born on the same day, 30 minutes apart in the same hospital, and didn’t meet until we were in middle school). We kicked things off in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day, then drove around the country, stopping at spots like the Cliffs of Moher, exploring castles, and hanging out in some great pubs. It was an unforgettable time together.
What next trip are you planning?
The next trip I have planned is to Key Largo in January to visit a friend who’ll be staying there for the winter. It’ll be great to escape the cold and enjoy some time away.
Are there any dream destinations or concerts still on your travel bucket list?
Peru is at the top of my travel bucket list for its deep cultural history and connection to the ancient Incan civilization with iconic sites like Machu Picchu. (I’m a history buff, always fascinated by how the past shapes the present) More importantly, my kids are half-Peruvian, so experiencing it together and exploring their heritage would be incredibly meaningful. As for concerts, I’ve been lucky enough to see most of my favorite artists live, but I still haven’t made it to a Kevin Gates show. Every time there’s been a chance, something comes up, but I’m hoping to finally make it happen one day!
Who do you interact with?
Suppliers
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
Recently, I reached out to a supplier about a $19k duplicate payment. The supplier confirmed it and stated they had been trying to get it resolved, requesting to apply it to open invoices, but was unable to get the approval. I told her I would submit the information, and a deduction would be taken on an upcoming payment. She was ecstatic that I would be able to assist in getting it cleared in such a clear-cut way. Not only was this helpful to the client and supplier, but it was also a $19k claim for us!
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
I always find it nice when suppliers acknowledge how helpful I am.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing that the results we deliver benefit an industry dedicated to helping people.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Absolutely! Jessica Osborn! She has been an outstanding teacher and leader. Her guidance and support have been incredibly inspiring, making a significant impact on my professional growth and our team’s success. I’m grateful to have her as a mentor and colleague.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions!
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Being able to take what I’ve learned, teach it to others, and watching them grow and excel has been incredibly rewarding.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
The opportunity to grow and develop.