Happy Friday! Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series. This week, we are highlighting Sam Herriman! Sam is a Research Analyst and has been a part of the SpendMend team for two years. When asked what she looks forward to in her future at SpendMend, she said, “Growing my understanding of more departments and how the company operates as a whole.” A fun fact about Sam is that she plays the bass clarinet in a community concert band. She has been playing for the past five years, and they have seasonal concerts throughout the year! Sam states, “The best part of playing in the band is being a part of creating music again.” Her favorite music to play with the band is church hymnals because they are touching to hear! Be sure to check out the whole interview to learn more about Sam’s background in playing the bass clarinet. During Sam’s free time, she enjoys baking. Sam has a sweet tooth, so she learned to make her favorite treats to satiate her cravings! Some of the fan favorites that are requested of her are Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle cookies. When asked what recipe she plans to make next, she stated, “I imagine the next recipe will involve chocolate, peanut butter, or lemon because those are my favorite flavors of sweets.” If Sam needs any taste testers, I know some SpendMend employees who would be happy to help! Another hobby Sam likes to do is reading! She likes all types of genres, but her go-to’s are contemporary novels or historical nonfiction. Currently, Sam is reading Lord of The Rings and a nonfiction book about the lives of America’s suffragists. Some of the books she looks forward to reading are Memory’s Legion by James S. A. Corey, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, and Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams by Louisa Thomas. If you’re looking for a new book to read, try some of these recommendations!
Sam is a hard worker, and we appreciate all that she does! We asked Zachary Markham, Research Supervisor, about Sam, and he said, “Sam has been an invaluable part of our team since she joined us a couple of years ago. She is trustworthy, diligent, and always willing to go above and beyond whatever needs to be done. We are extremely fortunate to have Sam on the Research Team!” Thanks for all your help, Sam!
Interview with Sam:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Research Analyst
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Two years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
My brother-in-law’s aunt works for the company.
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Dedicated, thorough, forward-thinking
Where are you located/from?
I’m from Prudenville, MI, and currently reside in the same town.
Where did you go for higher education?
For college, I went to Oakland University in Auburn Hills, MI.
What did you study and why?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. The legal system interested me, and I thought I’d enjoy a career in that field.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
There’s usually a new project or problem to tackle every day, and my coworkers are always ready to help if/when needed.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Not all that unusual, but the most interesting job would be working the third shift at a gas station. I saw all kinds of characters on that shift.
What is one fun fact about you?
I play the bass clarinet in a community concert band.
When did you start playing the bass clarinet, and why?
I started playing the bass clarinet in 7th grade. After playing the clarinet for a year in 6th grade, my band director suggested I try the bass clarinet, and I fell in love with it. Bass clarinets are able to play much deeper and fuller-sounding low notes than a regular clarinet can reach.
What is the best part about playing in a community concert band, and how long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing in the community band for the past five years. We have a Fall, Christmas, Winter, and Spring concert most years (some years, a concert had to be canceled due to scheduling or snow conflicts). The best part of playing in the band is being a part of creating music again.
Favorite genre of songs to play?
My favorite types of music to play with the band are church hymnals because they often are very touching to hear.
The most challenging part about playing the bass clarinet?
The most challenging part of playing the bass clarinet is getting enough air through the instrument.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
Music is generally Christian, older country, or folk. A podcast I listen to regularly is The Office Ladies.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
My hobbies include reading and baking. Activities I participate in are trivia night every Tuesday and the local community concert band.
What is your favorite genre to read?
I enjoy reading all types of genres, but I tend to stick with contemporary novels or historical nonfiction.
Who are your favorite authors?
Some of my favorite authors are James S. A. Corey, Fredrik Backman, Lemony Snickets, and Jon Krakauer.
What are you currently reading?
Currently, I’m reading Lord of The Rings and a nonfiction about the lives of America’s suffragists.
What are some books you have on your TBR (to be read) list?
TBR: Memory’s Legion by James S. A. Corey, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams by Louisa Thomas, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.
What piqued your interest to start baking?
I have a giant sweet tooth! Learning to bake my own sweet treats only seemed logical with the amount of them I like to eat.
What are your favorite things to bake?
My favorite things to bake are cookies and pineapple upside-down cake.
What is your signature item that everyone loves to eat when you make it?
Some fan favorites that are requested a lot are Caramel Hazelnut Chocolate Chip and Snickerdoodle cookies.
What is a recipe that you are excited to try and why?
I don’t have a recipe in mind to try next. I imagine the next recipe will involve chocolate, peanut butter, or lemon because those are my favorite flavors of sweets.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
Knowing the credits we help find and obtain for the client are going towards better healthcare for patients.
What has been your experience with SpendMend community service events?
I have not been able to attend any of the SpendMend community service events, but they look fun and fulfilling!
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Beth Rinehart is a great co-worker! She is always ready to help me with questions or simply be there to talk to when needed.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
Come to work ready to learn new things because the demands of the job are frequently changing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
Being asked to help take care of the client accesses. To me, that showed Zach and Cindy’s understanding of what I’m capable of handling for the company.
What is something you’re looking forward to for your future at SpendMend?
Growing my understanding of more departments and how the company operates as a whole.