Hello! Welcome to the Employee Spotlight Series! This week, we interviewed Silas DeKalita. Silas is an Unclaimed Property Analyst and joined the SpendMend team about three years ago. When asked why he looks forward to coming to work every day, he stated, “I have a very analytical mind and a lot of freedom within my role, so I love finding the most efficient/productive ways to accomplish different tasks.” A fun fact about Silas is that he is from Clio, Michigan. He attended Central Michigan University and studied Economics and Political Science. Before working at SpendMend, Silas coached Cross Country/Track and Field at Grand Valley State University! Silas coached for about five years. Since Silas ran cross country and track at CMU, he enjoyed the job because of his experience and passion for the sport. His favorite part about coaching was working with so many different people who also had the same passion as him! Silas stated, “Once you get to the collegiate level, everyone involved is very invested, and it is extremely rewarding to help people who are as passionate as me.” Silas loves to be active and ride motorcycles outside of work. He began riding when he was young and enjoyed working on vintage motorcycles. He currently owns a 2019 SV650, and his favorite part is riding along Lake Michigan and exploring different small towns.
Silas does a great job as an Unclaimed Property Analyst. We asked Amanda Foley, Regional Director, about Silas, and she said, “Silas is a great team player. He is willing to go the extra mile to help Asset Recovery meet our goals. It is a new line of service with new processes. Silas is excellent at tackling something new and brainstorming until we get the optimal solution.” Thank you for all your help, Silas!
Interview with Silas:
What is your role at SpendMend?
Unclaimed Property Analyst
How long have you been with SpendMend?
Three years
How did you first learn about SpendMend?
A family member who works at the company
What three words would you use to describe SpendMend?
Pragmatic, Progressive, Efficient
Where are you located/from?
I am from Clio, MI.
Where did you go for higher education? What did you study and why?
I went to Central Michigan University and studied Economics and Political Science. I originally wanted to go to law school but realized deep into college that I definitely did not want that.
Why do you look forward to coming to work?
I have a very analytical mind and a lot of freedom within my role, so I love finding the most efficient/productive ways to accomplish different tasks.
Before working at SpendMend, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Cross Country/Track and Field Coach at GVSU!
What piqued your interest in coaching Cross Country/Track and Field?
I ran cross country and track at CMU, so it was the natural extension of my passion for the sport.
How long did you coach GVSU Cross Country/Track and Field?
I have coached at GVSU for five years!
What was your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is working with so many people who are passionate about the sport, once you get to the collegiate level everyone involved is very invested and it is extremely rewarding to help people who are as passionate as me.
What type of music or podcasts do you listen to during the workday?
I love the New York Times podcasts, especially the Ezra Klein Show and The Daily. I have a very eclectic taste in music, but I have been obsessed with the Silk Sonic record recently. Other artists that are big in my rotation right now are Kendrick Lamar (always) and Polyphia.
Do you have any hobbies or participate in any activities outside of work?
I love to be active, I love to ride motorcycles, and I am constantly learning about whatever my latest obsession is. I am also a member of the local Tottenham Hotspur supporters club.
When did you start riding motorcycles? Do you own your own, and if so, what kind?
I began riding when I was pretty young and really enjoy working on vintage motorcycles, even though I currently own a 2019 SV650.
What is the best part about riding a motorcycle?
My favorite part is riding along Lake Michigan and exploring different small towns.
Can you describe an interaction when you helped a client or a supplier that stands out in your mind?
During my time in Profit Recovery, I particularly enjoyed building a rapport with the suppliers I would regularly work with. I loved connecting with regular people and earning their trust that I was there to help them as well.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever been paid by a client or supplier?
I loved when suppliers would thank me for helping clean up a particularly messy account, especially small businesses. I gained a lot of satisfaction knowing I was able to take some stress off of their plate.
What is the best part of serving the healthcare market?
I know from my work here and working in college settings as a coach how tight resources can be stretched and how much any extra money helps our clients.
Do you want to shout out a co-worker who has helped or inspired you at SpendMend?
Everyone in the Gold Pod, but especially Andi Prins! Her incredible wealth of experience made it so easy and efficient to work with her.
What advice do you have for prospective candidates who want to join the SpendMend team?
All of our coworkers are incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming; don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all have our own tricks and work processes, and I have assimilated a lot of different things from a lot of different people into mine.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at SpendMend?
I am proud to see how much we have grown in the Asset Recovery department; we have come a long way since I started here.
What is something you’re looking forward to in the future at SpendMend?
I have worked with many different people and in two different departments here. I am looking forward to continuing to build my skill set and seeing where the future takes me!