Sean Spinks

Yardi

By Leah Etling on Dec 3, 2012 in People | 1 Comment

Sean Spinks has worked in a diverse range of industries – including the restaurant and catering business, as a college-level instructor for ministry students, and even cleaning carpets. All of these job experiences have given him a unique perspective on customer service, an area in which he excels.

Sean, an employee in Yardi’s Raleigh, N.C. office, was recognized during CSD Week in November for his exemplary efforts on behalf of Yardi residential and commercial clients. But a trophy on his desk doesn’t mean mission accomplished for this Texas native.

“Always be growing, always be getting better at what you do. Never think you’ve arrived. Yes, I was awarded a Customer Service Week award, but as soon as I get the statue I plan to put a note under it to say: ‘This isn’t the end,’ to remind myself, you have to do this every day. You can’t win an award once and be done with it. You have to keep asking, what can I do to be better at this than I am now?”

A supportive environment for such personal growth and learning is one of the reasons that Sean loves his job at Yardi, where he has worked since February 2011. After stints on both the frontline residential and commercial teams, he’s now working on implementations for large Yardi Voyager clients, including a company using Yardi’s new Voyager plugin for single family home property management.

“It’s been the best job I’ve ever had.  I truly enjoy every single day. I also enjoy time with my family, but I actually look forward to going to work,” Sean told us. “Yardi asks: what can we do to better you and help you become the most you can be? In turn, that helps the clients. It’s been one of those environments where you can thrive. From team leaders to coworkers to managers, everyone is there as a resource and helping you become the best that you can possibly be. That’s rare in this climate and economic environment.”

Learning and growing is a major theme in Sean’s life. He spends many hours of his personal time as an instructor at Living Word Ministry University, and completed his own college studies in theology and ministry. He gives freely of his time as a volunteer and group leader at the nondenominational Living Word Family Church.

For Thanksgiving, the church teamed up with the Wake Forest, N.C. Police Department to hand out 200 turkeys to less fortunate local families. Sean also volunteers to visit seniors at area nursing homes and leads other volunteer activities.

“I believe in doing the very best I possibly can with the resources I have. That comes from my faith, and I put that into play with my job here at Yardi, which has been rewarding. When you give your best, it shows to other people.”

At home, Sean gives his best to wife Jennifer and their four-year-old son, Caleb, who has autism. After Caleb’s diagnosis with the developmental disorder two years ago, the couple has worked to find the best local resources and programs to help their son. He is now able to attend the Wake County Preschool Program, which targets special needs students, and Caleb has made great strides with developing his speaking skills.

“About four months ago we started getting some actual words. Those are huge milestones for us. We’ve seen some incredible improvements by having him in those programs,” Sean said proudly. Caleb loves to go to the park, so that’s a favorite and frequent destination for the Spinks family.

Learn more about Sean:

What is your favorite type of music?

I like all kinds of music. My favorite band is David Crowder Band.

What is your favorite book of all time and why?

I have two favorite books:

      The Bible – Because it has changed my life and made me a better person.

     The Total Money Makeover – Because it has taught me how to win with money and kept me from making some really stupid money decisions.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled?

I went to Oradea, Romania on a Missions Trip in 2002. This was an amazing experience as we helped a church work on their facility and went to an orphanage to love on these kids.

What do you like best about your job?

Working with some amazing people and creating Custom Reports.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or historical, who would it be?

President Abraham Lincoln.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I thought I was already grown up? I guess maybe not!

If you could own one piece of famous art, sculpture, memorabilia or historic artifact, what would the item be?

The Ark of the Covenant from the Old Testament

What are some things on your bucket list?

Go sky-diving; Climb Mount Everest; Visit every nation in the world; Get my private pilot’s license and own my own private airplane.

What was your last Do It Yourself project?

Rebuilt a wooden playhouse in the back yard.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

The ability to fly!

What’s something about you that few people know?

I play bass guitar.