Meet The Team: Heidi Kiewel-Spencer

In this blog we feature Heidi Kiewel-Spencer, training specialist at ECI Software Solutions. We sat down with Heidi to learn more about her role within the team.

ECI: Describe your role in 50 words or less

Heidi Kiewel-Spencer (HKS): Using industry knowledge, business analytics, and software expertise, I teach our customers how to use Spruce and RockSolid MAX to its fullest. We build their routines together and learn how to relieve some of the stresses of running a business. I highlight features to minimize steps and allow focus on growth.

ECI: What and where did you study?

HKS: I studied medieval architecture (yes, really) and economics at Hood College.

ECI: Tell us a bit about your background and the path that led you to your current role?

HKS: I grew up in the lumber and hardware industry. Then college took me on a different path. I spent several years bouncing around the country and ended up in Boston living near many of my old college friends. I worked as a buyer for a chain of True Value stores, which led to a role in a larger company in Cape Cod, Mass. One of the best parts of my time on Cape Cod has been working with younger students to showcase a career in the trades. I had the opportunity to teach classes at a local high school, create interactive displays for career fairs, host interns, and was invited to join a committee to review local hiring practices. I cannot explain how much knowledge was held by these diverse groups. Now I work for the same software company we used at my stores.

ECI: What does your day-to-day work life look like?

HKS: My day is a series of appointments. I teach four to six classes on various topics with customers around the world. Then I spend time researching and testing options for customer’s unique issues. Last year, I wrote a procedure on how to buy and sell dead rattlesnakes for a company in Florida. They were kind enough to send photos to help me understand the process.

ECI: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

HKS: I am a tinkerer. I believe you should learn by doing. Push buttons, be willing to try, and be prepared to fail. Never be ashamed to ask questions. Before I work with a new company I research their business, product lines, and community demographics. Having just a small amount of information to help you connect with someone makes a huge difference. People respect you more if you show you are trying to understand their point of view as much as they are trying to understand yours.

ECI: What excites you most about working within this industry?

HKS: Every customer is different, and I get to connect with people from all over. From small towns to big cities and from selling tires to selling cows. How can you not be excited to learn something new every day?

ECI: What do you find most challenging about working within this industry?

HKS: I tell people that I am the race car driver, not the mechanic. You just can’t know everything. I can’t tell you how the computer even turns on, but if you want our software to dance and sing, I can do that.

ECI: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since you began your career?

HKS: Two things: pick your battles and decide what matters. If money matters, then the battles that affect it are most important. If morality matters, then you fight those. If work/life balance is how you find your happiness, protect it. Figure out your priorities.

ECI: Since you started working in the industry, what changes have you witnessed?

HKS: With small and medium size businesses, we are seeing the daughters and granddaughters taking over. This is exciting to watch. From both a social perspective and an economic standpoint, female leadership leads to a shift in focus and style. It is fun to work with customers coming from similar backgrounds and hear their experiences in this industry.

ECI: What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

HKS: I live ½ a mile from the ocean. I spend a lot of time walking on the beach with my family. I am also a gardener and love yard work.

ECI: What book would you recommend for anyone to add to their ‘must-read list?

HKS: All the "Freakonomics" books, anything by Malcolm Gladwell and "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott.