Meet the Team: A.J.

How did you get to where you are?

I am passionate about helping teams achieve their goals, and inspiring people to do the best work of their lives. Growing up, I was on many athletics teams, even playing baseball at the collegiate level. I was often a team captain and found inspiration in helping people to develop and grow.

I knew I wanted to help people develop with an organization, so I got a degree in Business Administration & Management. I started my career in Health & Wellness, overseeing two fitness locations in Southeastern Michigan, where I learned a lot about running a business. Next, I joined a retail technology company, where I worked alongside some of the most creative and inspiring people I have ever met. I learned so much about myself and was fortunate to have incredible mentors who really helped me grow as a leader.

In 2021, my wife and I had our first child and after seven years of working in retail, I knew it was time to find a more regular schedule, so I could spend more time with my family. This led me into benefit administration and workforce absence where I have been ever since.

Given my humble beginnings, I am so grateful for my family and the rest of my support system, who has always pushed me to become the best version of myself possible.

What is a fun fact about you?

I love cinema. I am a huge movie buff and have seen probably thousands of movies at this point. I appreciate great acting, a great story, and feel movies are a way to just zoom out of what’s going on in your own life or the world, and zoom into another’s perspective or story. I appreciate all art, but film is something that I really love and love to talk about with others.

Why did you join Sparrow?

When I found Sparrow, I thought it was revolutionary to combine this beautiful software with high-touch leave expertise. I wanted to join Sparrow, because it was solving a huge problem with a mission I believed in. I felt connected to Sparrow’s values and innovative stress of making leave stress-free.

And now almost two years in, I still feel connected to Sparrow’s values. I enjoy helping people. I feel a lot of fulfillment from the role and the impact we are making as a team.

What is your favorite part of working at Sparrow?

Two simple words, THE PEOPLE. Every day I get to work with some of the most intelligent, creative, and passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. This diverse team is filled with wonderful human beings that bring such amazing perspective to the special work we are doing at Sparrow. I have learned so much from other Sparrows across the entire organization, and it has been a humbling experience to say the least. I work alongside a great team, and am supported by fantastic leaders who are continuously focused on my growth and development. We work hard, push each other, learn from each other, and have a lot of fun while doing it.

What are you most excited about for your role in the next six months?

I am excited about so many things in my role and about Sparrow’s future making it difficult to highlight just one thing. With that said, if I had to narrow it down, for me it is just being in a role and having an opportunity to continue moving the needle with our product and service. Over the past two years that I have been at Sparrow, I have witnessed first hand our growth as a company, and our product and services growth, continuing to make things easier and easier for organizations and their employees and that is special to witness and play a role in. I am excited for all future things at Sparrow, to learn and to grow, and to continue to redefine expectations.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love anything and everything sports! I am a huge fan of all Detroit Sports teams, as well as the University of Michigan Wolverines. I love going to sporting events with my friends and family, or just kicking back and watching a game with my wife and son. I love being outside, playing golf, and off roading in my Jeep. I love music and have a forever growing vinyl collection and love spending hours in a record store just browsing for a great find. I also really enjoy cooking, and making new things. Most of all, I just love being with my family and spending time with my wife and son.

What are you doing this weekend?

This weekend I will be doing some much needed yard work, while taking multiple breaks to play some soccer or baseball in the backyard with my 3 year old son. We love spending our summer weekend days outside, capping the day with a little ice cream. My weekends typically involve spending as much time with my family as possible and enjoying the great weather when we get it, by being outdoors!

What’s the last show you binge-watched?

The last show I binge watched was Fargo Season 5, and it was fantastic! I have always loved this show and was so excited for the new season because of the cast. It was action packed, had a great story line, and truly remarkable writing. I enjoyed every bit of it and was literally on the edge of my seat the whole season. I purposely waited until it was on a streaming service just so I could binge it. Highly recommend it!

Want to join our team? Check out our careers page and apply!