Getting To Know Us – Andy Aten

1. Tell us about you. Where did you go to school? What’s your most recent professional experience?

I grew up in Michigan, and various jobs have taken me to New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and for the past 8 years, Colorado. I did my undergrad at Michigan State University, and then went back a few years later and did an MBA at MSU as well. Before E&I, I worked as Director of Purchasing and Contract Services at the University of Colorado.

2. Tell us about your role here at E&I. Give us a quick rundown of your responsibilities and how they play a part in our team’s overall success.

My role at E&I is as a Sourcing Consultant on the Member Engagement Team. I’m responsible for being the main point of contact for about 100 schools in the mid and large markets of Higher Ed in 12 western states. My goal is to build strategic, consultative relationships with those members to help them understand the Cooperative, our contracts, and how we can help them in their Procurement efforts.

3. What do you enjoy most about your work? Are there specific tasks or projects that you find particularly fulfilling or exciting?

The thing I enjoy most about my work is helping our members save time, save money, and solve problems. It is both fulfilling and even a little bit exciting when I meet with a member and the cooperative has a solution that can help them get things done at their school. I also enjoy providing a high level of customer service to our members, and it’s fulfilling to hear their appreciation for that.

4. What aspect of our company culture resonates with you the most? Are there particular values or practices that you find especially meaningful and enjoy being a part of?

The basic idea of being deliberate about our development resonates me. We are all very busy with our day jobs, and it often takes being deliberate to find the opportunities for development, both within our day jobs and beyond.

5. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Tell us about your passions and how you unwind and recharge when you’re not on the clock.

Outside of work I love to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. In the winter here in Colorado, that usually means skiing at places like Vail, Keystone, and Telluride. In the summer it means hiking, visiting National Parks, and road biking. Year round, my other hobby is finding the best baked goods in the greater Denver area. I have also started learning the piano over the past year, and that has really helped me unplug and clear my mind. I’ll be ready for my first public piano performance in the year 2031. I also enjoy spoiling my 6 nieces and nephews (pictured above) at every opportunity possible.

6. What are you reading, binge watching, or listening to? Anything in particular that’s captured your attention or sparked your interest recently?

I just started reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, I love a good non-fiction story. I also just started re-watching the first season of Six Feet Under, great show!

7. Share a fun fact about yourself. Is there something about you that your colleagues might find surprising or interesting?

Fun Facts: I once performed on stage with Vegas Headlining Juggler Jeff Civillico. And I’ve never had a Big Mac.

8. What’s one thing you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?

One thing that I want to do in the next year that I’ve never done before is to build an incredible tree house.

9. What do you want to get 1% better at each day?

I try to get a little bit better each day at applying what I’ve learned. I take a lot of notes (insert plug for OneNote here) and try to use those notes to make each member and business partner interaction more meaningful and effective based on what I’ve learned from experience, trainings, or input/learnings from others on the team.