SAM Team Member Spotlight: Trey Blanding
Data Analyst at Storage Asset Management
Trey Blanding
Meet this month’s corporate team spotlight, Trey Blanding, Data Analyst! Get to know Trey in the Q&A below!
Q: Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on your role within SAM? What are your primary responsibilities and areas of expertise?
A: My name is Trey and I am a Business Intelligence Data Analyst here at SAM. My responsibilities lie mostly within data. I primarily write and review SQL queries and develop solutions/automations to handle data distributions and processes (external and internal). Additionally, I provide insight/perspective as we look to move toward a more reliable and scalable data architecture.
Q: What attracted you to this role and our company?
A: I had the privilege of working with a current SAM teammate at a previous place of employment. Some time after she had joined the SAM team, she informed me of an opening in my area of interest/expertise. I was already looking to make a change, so I jumped at the opportunity, and it all worked out!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at SAM? Is there a specific aspect of your job or the company culture that you find particularly rewarding?
A: Honestly, I think the answer that best describes what I enjoy about SAM is the people. When I began, I naturally spent a lot of time with my direct teammates, and I quickly realized how great they are. Not only are they adept, but they are also genuinely just good and kind people. As I spent more time here and got to know the broader team/s, I realized that those qualities stretch out across all levels of the company. It is great to work in a place that is full of individuals who work hard and are passionate about what they do, yet are still able maintain a certain level of decency and respect. It always feels rewarding to “deliver”, but it is extra rewarding to come together and push through the daily challenges with people that you genuinely like and respect.
Q: Has a memorable life lesson or advice shaped your outlook or approach to life and work?
A: I think the biggest thing for me is recognizing that everyone has their own struggles, and you may never truly know what they are going through. And it can be anyone. It can be the bubbly person who is always smiling, laughing, and at the center of every room. It could be the quiet one who seems “detached.” It could be the “mean” one who always seems angry. And it could be anyone in between.
I would encourage everyone to continue doing their best to lead with empathy and kindness and to understand that every interaction comes from at least two entirely different frames of reference. We are all human, and we can never be perfect. That’s why we could all benefit from being kind and showing grace to both ourselves and others (even when it’s difficult!).
Q: Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy pursuing in your free time?
A: I am passionate about fitness (I used to operate a personal training business) so I try to stick to my workout regiments. I am a PC gamer, so I play during free time occasionally at nights (great way to stay connected with friends from all over). Saving the best for last, spending time and experiencing life with my lovely girlfriend!
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
A: I am super competitive (some who know me well may say that I am “too” competitive, whatever that means lol). I played college basketball at Hobart College and was blessed to be a part of a very special group, many of whom I am still close with today.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: We are looking to adopt a Greyhound through one of the racing rescue programs and couldn’t be more excited!