How a strategic account manager at Spectrum Business does it

David Shook has always derived a lot of satisfaction from serving others. The former U.S. Marine is now a strategic account manager at Spectrum Business specializing in healthcare. He helps hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers improve the patient experience and quality of care. When he’s not working, he volunteers with the Akron Snow Angels, a nonprofit on a mission to provide warm meals, clothing, and emotional support to people experiencing homelessness in the Akron, Ohio area during cold months.

Every winter, the Akron Snow Angels brave the snow to distribute over 4,500 meals, 4,000 pairs of socks, 300 pairs of footwear, 300 coats and hundreds of other crucial items to help the less fortunate. They also take the time to talk with the people they serve and hear their stories as they distribute much-needed supplies.

David talks about how he got involved with the Snow Angels, how the nonprofit is helping people during especially challenging times, and how his volunteer work has helped him at Spectrum Business.

How I got involved with the Akron Snow Angels

A buddy of mine involved with the Snow Angels told me about how they were helping the community. I was interested in learning more, so he introduced me to the Snow Angels founder, Erin Victor, who inspired me to volunteer.

How we’re helping people with unexpected challenges

As with all people right now, the people we serve are feeling increased isolation. To help, we’re regularly checking in with some of the people we’ve formed close relationships with to see how they’re doing and if there’s anything they need.

The people we serve are also receiving a reduced amount of items and food since many organizations have paused assistance services. Some of these services are gradually becoming available again, but the impact of their closure will probably be felt for quite some time as places play catch-up and figure out how to pivot their approaches.

We’re trying to help fill that gap by personally dropping off items to people that reach out to us directly via email or social media. We’re also connecting people with information on other services in the area that can assist with health concerns, food supplies, and other issues.

How we’re preparing for what’s next

We used to send numerous volunteers in their personal cars to distribute hundreds of items to many people at once through “missions” held near homeless encampments and shelters. Because of the pandemic, we’re working to completely re-vamp our processes and procedures to allow for social distancing, and prioritize the health of our volunteers and the people we serve. We’re considering working with other charities to designate pick up zones where people can come at certain times to get their items, which should slow the flow of people.

How volunteer work has helped me at Spectrum Business

Working with the Snow Angels has made me more open-minded and much less likely to judge others. It’s important not to label people because of their circumstances. If you take the time to listen to people, you find out there’s a story behind everything. People just want their stories to be heard.

Working with the Snow Angels has also helped me in my role at Spectrum Business. I’ve learned to truly listen to my clients without jumping to a conclusion or thinking I know immediately what they need before they tell me, which enables me to provide them with better service and solutions.