SimpleQuE Spotlight – Deanne Sparr

This month, simpleQuE shines the spotlight on Deanne Sparr. Deanne spent over a decade as a lead auditor with Smithers Quality Assessments before accepting the executive vice president position at simpleQuE. She has performed 2^nd and 3rd-party audits for all sizes of companies in a variety of standards (ISO, automotive, environmental), in addition to previously operating her own successful consulting firm. See why Deanne is so passionate about her life and career.

Thinking back over your career, what is the professional accomplishment you are most proud of achieving and why?

Thirty days after starting my first job, I was asked where I would see myself in 5 years.  I said I was interested in doing something in Quality.  The next day my boss asked me to lead the company’s efforts in ISO.  We became one of the first 500 companies to be certified in the State of Ohio in 1994.

What is your favorite QMS standard and why?

My favorite standard is ISO 9001.  With the current changes from 2015, I think of it as “Business 101”.  It is a great tool for structure and improvement and can apply to any shape, size or complexity of organization.  I think it is fun for organizations to see the value it can bring to their business once it is implemented the right way.  

Client satisfaction is pinnacle to your background. What are your client-focused approaches with simpleQuE?
Every client we service has a unique story.  Their business products / services, culture and people are like no other.  I try to listen to their unique needs so we as a team at simpleQuE can specifically address what makes them tick and makes them sick.  The better we can diagnose the state of their business and address their needs, the sooner our clients can realize the benefits they are striving for in their business.

What advice would you give to a new college graduate entering the technology industry?
Serving others, whatever the task, is never a waste of time. 

How did you choose your career path?

My senior year in high school, I had a teacher her who really encouraged me. I had taken an Engineering Drafting class as an elective because it sounded fun. My teacher recognized I was top in the class and told me I should seriously think about some type of engineering. At the time I planned to study music in college as that was all I knew growing up. My Dad also steered me toward engineering. For years, I hung out with him in his machine shop and at the auto race track, so it made sense to change directions and focus on Mechanical Engineering. I’m so glad I did! 

Explain how simpleQuE is different from their competition.
We listen and deliver in a way that fits each unique client need and is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Where do you see simpleQuE in the next five years?
We will be recognized as the leading management system consulting company!  Our service lines of Auditing, Consulting and Training will be even stronger based on our preparation and planning we are doing today. 

How would other people describe you in three words?
I would hope people would say that I am:
Passionate – I value my faith, family, friends, my well-being and my career.
Intentional – I heard someone say that you start dying the day you are born.  I want my life to count.
Encouraging – I want to be a positive influence on others.