Employee Spotlight: Ian Rishell

Job Title: Associate Business Analyst
Location: Harrisonburg Branch
Tenure: 1 year
Are you involved in any clubs or organizations? I recently onboarded with the Harrisonburg Rescue Squad (HRS). HRS is a volunteer ambulance service, so I'll start out helping the EMT in the back of the truck, then once I'm certified I'll be able to drive, and eventually I'll be released as the main EMT on the truck once I'm certified.
Has anyone in particular in your family had a significant impact on you? My two brothers have impacted me the most. My oldest brother struggled a lot in the past with SMI but he found a way to live with it and help people in spite of it. He currently works for a nonprofit, manages a restaurant in Harrisonburg and acts as a personal trainer for friends and family. He also benches well over 2 plates and squats 405 pounds so that's definitely something to look up to. He taught me to never give up. My other brother chose to protect and serve his country in the military in a high-risk position with a grueling selection process I can't imagine completing. He taught me to believe in myself and work for a purpose rather than just a paycheck.

What is your favorite childhood memory? One of my favorite childhood memories was when my friend and I went out on the river in a cheap, inflatable kayak after heavy rainfall. We lost our paddles, capsized on the rapids and lost the kayak but it was a ton of fun.
What is your favorite song or artist? I’ve been enjoying the band, Caamp, a lot lately. Fishing and listening to Caamp is a really good vibe.
What is your favorite app and why? I use ChatGPT an unhealthy amount but it's so helpful. It can schedule, create workout programs and meal prep plans, estimate budget items and pretty much just helps me plan better than I could on my own.
What is your favorite season? Summer is my favorite season by far. Every time I feel the first little chill of fall, I get sad. Summer is just better and everyone's happy and outside.
Tell us about your hobbies. I've played soccer since I was really young and I'm currently playing in an adult league with my brother. I also love going to the gym and running. My friends and I have been really into fishing and camping recently, and the past few weeks I've been wading the Bridgewater River and learning where the fish are.

What is your favorite place you've ever visited? My favorite place I've ever been is San Diego. It's always perfect weather with a ton of stuff to do and great beaches.
What was your dream job as a child? I wanted to be a firefighter.
What is the most interesting or favorite aspect of your job? My favorite part of my job is when I can work with my team to solve complex coding problems. I love being able to create reports and datasets that help others in the organization plan well and make better decisions.
What would you sing at Karaoke night? I would sing the “One Piece” theme song with my friend Patrick.

If you could meet a famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? I think it would be really interesting to talk to William Wilberforce. I think I could learn a lot about perseverance and how to create significant cultural change.