Employee Spotlight: Joe Eakman, Transportation Associate
Joe Eakman is a beloved member of the Aspire Transportation Team and has been for 27 years. His passion for helping Aspire patients and colleagues echoes from his voice. He spends his day shuttling patients back and forth to their appointments, delivering meals to May House, and transporting medications to Mockingbird Hill. Joe has spent the entirety of his 27-year career at Aspire in transportation; why you may ask? He’ll answer simply: “Because I love it.” And that adoration shines through brightly. Joe has endless kind thoughts about his co-workers and his time with Aspire. His son, Kent, works for Aspire as well. It’s a true family affair!
Joe, a Navy Veteran, spent the first part of his career working in an array of jobs. He sold encyclopedias door-to-door before eventually making his way to Delco, working in security. He went on to obtain a degree in electronics from ITT Technical Institute and transitioned to a “non-traditional” engineer role for many years. He also taught vocational school for a decade and even spent some time directing his church’s singing group.
When he retired in 1993, Joe sold real estate to keep himself busy. Decidedly bored in retirement, in 1997 Joe took a job with the organization that would become Aspire Indiana Health. It’s hard to not feel inspired when talking to Joe about his long career journey and path to Aspire. Joe took risks and tried a variety of different things during his career, but he always focused on helping people and enjoying the work. That still hasn’t changed. The happiness you hear in his voice as he talks about his co-workers is radiant. “I always look forward to the first day back after a vacation or a holiday,” he says.
Joe does enjoy his downtime though, spending it with his family, singing in his church group, and bowling.
