Saundra K. Spencer

Saundra Spencer, formerly Saundra Leath, graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1963. She was involved in a number of activities including Boosters Club, Lincoln Play Shop, and the Varsity Cheer Squad. Sandy and her husband Steve have formed a unique husband and wife team on their road to success. Early in what they refer to as “our moving years” Saundra became involved in and purchased a franchise for teaching aerobic dancing and step aerobics for Jacki’s, Inc. As an accomplished aerobics instructor, she was able to “take her job” with her as she and her husband moved around the country. The position also permitted her to continue to pursue her real career as a stay-athome mom. During this 27-year career Sandy has taught aerobics at the University of Florida and continues to teach at the New Hope Church as a ministry to the church and community. Her motto is, “Old cheerleaders never die, they just teach aerobics!” In 1996 she joined her husband in launching Sterilization Cassettes Systems, Inc., which eventually became Advantis Medical, Inc. For Sandy this was also the start of an incredible move into a business career that went far past the teaching of aerobics. Her rationale for this step was, “After all, I had paid our household bills for more than 30 years, how difficult could it be?” For a while she functioned as the entire financial department, customer service department, and as office manager, and eventually became vice president for finance. Starting with three employees in 800 square feet of space, the enterprise grew to 120 jobs by 2006 and has moved to a 41,000 square foot manufacturing plant. While her husband continues as the chairman of the board and CEO, she has retired from daily duties but still holds the position of corporate secretary. In 2005 the Spencer’s were recognized by the mayor of Greenwood, Indiana, as “outstanding citizens making a significant contribution to the economy and job creation for the City of Greenwood.” Sandy ’s daughter Heather has left us with this quote: “You will not see my mother quoted in any business journals or recognized by any awards, but I can testify that she is truly a partner in my father’s success. He would not have achieved his goals without her unwavering support, wisdom, courage and business savvy working in the administrative end of their business.”