John W. Crates says he is working his "dream job" as the budget analyst at Eastern New Mexico University. After graduating with a bachelors' degree in business administration with an emphasis in applied economics and finance from ENMU in 2015, John wanted to get into the financial forecasting field. That opportunity became available when the position at Eastern opened.
"I'm a numbers nerd and love to work on projections and analysis of how a firm is doing. This position was simply perfect for me. I applied for this position as soon as I found it," he shares.
His job responsibilities include performing various budgetary functions as well as some forecasting and planning functions. His favorite duty is "any kind of analysis."
John's goal for the position is to be "as well rounded as possible. I want to be able to help anyone out in regards to the budget or financial function of the University."
The Greyhound Grad enjoys the culture at ENMU. "Everyone is very friendly, and they work together to get things done," he explains.
Before joining the team at Eastern, John worked for a decade in retail management and hospitality management for JCPenny, Gap, Old Navy, The Limited, Wyndham, DoubleTree and The Sheraton in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also worked as a controller for an online clothing company and a property manager in Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Hollywood.
He was born and raised in Albuquerque. His mother, Merry, is a certified dental assistant, and his father, Scott, stayed home and raised John and his three siblings while doing miscellaneous jobs. He has one brother, Brian, who passed away, and two sisters, Heidi and Kelly. He also has two nieces, Bella and Maddie.
John moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to take care of his grandmother after his grandfather passed away. After she passed away, John stayed in LA for about six years. In 2018, he decided to work on his master's degree and move to Portales with his 14-year-old black lab, Apollo.
When he isn't number crunching for work, John enjoys relaxing with a movie or video game and spending time with his nieces.
His favorite place is West Hollywood because of the culture and amount of things to do. He hopes to travel to Germany someday.
John's role models are his parents. "They have always done what needs to be done to take care of the family. I admire that, especially now as an adult," he says. "They have always been there to support me in my life no matter what."
