How was your job different than you thought it would be?
The sales and consequent revenue were harder to get than I thought. The business didn’t take off as quickly as I had thought.

What important lessons or skills that you learned in your first job have been instrumental in your success?
Quality and persistence pays off.

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first?
Both are important to remember.

Have you seen how lacking those first job skills had negative effects on others?
Yes.

What obstacles that you faced had the greatest impact on your career path?
I was a one-man band, being responsible for administrative, sales, safety, legal, HR, and maintenance.  Every area needed resources, and I built a team. I appreciated this teamwork as the company evolved. Together we made a winning company.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Don’t have high expectations unless you are prepared to work for it. You only get out of  something what you’re willing to put into it.

What is most important for young people to know about the industry you currently work in?
Safety and quality are most important.

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
Recruiting, teamwork, and the development of our personnel are most rewarding. That helps us accomplish our goals.