How was your job different than you thought it would be?
I had no idea how complex the business world was. While I had basic skills (typing, composing letters, filing, etc), I was fascinated to see how all the pieces came together. I also experienced for the first time the different point of views between employers (non-union) and employees (union).

What important lessons or skills did you learn in your first job that have been instrumental in your success?
The company I worked for was unionized. I learned the importance of respecting people and understanding that all jobs are critical to success, not just the senior ones. The people I interacted with were paid by the ‘piece rate’ system, so every minute counted in order for them to be paid. If they didn’t work as a team, there was no finished product, therefore they might not have gotten full payment for their job.

I reported to the administrative and office manager. I saw first hand how important it was to communicate and let everyone know what you were doing. I also saw that if I ever wanted to be in business, understanding finance would be crucial. As a young woman working in the garment center, I also learned that you have to roll with the punches, and not stand on ceremony-it was a ‘rough and tumble’ kind of environment and you had to figure out how to fit in.

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first? How do you use those skills in your position today? Throughout my career, I’ve seen the importance of trying to master as many technical skills as possible but also be familiar and aware of other skills whether or not you use them on a daily basis. If you want to be respected and sought out, you have to be on top of your game and ready to dive in and contribute at every juncture.

Today, I value communication and team interaction based upon many of my earlier experiences. Also, the ‘art of compromise’ is a valuable lesson that I utilize today.

Have you seen how lacking those first job skills had negative effects on others?
It was clear to me early on that if someone was able to think and also had certain technical skills, coupled with an ability to articulate their ideas, they would be given a chance.

Also, I saw that a negative attitude could destroy someone’s future. There were a couple of people working in the office who were nasty, and therefore not liked by others.

When I started my first business, it was miserably unsuccessful because I wasn’t prepared as a businessperson to handle and address all the various issues/challenges you deal with. I subsequently went bankrupt and started over, establishing my current organization.

Is there a specific event in your first job that you learned something you still use today?
In my first job, I learned that in life you can create your own opportunity. The owners of the company were so impressed with my work ethic and results, they offered me an ongoing job throughout the four years I’d be in college.

What obstacles that you faced had the greatest impact on your career path?
I declared personal bankruptcy when I was 26 when my first business failed. I had to come to terms with that and decide how I wanted to professionally proceed. That experience taught me to be much more prepared the second time around.

What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
My dad was an entrepreneur and, while he never made a lot of money, he inspired me to want to make a contribution in the business world. He taught me the magic of touching people’s lives and making a difference. My parents celebrated hard work and enthusiasm in everything they did. I’ve always had an internal drive that’s prompted me to be independent and think that I could create something that others would believe in. As a child, I always knew I wanted to have power, be respected and make my own monies. I saw others having nice things and I knew that I wanted to have the financial resources to buy what I wanted. I also knew I had a message and a vision, but I wasn’t sure how this would transpire into reality.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Work really hard, stay focused, be tenacious, learn as much as you can, have fun, be proud of your decisions and never stop asking questions. Always go the extra mile if you want to be noticed. Dress how you expect to be seen down the road, even if you aren’t quite there yet. Equally as important, be patient and remember that this is just the beginning of your working journey!

What is the most valuable advice you have for young adults who want to pursue their own business plan?
Have a business plan and make sure it’s viable, secure sufficient financing to fuel your business, recognize that you have to anticipate things you can’t always predict, have enough practical experience to make the right decisions, have seasoned advisors that you can go to for advice and counsel, be humble and always be on a learning curve. In addition, surround yourself with others that you respect, you can learn from, and will cherish your mission and values. Make sure to celebrate each success and learn from every challenge. Laugh as often as you can. Understand that when you own a business, there’s an incredible amount of pressure on a daily basis—you have to be flexible and smart. Exercise often or do something for yourself as a stress reliever.

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
It’s thrilling to be able to positively impact others, both inside our organization and throughout the entire foodservice industry. The opportunity of interacting with all different kinds of people throughout the country on any given day, each of whom has their own story and unique experiences, is fascinating.

I value my ability to set my own schedule, establish my own priorities, and work with a team that recognizes how special our company is. In my position today, I still have a chance to dream big dreams.