How was your job different than you thought it would be?
It was boring.

What important lessons or skills did you learn in your first job that have been instrumental in your success?
Work is a noble thing. Anyone who works earns my respect. You have to work to make money. Responsibility, detail and quality are all equally important to success.

Which of those lessons, and how, carried into subsequent jobs after your first?
I learned the value of having a strong work ethic and paying close attention to detail.

Have you seen how lacking those first job skills had negative effects on others?
Absolutely. Those with a strong work ethic can be successful in school, job, community and life. Those without a desire to work will struggle to succeed. Work is good. Hard work is better.

What people or outside factors affected your work ethic or motivated you the most to succeed?
My parents and friends of my parents. I also saw the struggles that the parents of my friends who were hardworking farmers had to overcome.

What advice would you give to someone starting his or her first job?
Do your best. Be reliable. Be honest. Help your co-workers.

What is the most valuable advice you have for young adults who want to pursue their own business plan?
Be realistic about expectations. It always takes longer and costs more than you think.

What do you find most rewarding about your position today?
Creating opportunity for others and rewarding good behavior and results.