Choose Your Ending

by | Jun 8, 2020 | Leadership, Professional Development

Recently I was reflecting on my early professional career when I was fresh out of college and not sure where I belonged. As many of you know, I earned a teaching degree from Central Michigan University. When I graduated at 22, I was no longer interested in a teaching career – it’s an excellent profession, but it wasn’t for me. 

I had to figure out what to do in the meantime. I had an interest in business and had several friends who had a career in sales, so naturally, I gravitated toward that route. I remember one day in college; I spent the day running around campus trying to switch my major to business and graduate on time. Unfortunately, I would have to stay another semester to do so. I graduated from college and told myself I would figure out the rest later.  

After college, I started selling health club memberships for $6 an hour plus commission. Soon after, I got my real estate license and sold a house. Then I moved to Tennessee for three years, came home and ended up getting my dream job here at Service Express. The reason why I share this with everyone is that the idea of what you want for your career could change! If that’s the case, try your best to move forward and create your ending.  

I was at a golf tournament with my dad last year and one of the guys we were there with was talking about how his son changed his major as a sophomore in college. I made a joke and said, “Hey, if it makes you feel better, I changed mine after college!”  

I hope I remember this lesson as my kids become college-aged. The thing that helped me the most is focusing on the future and always moving forward. As I always say, run to the problems and help people as much as you can. Now get started and let’s see where you finish!  

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About Me

I am the President & CEO of Service Express, a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Service Express has averaged double digit growth every year since 2001.

We attribute our success to a unique corporate culture that we call The Service Express Way. I am a member of the Young President Organization and sit on the Board of the Spectrum Health Foundation.