College Experiences That Helped a President at Nature's Wild Berry Succeed
Hank's undergraduate experience, juggling a Pell Grant and loans while working various jobs including "blackjack, craps, Roulette, poker" as a dealer and pit boss, instilled a strong work ethic and honed interpersonal skills crucial for a career in leadership. The demanding nature of setting up and running events for "Special Moments" taught valuable time management and delegation skills, along with the importance of "bring[ing] the energy," all contributing to their current success as President at Nature's Wild Berry.
Work Ethic, Time Management, Hospitality, Leadership, Communication Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Hank Watt
President
Nature's Wild Berry
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
NA
Business & Related, Finance
Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food, Beverages & Alcohol
Strategic Management and Executive
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Developed a strong work ethic through various jobs, including working as a pit boss and dealer, which involved managing time, delegating tasks and working long hours.
2. Gained valuable social skills and experience in hospitality by interacting with diverse groups of people in his various jobs.
3. Emphasized the importance of working during college to manage finances, develop time management skills, and gain valuable real-world experience in an enjoyable environment, rather than simply pushing papers around a desk and hating life
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
In college, I worked to support myself and was a Pell Grant recipient. I also took out loans. I worked as a food server for a long time at places like Cheesecake Factory and Claim Jumper, and in various fine dining restaurants on Mill Avenue.
However, I think the most enjoyable part of my work experience was being a pit boss and a dealer. When I say dealer, people often ask what kind of dealer I was. I assure you, it was not that kind. I dealt blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.
Working at ASU was a very social experience. It's impossible to go through that campus without interacting with people. I had to be charming and hospitable, making sure everyone felt welcome and like they belonged.
Part of this experience involved working for a few years at a company called Special Moments. This job instilled a strong work ethic. It was a six-hour process: I'd load a large box truck with heavy games, often by myself, drive them to the event, and unload everything. Then, other dealers would help me set up the tables.
If I was dealing, I'd choose craps because I found it the most fun. More often, though, I was the pit boss, handing out checks at the end of the night. I apologize for the delay.
These events were typically three to four hours long, and then I'd be unpacking everything around one or two in the morning. I believe it's crucial to work while in college. Having cash on hand is important, but so is learning to manage your time wisely and doing something enjoyable.
You don't want to feel like you're just pushing papers and hating your life. It taught me to bring energy to my work.
Advizer Personal Links
Linktr.ee/natureswildberry