Chase Leonard
- Director of Business Development
- Guest Services, Inc.
School Information
School: James Madison University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2010
Career Information
Working For: Guest Services, Inc.
Title: Director of Business Development
Industry: HospitalityWhat Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?
I’ve worked in pro sports for two separate teams. The NHL Blue Jackets and the NFL Washington Redskins. Since being with the Redskins in 2012 I’ve been promoted twice and continue to succeed in sales.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was the best learning experience I’ve had thus far in my life/career.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
My College Works Painting experience up to this point in my life has been the most difficult experience and most influential experience in my business career. It taught me what hard work meant, what rejection meant, and what it felt like to truly hustle.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Hard work and determination pay off. Eight weeks later once the summer program has ended, I was a poor painter and realized my guys were much more talented then me. I learned to use my strengths as a leader and manager to motivate them and work as a team.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
Don’t quit. As hard and difficult as the program can be the goal for all is to be selected and finish the summer strong. A lot of guys I started with couldn’t get through the summer. Don’t be a quitter.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Hard work always pays off, just not when you expect it. In sales you need to find a way to work harder than your colleagues and separate yourself from the pack. Dress today for the job you want tomorrow. Proper preparation prevents poor performance. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Paint Ball with my DM and VA team, team bonding.
Last words of wisdom?
Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard. Even when the odds are against you it’s not over so don’t be a quitter, ever.