Chris Kaplanis
- Managing Director and Coach
- Ridgewood Tri Athlete
School Information
School: Penn State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2005
Career Information
Working For: Ridgewood Tri Athlete
Title: Managing Director and Coach
Industry: Health and Fitness
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Triathlon coach working with beginner to elite endurance athletes. Managing Director making daily business, strategic and financial decisions within the group.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Leaving my successful corporate job at GE Capital to start my own business. Today I help people change their lives and accomplishing their dreams. Did I mention I worked with Mary J Blige?
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
Hard work and persistence pays off.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting taught me to be organized and to work smart. It’s the little things that can often make the biggest difference. Immediately after graduating from Penn State I parlayed by College Works Painting experience and was hired by GE Captial. I worked in finance for 4 years. Combining my past experiences, passion and work ethic I resigned from GE to open my own triathlon training and coaching business. Most would say it was crazy to leave the job I had at GE, but most don’t work for themselves. I couldn’t be more happy.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Be honest. Be organized. Work smart. It’s the little things that can often make the biggest difference.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
If the College Works Painting internship it was easy, everyone would do it. Follow your dreams, stay true to yourself and never set limitations. IF YOU’RE AFRAID TO FAIL YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED.