Zachary Bosson
- Founder
- First Access Lending
School Information
School: The Ohio State University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works: 2009 to 2010
Career Information
Working For: First Access Lending
Title: Founder
Industry: Finance
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
At First Access Lending we believe that homeownership is the foundation to building wealth in America. Our mission is to extend access to that wealth beyond the already wealthy. We’ve partnered with investors to offer specialized second lien products and HELOCs allowing you to access the equity you’ve earned. We provide access for first-time homebuyers through education and down payment assistance programs. Access for the self-employed and creatively employed. And access to your next home or dream home. First Access Lending is through East Coast Capital, a 25-year veteran in the mortgage industry. We have the foundation to deliver on our mission of access through specialized products, personalized consultation, comprehensive education, and unwavering integrity. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting was the first real challenge of my life, it acted as a barometer for who I am as an individual, and taught me skills that I employ to this day.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
College Works Painting had an immediate impact on my career as I believe it was a catalyst for me being hired. My hiring manager remembers to this day, 3 years later, our interview conversation about college works – he was impressed. From there it gave me a perspective on hard work and dedication, a perspective on the real world my colleagues didn’t have. This along with the tangible skills it instilled in me, time management, sales, communication, organization etc., set me apart from my peers and has helped enable me to grow rapidly through my company.
What do you want to tell your clients about what it meant to work with them and how it has helped you get to where you are today?
Thank you for having faith in me!
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
To attack a challenge head on, to take ownership of that challenge and persevere.
How have the friendships and networks you built during CW affected you?
I met one of my best friends through CWP. Him and I are still close to this day. As a hiring manager for my company I hope to tap into the CWP network to recruit top talent.
If you had to come up with a one line slogan for CW, what would it be?
CWP: Commitment Will Persevere (see what I did there)
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
College Works Painting isn’t for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend it to some of my friends, you know the type, enabled, lazy, spoon fed. Those who I would recommend it to I recommend it with a passion, College Works Painting is a program that takes the training wheels off and lets you succeed or fail just as the real world does. For all the reasons why it’s a challenge is the reason it’s an amazing opportunity – it gives you an opportunity to learn in countless ways and develop as you fight through and overcome the challenge.
Many college students struggle to choose between an internship specific to their target industry or doing CW. What advice would you give them on this subject if they wanted to enter your career field?
College Works Painting is specific to my industry, the type of internship my company actually provides is not as relevant to my industry as College Works Painting is. I know that sounds crazy, but there’s only so much leash we can give to our interns while they still provide value back to our company. At College Works Painting you learn life skills that are endlessly applicable and will set you apart.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
Apply the skills you learned at College Works Painting to your day to day. Set a schedule and execute it. Address challenges head on. Work harder than the person sitting next to you. This will lead you to lucrative success.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
My first paycheck.
Last words of wisdom?
Great opportunities present themselves to many, great people are the few that seize them.