What was your first job and what lessons did you learn from it? It’s one of the questions we asked this year’s 20 in Their 20s honorees.
Their responses are below.
Michael Leiterman, project manager, Kinco Constructors
“My first ‘job’ was when I was 7 picking up scraps and nails on one of my father’s remodels. That taught me the value of working for a dollar. My first consistent job was when I started refereeing youth soccer in the 8th grade. That taught me to pay attention to the task at hand, own your mistakes when they happen, communicate with your team and to never let outside distractions influence the ‘right’ decision.”
Lacey LaBee, senior chemist, ECCI
“My first ‘real’ job was at the University of Central Arkansas during my freshman year, working for the UCA Foundation. I helped process invoices, expense reports and assisted with other financial tasks as needed. This role taught me the importance of attention to detail. When handling large sums of money at a university, there is little room for error. The experience helped shape me into a much more detail-oriented person.”
Matthew Brashear, director of finance, Delta Dental of Arkansas
“My first professional job was in the operations department at Crews & Associates, where I started shortly after graduation from Harding University in May 2017. While I was not directly applying my finance degree the way I had envisioned, the role taught me invaluable lessons about attention to detail, hard work and giving your best effort no matter the task. It helped lay the foundation for the work ethic and attitude I carry into every job today. I was fortunate to have strong support from my boss, Jere English, and co-workers who remain friends to this day.”
Emily Whillock, interior designer, Evo Business Environments
“I was hired as a team member at the local trampoline park that opened shortly after I graduated high school. My duties included greeting guests at the front desk and hosting birthday parties. By the time I left this job to pursue an internship in my chosen field of study, I had been there for almost four years and had been promoted up the leadership ladder to an operations manager. Because I was a full-time student while working this part-time job, I was able to develop valuable time management skills and learn how to effectively balance school and work. I also gained invaluable customer service and management experience. Additionally, I was able to establish friendships with some of my coworkers that are still as strong today as they were when we were working together.”
Lauren Weaver, co-founder & co-owner, Upskillery and The Patient Whisperers
“Working at my hometown snowcone stand in Greenwood. I started working there as soon as I could drive and didn’t think to tell my parents that I was applying before I landed the job. That summer job showed me that hard work and commitment equals opportunity and builds habits that will last you a lifetime.”
Christian Crain, Vice President of Operations, Crain Automotive Holdings
“I worked as a porter at one of our dealerships. It taught me to respect every role and value the work it takes to keep a business running day-to-day.”
Cole Jester, Secretary of State, State of Arkansas
“Small law firm intern. If you want to be successful you need to be able to talk to the janitor as well as the CEO, treating both with equal respect.”
Amanda White, senior technical project manager, cybersecurity, Walmart
“My first job was as an undergraduate assistant in the government documents department at the University of Alabama’s Gorgas Library. Between cataloging policy records and archiving decades of historical data, I developed an appreciation for information stewardship, attention to detail and the quiet power of preserving institutional memory. Beyond the stacks, I learned how to collaborate across departments, build relationships and hone operational skillsets — these lessons in discipline and adaptability still shape how I move through my career today.”
MacKenzie Allison, process mechanical team leader, Garver
“Because I was the eldest daughter, I was the built-in babysitter from a young age. But my first official job was working at a frozen yogurt shop in high school. Working in food retail taught me what good customer service looked like, how to be professional, and how to stay calm and adaptable, even during a rush.”
Cole Swede, partner, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard
“I started a landscape company when I was 13 years old. I began with two yards in my neighborhood and grew the business to entail over 35 residential and commercial customers by the time I graduated college. My takeaway from that experience was the importance of building relationships and establishing a work ethic. I learned that hard work always leads to positive results and that has continued to help shape my career.”
Chandler Perry, parcel application & special project engineer, Hytrol Conveyor Co.
“Tools associate at Lowe’s. I learned a lot of good people skills and how to deal with differing customer needs and demands.”
Olivia Heritage, senior marketing associate, Tempus Realty Partners
“My first job was as a cashier at a local BBQ joint. At 16, I learned how to communicate with all kinds of people — and that everyone takes their BBQ orders seriously.”
Trinity Lopez, director of operations, Ingen Software
“At Fun Factory, a bounce house company, I learned the worst response you could receive was simply ‘No.’ A few weeks into my journey there, an assistant manager position became available. Despite my lack of experience and time with the company, I took the leap and applied. I was rewarded with the job and learned to embrace the possibility of being told ‘No’ as a stepping stone to growth.”
Nick Burkes, CPA, OZK Accounting Consultants
“My first job was working for my family’s homebuilding business where I did dirt work, landscaping and construction site cleanup. It was tough, hands-on work that showed me how challenging a job can be. There was something really satisfying about seeing the land transform from rough and rocky to a beautifully landscaped site.”
Shawna Martin, assistant sales manager, SERVPRO of Little Rock
“My first job was as a cashier in a locally owned grocery store. It was there I learned how crucial mutual respect and genuine customer service are to the success of a business. Being a locally owned store, we had a smaller team, so mutual respect between the staff was essential. I often worked early morning truck days with the same 5 a.m. crew and then turned around to work again on Saturday evenings. Through early morning hours, hot summer days and a large age difference at times, we always came together to get the job done and the store running smoothly. On the customer side, many patrons had shopped there for years — some through name changes, some as former employees and others as visiting fishermen. At one point, there was a fear that a larger competitor would close us, but we continued to work hard — being kind to our customers, offering to carry groceries rain or shine and showing up for our customers made the difference. I’m proud to say that grocery store is still in business today, and I love stopping in when I’m back in town.”
Hunter Strong, sales manager, FirstTrust Home Loans Inc.
“My first job was mowing and cleaning properties in high school. It taught me you get out what you put in — effort compounds, hard work matters and there are no shortcuts to big goals.”
Ben King, business consultant, Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center at Southern Arkansas University
“My first job was at Burger King during high school. I learned the value of money management, hard work and showing up with a positive attitude — no matter the task.”
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