First jobs that launched Columbus leaders' careers

Where they started:

🗞️ Frederic Bertley, COSI president and CEO: Montreal Gazette paperboy.

• "The experience taught at a very early age the value of discipline, perseverance, commitment and responsibility, as well as the awesomeness of Sorel winter boots! Working a job — of any kind — as a teenager is an experiential gift developing skills, qualities, and affording values that resonate throughout life."

🧼 George Barrett, musician and former Cardinal Health CEO: dishwasher — briefly.

• "I remember being terrible at it. As summer arrived, I quickly moved on to being a camp counselor, which I loved, and for which I was much better suited."

🏖️ Evan Bush, Crew goalkeeper: Lake Erie beach concession stand.

• "I'd spend four to six hours standing inside a small box that smelled like hot dog water and nacho cheese. On my 'special days' I would dress up as a pirate for kids' birthday parties and go in full gear during the 90 degree summer days. Thankfully soccer worked out."

🥞 Julia Dewey, Rev1 Ventures chief partnerships officer: Bob Evans server.

• "The lessons I learned there still show up in how I support partners and lead teams today. I've always thrived in fast-paced, high-energy environments, which is probably why the startup world feels like home."

👨‍🍳 BJ Lieberman, Metsi's and Ginger Rabbit chef and owner: country club pool cook.

• "And by 'cook,' I mean I put frozen chicken tenders in a fryer and plated pre-made slices of cheesecake. Essentially I served members of the Tuckahoe Recreation Club fried food for three months."

🛒 Betsy Pandora, Short North Alliance president and CEO: grocery store bagger.

• "It's amazing what sticks with you. To this day, I can still rattle off a surprising number of produce codes from memory."

👩‍🎨 Cat Predmore, Wexner Center for the Arts interim executive director: art supplies store.

• "The store sold materials that I'd never seen before and my family couldn't afford. I spent most of my paychecks in the store and what I remember most was becoming obsessed with Rapidograph pens."

🌱 Tom Schmid, Columbus Zoo president and CEO: mowing lawns for friends.

• "I was 12 or 13. The best part was that I could use their lawn mower, which was much better than ours!"

🛟 Mary Shepro, Crew president of business operations: lifeguard.

• "It was a blast being outside all day with members of my swim team. Fortunately, my nose isn't permanently sunburnt in my current job."

🐔 Ron Stone Jr., Columbus Aviators defensive end: Wingstop.

• "I mostly just bussed tables, made ranch dressing, cut fries, refilled drinks and washed dishes. I took a few orders towards the end."

🍝 Bob Szuter, Wolf's Ridge Brewing co-founder: Italian restaurant dishwasher.

• "Hard work on certain shifts, but we made it fun and found that the busier we got, the faster the shift went, which I liked. I also remember my work jeans being absolutely caked in grease."

⌚️ Issa Tall, Crew general manager: outdoor market vendor.

• "I enjoyed learning how to fix and sell watches, but setting up the tables and tent at 5am was NOT a fun time.

📰 Tom Walker, R1 Capital CEO: A paper route in Nevada.

• "I wanted to get another route, but the only one open in this small town served customers in a rough area. The experience taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility and the importance of not judging a book by its cover."

💝 Heather Whaling, Geben Communication president: Hallmark store.

• "It taught me the importance of a well-timed note, a thoughtful gift and an early appreciation for creative copywriting — all of which I still apply today!"