What was your first paid job and how did that prove important?
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“My first job with a paycheck and a timecard was in Redwood City, California, making Baby Burgers, Mama Burgers, Daddy Burgers and pouring root beers… but I also sold Kirby vacuum cleaners, going door to door in San Francisco. That job was the launching of how to understand sales. It taught me how to work with people because I’m knocking on doors (and) walking into a stranger’s home and trying to talk them into buying a $949 vacuum cleaner. It taught me how to understand people, it taught me ethics is important if you want people to do business with you. It was a fun job and working in San Francisco was great … I learned about ethics and how to be honest when you’re doing business.” Phillip J. Flores |
Flores |
| “My first paid job was working as a one-man maintenance/handy man at Horizon Apartments when I was 15 years old … It taught me how hard it was to earn money and the responsibility that came with the job at such a young age. It taught me that I wanted more out of life versus just being an hourly employee doing menial labor and taking instructions from someone else.”
George Chiu |
Chiu |
| “My first paid job was at Guam Aquarium, a small aquarium company in East Agana that bought and exported live reef fish to Japan. It was conveniently located oceanside on Marine Drive in a strip mall adjacent to South Seas and across from PCC. It was owned by Tenbata-san, who also was involved in air freighting fresh vegetables from Japan. His son, Masao, operates Tenbata Guam … I was introduced to the concept of quality. My job was simply to pre-wash beach sand (like rice) to remove debris & sediment so that the sand would not cloud the aquarium water. I thought my first few batches of ‘cleaned sand’ were good enough but the aquariums soon became cloudy when filled with water. Tenbata-san had me continue to rewash the sand until it met his standard. I learned the importance of doing things right the first time.”
Bert Johnston |
Johnston |
| “My first job started at Old Hågatña Grill when I was 17 years old. I applied for any position available with the intention of staying for two weeks. This job started my career in the culinary industry when I met Chef Dean Louie who became my mentor and close friend. After continuing to work at Hågatña Grill, I moved off island and started working at restaurants in California, Hawaii and all around the world. My first job is the basis of who I am today, not only did I meet Chef Dean Louie through Old Hågatña Grill, he taught me everything I know.”
Casey Castro |
Castro |
| “My first real job was a cook in a restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, called Kokomos Bar and Grill. I worked there while I attended college … Working as a cook in a restaurant was a transformative experience for me. I learned time management by learning to juggle multiple tasks efficiently in a busy kitchen. I learned the importance of teamwork by communicating, trusting, and supporting your colleagues. I learned to adapt and think on my feet. I honed my attention to detail, which served me well in various situations since. Managing stress and maintaining focus became second nature to me. Experimenting with flavors and presentation taught me to think creatively and find unique solutions. Interacting with diners taught me empathy, patience, and the art of providing excellent service. These skills extended beyond the kitchen and helped enrich my personal and professional life.”
Donovan Paulino |
Paulino |
| “I believe it was Quiznos. I had just left for the mainland after graduating from high school. I recall applying for random jobs, and they were the first to call me back for an interview, so I took it! Looking back on it now, the owners, a lovely older couple, would always be right there with the staff assisting with daily operations. I didn’t understand it then because, as an employee, I thought to myself, “Why aren’t they in their office hanging out? Isn’t that what owners do?” Now, as a business owner myself, I realize the importance of a great team. Once you share your vision to provide a great product and service from the start, the path to success is that much easier.”
Danny Taitingfong |
Taitingfong |
