Tell us about what you currently do for work.
I'm Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Hank & Ed Management. I business manage a rising bluegrass act, Billy Strings, and I have various clients I produce events for. Additionally, I am working on creating Sustainability Programs for a very large promoter that does multiple large music festivals.
What's your journey been like to get to where you are today?
I started in investment banking. From there, I went off to Wall Street, then to hospitality, music venues and finally to festivals. At the end of the day, my financial experiences and MBA really helped to serve as my steady foundation as my career grew.
More recently, I have discovered my niche in Sustainability Programs based on my clients' needs and desires to do better for the earth, climate change and more. I, personally, was just looking to be helpful in a space I could learn more about, but within a week of starting my research into sustainability I realized how important this was to me, as well.
What do you love about the work you do?
The company's passion for wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and significantly decrease greenhouse emissions is amazing. I hope other companies follow them. My biggest adoration comes from our collective love of saving the environment. I also love saving the day so I have gone the extra mile for every employer and client since the beginning and I will continue to do so.
What are your goals for the next 3-5 years?
I want to continue to lead events in their greening and sustainability programs. I also want to start a family and build an eco-friendly dream home with a large kitchen so I can feed friends, family and strangers as food is the way to the heart. I believe that such open dinners will help mend racial barriers -- who doesn't like pizza, good pasta or cookies?
How are you using Catch to help manage your work?
I use Catch to set aside my tax money so it's not in my savings or personal checking account. Out of sight, out of mind --or out of my spending hands until tax payment time. It's great.
What's one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in your field?
Take all the job opportunities you can, keep learning, save the day by doing more, and always have an emergency fund to cover you for 3-6 months.