Ben Yonge
- President/CEO
- EquityPro
School Information
School: Western Washington University
College Major: Business
Years at College Works:
Career Information
Working For: EquityPro
Title: President/CEO
Industry: Real estate
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
Lead team, oversee daily operations
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Aside from having a happy and healthy family, I’ve enjoyed creating a business which has grown and expanded each year since inception. Although there are always challenges, there’s no better feeling than being your own boss.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
College Works Painting has been the most impactful professional experience I’ve encountered.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
The College Works Painting internship experience has proven to be invaluable. Some areas where I recognized the most impact include: increased confidence to enter the business world, professional contacts gained, and the competitive edge that had been acquired.
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?
Mr. & Mrs. Zabel, 1998. A fantastic three story house with views of Bellingham Bay. Thanks for being part of a successful summer. I hope that solid-body-stain was all we’d hoped it would be.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
There were many important lessons throughout my years with College Works Painting. The greatest lesson was probably the importance of effective communication. I was able to practice first hand, varying levels of communication with painters, suppliers, managers, district managers, partners, and others.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
If you’re willing to work hard and stay open minded, there may never be a professional experience that has more impact on your career and life. Truly invaluable.
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?
There will most likely be times throughout your College Works Painting career where you seriously question whether or not you should stay or go. Having the mental stamina to stick with it, will pay off substantially in the future.
What’s your best advice for someone interested in entering your career field?
No matter the career path, successful people seem to have an above average work ethic, strong communication skills, and confidence. All traits improved upon through the College Works Painting experience.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
I always loved the College Works Painting awards ceremony and recognition ceremony in Cabo/Cancun each year.
Last words of wisdom?
100k Club