CEO has been meeting at Thompson Thrift these past two months. In the program, students are immersed in the community and businesses all year long.

Thompson Thrift's preconstruction executive Aaron Richmond and project engineer Sierra Paul spoke with CEO about the roles they have with the company. Aaron began with Thompson Thrift 20 years ago as an architectural draftsman. Sierra served as an intern before being hired to the company.
Several lessons they have learned in their experience were passed on to CEO:
--Do what you love. Do what you are good at.
--Don't be intimidated because you are young.
--Even if a deal falls through, keep that connection and relationship.
--Understand the "awkward pause." The first one to talk usually loses.
--Ask questions and display curiosity.

One thing both Sierra and Aaron shared was the culture John Thompson and Paul Thrift have created in their business. Sierra and Aaron stressed the value put into on-boarding new employees, being involved in the community, and personal challenge and growth.

Thompson Thrift is in 26 states and is a billion dollar company. It all began here, in Terre Haute, with two ISU students who had an idea and drive.

Thank you to Thompson Thrift for being a CEO investor, offering class space, speaking to students and kindly welcoming CEO every day.

#miehq #thompsonthrift #terrehautebusiness #terrehautechamberofcommerce