Q1 2019 Opportunistic Award Winner: Nate Van Slyke
Opportunity is a pillar of Clickstop’s mission. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, opportunity is “a favorable juncture of circumstances.”
Each day, we work to create a business that is a favorable juncture of circumstances. It takes awareness, courage, curiosity and humility. Creating and sustaining such a business is an enjoyable adventure.
Let me try to explain.
Your Future Self
Think for a moment about your future self. In 20 years, where do you want to be? What do you want to be doing? What impact do you hope to have created on those around you? What’s the story that people are telling about you?
Now consider a job that affords you the opportunity to move towards this vision of your future self; opportunity to utilize your strengths in your work; provision of leadership development training; a focus on community impact and celebration of such accomplishments; growth of retirement account through an ESOP; alignment with the values that you believe are good for you and for those around you.
How do you feel?
Probably a little like our Q1 2019 “Opportunistic” award recipient, Nate Van Slyke.
Seeking Opportunity
Over 18 months ago, Nate came to a crossroads and took it upon himself to change. Nate stated, “I was realizing that I was coming to work, and I shied away from the tasks I didn’t find interesting and decided to make a choice. People don’t like to work with someone that is always looking at something in a negative light. I did not want be that person.”
At that point, Nate decided to make the change. “The day I decided to make a change, I had to pull away from myself and stop focusing on the negative and realize my impact on others. I wanted to make more of an impact and become a reliable person on the Warehouse Team.”
Since that time, Nate has helped streamline operations in the fulfillment of orders for Pepper Joe’s. He has even stepped into a Sales & Service support role to better connect with our customers.
Creating opportunity results from a collection of people working in alignment with declared values and mission. At Clickstop, our values produce an opportunistic mindset, which creates an environment where we passionately devote ourselves to the building up of the business and each other.
There is always an opportunity for growth. Nate is seeking it.
The Interview
What is your role at Clickstop?
Pepper Joe’s Shipping and Service
How long have you worked at Clickstop?
Four Years, Two Months, and Twenty-One days (at time of interview)
How did you feel upon being recognized for this award?
Surprised and honored. It is very humbling to be recognized by those around you.
What do you believe has led up to this recognition?
I want be the best that I can be and give 100% of what I have to give. It was never my intention to be recognized for doing good deeds. I just want to do great work because that is what I expect from myself.
Have you had struggles within this Core Trait? If so, what have they been and how did you overcome them?
I don’t know If I would say there were struggles. I love to learn new things and when the chance to work in Pepper Joe’s popped up I jumped for it. Any chance to learn is time well spent in my opinion.
Why is this Core Trait important to the success of Clickstop?
Clickstop is an opportunistic company. Just look at all the brands that we have and all the new acquisitions! Clean Laundry is opening new sites and Pepper Joe’s is sending out six seedling types this year. Those are just some examples. The people that work here fall right into that as well. I’m just the lucky one who was recognized. Clickstoppers are fearless when it comes to taking on new roles. It is inspiring to watch everyone grow and become better than they were yesterday!
What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?
I have many hobbies that occupy my time. I enjoy long walks through the trails at Pinicon Ridge with my two dogs and wife, watching movies of all genres, playing and writing music, writing Dungeon and Dragons campaigns, and now growing peppers.
What brought you to Clickstop?
Before I worked here I was mowing and painting the soccer fields at the Tuma Complex off County Home Road. I was a seasonal employee at the time and was looking for something a little more permanent. Scott K reached out to me and offered me a position on the Manufacturing team. The rest is history.
What keeps you at Clickstop?
The people. I have made some great connections with many of my coworkers.
What TV / Netflix Show currently has your attention?
I’ve been watching a show on Hulu called Black Sails. It is a Stars original show that is set to be a prequel to the events of the well-known novel Treasure Island by Louis Stevenson. I’m about five episodes deep into the first season and I can say that I am hooked. I’ve always had a soft spot for Action/Drama shows.
What fictional place would you most like to go?
The Shire. Hobbits know how to live life to the fullest. They find so much joy in working the land, being with each other, and they know how to have a good time. Especially if a certain wizard shows up.
What book do you most remember from your childhood?
The Hobbit. One of the best fantasy novels ever written.