Over the past few weeks, we have been introducing some of our incredible team members, here at Peak-Incorporated. Next, we would like you to meet a very inspiring young woman named Samantha Brown! Here is an interview that you won't want to miss!
-What was your upbringing with your family in Colorado like?
I was born and raised in Arvada, CO, which is just 15 minutes west of Denver. It's a quiet little suburb at the base of the foothills. I have 2 older brothers, (Ryan and Steven), and an older sister, (Sara). I'm, of course, the baby of 4! My Mom is a full blooded Italian, also born and raised here in Arvada, and my Dad, who moved out here in his twenties to chase his career dreams, is from "The Great State of Ohio", as he likes to say. My parents are actually celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary tomorrow, which is pretty awesome considering the norm of America.
I grew up in the music store where my Mom worked for 15 years, which was a blast. All of us in my family are musicians and LOVE to rock out at every family gathering we have! My Dad has been in sales for the majority of my life- starting off stocking shelves for Western Distributing company when we were living in a tiny one bedroom duplex, to now being the Division Manager for Neuro Beverage where he manages a good majority of the west coast and the south. Needless to say, he's pretty inspiring and definitely the most prominent leader in my life.
We moved around a lot while I was growing up, but we mostly lived here in Arvada, which in turn lead me to go to high school at Arvada West (Go Wildcats!). I graduated from there when I was still 17, and shipped myself off to the United States Navy to start a new adventure!
- What extracurricular activities did you participate in while in High School?
This is going to sound crazy, because normally these things DO NOT go together... but I was a HUGE band-geek in the marching band, whilst simultaneously being a cheerleader. I know it's weird, but I made it work! I was also in dance my entire life, participating in quite a few genres (ballet, hip-hop, lyrical...), gymnastics, and softball. I was also in all of the musicals and plays and adored being a part of the Shakespearean club. I know, my nerd is showing!
- What was your first job?
My very first job was when I was 14, I did "makeup artistry" for the Field of Corpses Haunted house, and was also one of the actresses in the asylum bit. I know, not particularly normal, but it was a ton of fun! My first actual job was waiting tables at Buffalo Wild Wings until I graduated High School.
- Where did you go to college and what did you major in?
I went to College at the same time I was active duty Navy, so I didn't get the usual college experience. I ended up getting my degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California but only spent about a year on the actual campus, which is really sad considering its been voted the most beautiful campus in the nation. And I agree, it definitely is. I ended up with a BSC in Biochemistry.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I love being outside in the beautiful Colorado sunshine! Hiking, biking, rock climbing, shooting, snowboarding, kayaking, or just laying out in the park with a good book working on my tan :) I love going to concerts, especially at Red Rocks. I also love building and creating costumes... especially Star Wars costumes... Stormtroopers, Mandalorians, you name it, I build it. Also, I'm a beer enthusiast, so I love going to breweries and trying out new things!
- Did you always want a career in this field? If so, what first sparked your interest and if not, what made you navigate toward this arena of work?
I absolutely never considered a career in sales or marketing, even on a managerial spectrum. My original game plan was: join the military to pay for college, get a degree in hard science, then go to law school to become a patent attorney. As you can tell, my plan changed a bit since then.... I had a bit of an epiphany, class was BORING and it didn't stimulate me mentally the way I had expected it to. I couldn't stand the thought of being stuck in an office doing paperwork all day to make great money, but never actually ENJOY anything I was doing. So, I started bartending to pay the bills until I could decide what it was I wanted. I considered going back to active duty, because at least I was constantly on new adventures, seeing the world... but the military wasn't conducive for the other things I wanted in life, and after one of my very best friends died in combat I decided it wasn't the right fit for me. So, I just began searching for something that would grab my attention. I stumbled upon Peak and actually passed it up the first couple of times I came across it because "sales" didn't exactly sound sexy to me! However, it just kept popping up, everywhere I searched so I took it as a bit of a sign that I should consider the idea... I didn't realize at the time that this had little to do with sales and more so with coaching and development, which is exactly the thing I wanted most! Couldn't have worked out better.
- What has the process been like working your way up through this company?
The process has been unlike anything I've ever been through before! I've never been in an environment with so much positive energy, with so many incredible people. I legitimately wake up with a smile on my face excited to get to the office. I know in this day and age that's a rare thing to come across. When I started, I hit the ground running. The idea of no seniority motivated me to kick my work ethic into high gear and take control of the massive opportunity that was presented to me. The support system I've acquired and the coaching I've received while being here is really what's launched my development and pushed me to work my way up to my position.
- What are you goals with Peak?
My goals with Peak are to be promoted to a managerial role in 2015, and help pave the way for others to do the same!
- What is your ultimate goal for your career?
My ultimate goal for my career is to gain the financial freedom and time to fund and run the Christian M Pike foundation that will support families that have lost service members in combat, while being able to extend the same freedoms of finance and time to others so that they may see their goals achieved.
-How do you keep a good work/ personal life balance?
I keep a good work/personal life balance by really submerging myself into the time I have with my friends and family, making specific time to go out and have fun! Planning is really key there. When I'm a work, I'm 100% at work, when I'm at home, I'm 100% devoted to the people around me and whatever we may be doing that day!
- What advice do you have for those embarking on a career in this field?
The biggest piece of advice I have for anyone embarking on this career path is to keep a killer student mentality, always be hungry to learn from those around you and grow with them. Push hard through the rough times, work even harder when you're faced with adversity and I guarantee you it will be worth it 10 fold! Lastly, have as MUCH fun as humanly possible!
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Samantha! We look forward to continuing this journey with you and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you! Watch out, world, this girl is on fire!!!!
