Sometimes it’s challenging to get out of your comfort zone, but that’s how we grow. To anyone considering the program, I would take the Nike line and “Just do it”, you will not regret it!

Rich Hook has been a We Build Character executive mentor for over 9 years.

Rich is a mentor because he believes that it’s critical to give back and help mold future leaders in our profession.  When he started his career he said that he was very fortunate to be part of a firm that had well established mentoring and people development programs; however, most of his mentors were never people with technology backgrounds as the field was somewhat immature so the early mentors were public accounting partners and overall business folks.  Stating, “I think that benefited my mindset tremendously and subsequent to the first chapter of my career, I had to search out mentors but mostly in an informal way.  I think this program is terrific to be able to provide the mentoring and development programs for individuals in a structured way with both business and technology professionals, drawing from some of the greatest leaders in our community.  I love the fact the program is locally based as well, it develops talent right in our town!” 

In addition to mentoring with the WBC program, Rich also sponsors individual from Penske through the program for several years and has typical sent more than one individual through the program annually. When asked about the value of having team members participate in the program, Rich said “WBC is a resource in our arsenal to help foster and develop the number one asset of our organization, Human Capital.  People make all the difference and the value each team member gains from the program also helps continuously improve our team and organization.”