Wen Zhou
Now: Co-founder, 3.1 Phillip Lim
First Job: McDonald's cashier
One of my very first experiences in the retail/service industry was actually working at the McDonald's on 23rd street, one of the busiest McDonald's in the city. I loved that time! I was 15, and it was my summer job.
I worked as a cashier, which I really enjoyed and excelled at. The social and communication aspect was very rewarding and also a big confidence-booster since you interact with so many different people from all walks of life. Not to mention that the pace was really demanding, and you had to do it with a smile!
After only a couple of weeks I was promoted to a key holder/assistant manager position. I basically trained all new employees. I had so much fun doing it, but my biggest satisfaction was seeing how the team, which I helped train, excelled at their positions and were consistently the top performers at the restaurant.
From that summer, and even at 15, I learned that people can do amazing things if they are given the opportunity and confidence, even if it is only selling cheeseburgers.
More galleries
Last updated October 29 2010: 7:00 AM ET
