Gino Faris, a senior studying sales and business marketing, would describe himself as an entrepreneur who is dedicated and passionate about his work. He loves to engage with the community and the people around him, and he does not pass up any opportunity presented to him. From serving as the marketing manager of TEDx Kalamazoo to working with the Small Business Development Center in the Haworth College of Business to start his own business, he’s never hesitated to follow his passions and work hard to achieve his dreams. Faris discusses his involvement on campus and beyond, how to get the most out of the college experience and why he is proud to be a Business Bronco.
Getting involved at WMU and in the community
I chose the sales and business marketing major because I wanted to have a career in something that I already love. I have always been good at engaging people of all backgrounds. I truly enjoy cultivating relationships, from first meeting someone to knowing them well enough to ask how their family is doing.
I have had many incredible experiences and opportunities while at Western Michigan University. Some of the things I am most proud of include:
- Working as the marketing manager of TEDx Kalamazoo. TEDx prepared me to work with professionals and to be comfortable even as the youngest person on the team. My job was to engage the local community in face-to-face interactions to get people excited about TEDx Kalamazoo.
- Starting an annual charity art auction with MRC artWorks in collaboration with Lambda Chi Alpha. MRC artWorks is an art gallery, studio and retail store that offers unique art created by individuals with disabilities. The program provides the opportunity for self-expression and promotes personal growth, dignity and self-confidence. The auction helped me realize I can make a difference in the community.
- Serving as vice president of external relations of Lambda Chi Alpha. I joined this organization after meeting other members and realizing that the house felt like a home to me, the members were admirable people and I was enthusiastic about the idea of being connected with the organization for the rest of my life.
- Serving as vice president of the Midwestern Federation of American Syrian Lebanese Clubs. I am very passionate about my Lebanese and Syrian descent. My father recommended I attend a convention, and I was immediately welcomed as if I had been a 10-year member. I love the people and the unity they promote as well as the organization’s philanthropy with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
- Pursuing my dream of owning a business. The Small Business Development Center within the Haworth College of Business has helped me turn my dream into reality. I started the process of launching my business, Nonstop Music Live, a website for streaming live music, in 2018.
- Working at the study abroad office. As a student peer advisor, I meet with students to assist them in discovering what program fits their needs. I also host classroom presentations and manage our social media outlets.
How to get the most out of your college experience
My advice is to take chances and get involved on campus! Get to know your professors and your peers. You never know where an opportunity may take you.
The Haworth College of Business has always given me the tools to capitalize on any opportunity. I truly feel that I can brag to potential employers about being a part of the sales and business marketing program at Western Michigan University because the program is not only ranked among the best, but the faculty believes in and supports student success.
The faculty as a resource
I feel comfortable speaking with my professors, and many of them go the extra mile for their students. I have friends at other universities that cannot say the same; some of them have never had a face-to-face conversation with a professor!
One professor that stands out to me is Bob Samples, faculty specialist in marketing. He is such a positive person who offers a unique perspective. He has a way of pushing me out of my comfort zone and showing me how to tackle the biggest problems. Samples cares about all of his students and goes above and beyond to support them in and out of the classroom. It has been my pleasure to have him as a part of my academic career.
My advisor, Paul Hildenbrand, deeply cares about my success and does everything in his power to assist me. It has been a privilege to be a part of the Haworth College of Business, and I look forward to seeing what my future holds because of my experiences here. I am proud to be a Business Bronco!