Each week, JWMI profiles students and alumni in its new featured series “Winning Voices.” Learn about our diverse community and what sets our program apart from those who have experienced it. For more great “Winning Voices” content, click here.
Nathaniel Mathis
Owner
Mathis Logistics Unlimited, LLC.
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT MATHIS LOGISTICS UNLIMITED, LLC.
As the owner of Mathis Logistics Unlimited, LLC., I manage a North Carolina-based courier/logistics service that services areas from the Triad to the Triangle. My previous role was as an operations manager at a local home improvement retailer. I managed 90 associates and was responsible for sales and margin goals while driving operational efficiencies and maximizing overall customer satisfaction. I worked with peers, other stores, and district teams to assess our associates’ and customers’ needs and develop the best method for achieving sales, service, and meeting our operational objectives.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
I’ve been intrigued with business since my first job at age 16 at the local A&P grocery store. I witnessed firsthand the buying patterns of the masses, which were generally based on what the company marketed and merchandised. I saw the same in home improvement retail and knew that I wanted another perspective on business, managing, and leading. In addition to always wanting an advanced degree, following Jack Welch’s methodology was a no-brainer since I valued him as a mentor.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Prior to operations, I served as the sales manager, where I used merchandising and selling techniques to advance my career. If I’m being honest, I knew that administration and operations were my opportunities, and I knew that if I wanted to be consistent, the MBA would greatly assist me in those areas. It did, as the focus on finances and operations gave me the much-needed confidence that I needed. My transition to operations was seamless, and adding a winning attitude with a touch of candor to my daily regimen didn’t hurt either.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
I found the curriculum applicable and timeless for any business area. Many assignments aligned with what I was experiencing at the job in real-time, making the assignments extremely relatable. And the responses from my classmates and professors were thought-provoking and helpful.
LOOKING BACK AT WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT AN ONLINE PROGRAM WHEN YOU FIRST EMBARKED, WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL IMPRESSION NOW? DID IT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS VIA DQ BOARDS, EOP VIDEOS, FACULTY ETC?:
My first experiences with DQ boards, videos, and Zoom weren’t what I expected. I must admit that my absence from academia created several technical barriers that I had to overcome. However, by the end of each quarter, I was no longer a novice but became the subject matter expert, helping others as well.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE YOUR JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
My family was very supportive, and everyone knew that Sundays and Thursdays were off limits as they were designated school nights. On those long nights, my wife would surprise me with coffee, and that helped tremendously. She also educated me on several google apps (docs, drive, calendar….) to simplify my life.
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR PROFESSOR OR MEMBER OF THE STAFF THAT YOU FELT HELPED YOU TO EXCEL? PLEASE ELABORATE.:
As a Strayer undergrad, I attended the North Campus in Charlotte, NC. Shawna Magbie-Carr was a Dean at that location and was instrumental in answering questions and guiding me through the processes to enroll. She took the extra time to offer encouragement, patience, and professionalism (and it didn’t hurt that she was also an AGGIE (previously attended NC A&T State University).
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?:
Other than receiving my degree, the most rewarding experience was traveling to DC for the graduation ceremony and getting to meet fellow students and professors face to face. As an added bonus, all of the famous monuments in DC were within walking distance from the ceremony.
Connect with Nathaniel Mathis on Linkedin
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