Age: 36
Occupation: Co-owner, Oasis Falafel
Greatest professional achievements: Providing people with the world’s best hummus.
Mentors: Naftaly Stramer (co-owner, Oasis Falafel), Nancy Hauserman (aunt) and Steve Harding (Wedge Pizzeria)
Best advice you ever received: Fail up! Well, it is not exactly what my business partner Naftaly told me, but what he meant was learn from your mistakes. Business is a combination of optimism and cynicism, you hope and plan for success, but you also assume that something will not work, and then when it doesn’t, you evaluate and learn from it and try to fix it.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you: I was a cheerleader in eighth grade.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life: I really don’t think anybody has it figured out, and if they do, it’s because they hate their job or hate their family. I rate my work life and family life very high; I can’t imagine either one being “better.” That said, it is still very stressful. I am always thinking about my family at work and thinking about work when I’m with my family. And I am a person with a good work life and a good family life.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career: Stay calm and carry on.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace: Work is work, but it should be fun too (most of the time).
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support: I would try to feed hungry people and give them work and skills.
What is your biggest passion: Playing with my children. Playing is the best way to learn and grow.
