Once a month, young business folk get together to eat, drink and network thanks to the Concord Young Professionals Network. The next CYPN meeting will be held on Sept. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Vintner's Cellar Custom Winery, 133 Loudon Road. Admissions if free, but you must register at concordypn.org.
Or if you can't wait until Sept. 15 to mingle, CYPN is hosting a Lunch and Learn at Orr & Reno, 1 Eagle Square, on Sept. 9 at 11:30 a.m. The topic is “First Time Homebuyers.”
If you attend a CYPN event, you may get a chance to rub elbows with someone like Charlie Cole. Cole, 28, is the general manager of Cole Gardens and was voted one of Concord's hunkiest hunks in the Aug. 17 issue of the Concord Insider.
How did you get into the gardening business?
You could say I was born with a trowel in one hand and a plant in the other. My parents started a wholesale greenhouse in Loudon when I was 5. From that point on I worked at the greenhouse every waking minute. While my friends were watching Saturday morning TV, I was out helping our growers in the greenhouse.
Describe a day in the life of Charlie Cole:
Every day and season is different, which keeps it fresh and exciting. The spring and holiday seasons are the busiest. I'm constantly running around ordering fresh product, keeping the store looking nice and trying to greet and help as many customers as possible. Summer and winter are more laid back, so I spend most of my time getting orders together, pulling together our marketing plan, going to buying shows and visiting other centers trying to find other cool ideas to bring to Concord.
What's growing in your garden?
Right now, nothing worth mentioning. I think we still have a succulent planter on the windowsill. During the fall there might be a mum planter at the front door but that's pushing it! If we are having company I might get a little crazy and bring home a planter for the deck.
What do you do when you're not putting in the hours at the ol' family business?
You mean there is life other than work? I need to look into that! During the winter I get the board out and hit the slopes every free moment I get. I love traveling, whether it's for work or leisure. Getting far away is the only way for me to really get my mind out of the daily work.
If Concord were a flower or plant what would it be?
Easy: a pansy. No, we are all not a bunch of pansies, quite the opposite! Like most of Northern New England, Concord is quiet in the winter and we all hibernate while it's cold. But once spring hits, Concord comes back to life.
CYPN meetings are all about networking. What tips do you have on how to best work the room?
Be a good listener and ask the right questions. Going to industry shows and meeting other business owners and mangers learning from their mistakes and successes easily pay for each trip that I take. As far as working the room . . . good luck.
What other advice do you have for other young professionals?
My theory is to work hard now, reap the benefits later!
