Chris Kaplanis

Personal Information

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School: Penn State University

Major: Financial

Years at College Works: 2005

Career Information

Company You Work For Now: Ridgewood Tri Athlete

Title: Managing Director & Coach

Industry: Health and Fitness

Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities

Triathlon coach working with beginner to elite endurance athletes. Managing Director making daily business, strategic and financial decisions within the group.

What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?

Leaving my successful corporate job at GE Capital to start my own business. Today I help people change their lives and accomplishing their dreams. Did I mention I just started working with Mary J Blige?

CWP Career Impact

In one sentence, what has CWP meant to you?

Hard work and persistence pays off.

How did your CWP experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?

CWP taught me to be organized and to work smart. It's the little things that can often make the biggest difference. Immediately after graduating from Penn State I parlayed by CWP experience and was hired by GE Captial. I worked in finance for 4 years. Combining my past experiences, passion and work ethic I resigned from GE to open my own triathlon training and coaching business. Most would say it was crazy to leave the job I had at GE, but most don't work for themselves. I couldn't be more happy.

What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CWP experience?

Be honest. Be organized. Work smart. It's the little things that can often make the biggest difference.

Advice

What advice do you have for potential CWP participants? Current CWP participants?

If it was easy, everyone would do it. Follow your dreams, stay true to yourself and never set limitations. IF YOU'RE AFRAID TO FAIL YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED.