Hereford Johnson

founder

people first capital

When did you join the YJC board?

Officially in early March 2021 as an ex-Officio Board Member through the Kellogg School of Management

Why did you join the YJC Board?

The Board Fellow program at Northwestern University presented us participants with 30+ non-profit organizations to choose from. YJC was my top choice, and I could not be happier to be partnered with such an energetic, authentic, and impactful group. I chose YJC because the mission really speaks to me, I was once in the same shoes as the youth it serves, and I can’t think of a better way to continue to give back

What is your occupation?

I am a MBA Candidate at the Kellogg School of Management

What was your first job?

I worked the grill at Babes Jumbo Hot Dogs in Joliet and Shorewood IL – I really enjoyed that job

What did you learn from your first job?

Even though I was 14, I remember wondering why the owner priced his items so high, why food prep was organized in a particular fashion, and mainly why he intentionally chose to open a hot dog and burger restaurant right next to Portillos. Asking yourself ‘why’ frequently can teach you way more than what you were meant to learn on your job description