10 Seventh Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT OLGA V. KHAMICHONAK President Blooming Minds Academy Buffalo Grove, IL https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-khamichonak-683212b7/ How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? Education has always been an important part of society – when major changes happen, education is considered part of the political machine. We as educators must stay true to our purpose: the development of children and giving them tools to be successful in life. I think in the United States, education embraces technology and innovation. There are a lot of positive things happening, but the core is the child who can think for themselves. I think that's what we need to focus on because when these children grow, they become real assets to the country. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? One that has already shaped education is access to information – there is so much information now. There are also tools that can help the children learn. For example, there are glasses that you can use and see as if you're touching an organ. I think, in the next few years, we will jump from simply reading information to maybe having holographic images or even experiencing what we are learning. What excites you the most about your industry? The children. Just to see their faces, to see their dreams. I tell all my teachers, “We have the best job in the world because you come to work no matter your mood. You hug, and the children are excited to see you.” You teach them as little kids, and now you see them as lawyers, or they’re doing great with their business aspirations. RODERICK D. HUBBLE Master Certified Sales Consultant Performance Lexus Cincinnati, OH How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? My previous work helped me navigate very well. Much of my work from before the COVID-19 pandemic helped me build relationships. When I first started in sales, one client told me that people don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. So, doing the extra work and making sure people were 100% satisfied really helped carry me. What are two key behaviors/personality traits that allow you to be effective in your role? Positivity is paramount — I try to provide great energy for my clients. I’m a firm believer that people feed off each other’s energy, and when they find that positive energy, they want to be around it. How do you feel your industry has changed/evolved? Products have to be more competitively priced. I also think the market is fairer for the consumers. The biggest change is how the average consumer used to stop in at four to five dealerships before they made their choice. Now, they are averaging one-and-a-half dealerships because they have access to information before getting to a location. What excites you the most about your industry? I think about the possibilities, because, unlike many other industries, you can put more into automotive sales and get more out of it, so you’re not limited. If you want to work late, you can work late. If you want to come in early, you can come in early. The more you know about your product, the more you can help people. Photography credit: Kimbaird Avant Makeup credit: Samantha Wise
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