Position at Run Gum: Chief Operating Officer
Tell us a little bit about yourself.Well, I am a husband and a father. My wife’s name is Cecilia and my two daughters’ names are Franky and Jo. I grew up in Coos Bay, OR and came to the University of Oregon in 2004 where I was a Football Equipment Manager for five years. Within those five years, I went through physical therapy on my leg for the first two years until I could walk again. I studied business, and then out of college I worked for a couple years in an industry that didn’t work for me. I went on to work for TrackTown USA before the 2012 Olympics. It was there I met Nick and Sam (Run Gum’s founders), and eventually they pulled me out to be the first employee at Run Gum.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Consistent, determined, and adventurous.
What do you like best about working at Run Gum?
I have enjoyed seeing the whole process of a company: from the start, before the company or the product, to where we are three years later. It is also interesting seeing the micro- side of the company, whether that be interactions on social media and developing relationships that way or seeing customers trust us enough to buy our product, be loyal to our brand or even be lifelong customers. Overall, I love the people we launched this company with, the people we’ve brought on, and the customers and businesses we work with.
What is your favorite pillar from #HowWeRun?
Be Dream Builders. Internally, we all have an idea of where we want to go with the company or as individuals, and our customers also have their own dreams. Being a part of the process is inspiring, with our employees working and spending time here and helping them achieve their goals. Also, being able to help out my family and seeing where we can be in a certain amount of years is inspiring.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy being with my three girls, being on the water with a paddle board under my feet, whiskey, and spending time with the people who mean a lot to me. I like to be on my paddleboard.
Favorite flavor of Run Gum?
Cinnamon.
Favorite artist or song at the moment.
Fave artist is a group called “NEEDTOBREATHE.”
Favorite Quote:
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” - Charles R. Swindoll
Anything else you would like to share?
Starting a company is never easy. When we started this company, I never would have thought the most rewarding aspect of this job or this process would be connecting with people from all over the country with all sorts of passions and pursuits.
Twitter: @heisnathan
Instagram: @nathanwoods