Today we had an interesting trip to Lawrenceville in the heat, focused on exploring coworking spaces similar to those we’re working with in Carrigart. We began the day in Pittsburgh with a visit to the Oaklander Hotel, where Theresa Murdoch showed us around and explained the hotel’s business model. They place a strong emphasis on…
Tag: Mark Rakach
The Importance of Community
Today we went to the Hill District with Terri Baltimore, who showed us around as one of the locals. It was especially interesting to discuss the neighborhood’s image and reputation and how it’s changed and improved over the years. One of the more notable conversations we had involved the neighborhood’s infrastructure, specifically the local grocery…
Using Past Experiences for the Future
Today we had two conversations that gave me a better idea of what it means to grow professionally. In the morning, we talked with Joe Pietropola, who’s had a long, unique career. He explained how throughout his career, he kept finding new opportunities by exploring new options. He told us how he jumped between departments…
Our Tour of Connellsville and its Development
Today we visited the Town of Connellsville, about an hour and thirty minutes from Pittsburgh. It was really interesting to visit the town and see how it compares to both Pittsburgh and Carrigart. We began our tour at a stained-glass factory, and it is only 1 of 5 companies in the entire world that manufacture…
Weekend Exploration in Pittsburgh
This weekend, our group had the opportunity to explore more of Pittsburgh, specifically through a tour of the historic city steps in Fineview and a visit to the Nationality Rooms. These experiences helped me better understand Pittsburgh’s culture and strengths as a community. The step tour was extremely informative and interesting. It was fascinating to…
Turning Obstacles into Opportunity
Today we had an outdoor lunch and discussion with Tierra Thorne, a Pitt Business Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), social worker, and the CEO of Blanket & Board. Before starting her business, she did social work with juveniles who were dealing with trauma. Knowing her background gave me great insight on how successful people all have…
Teamwork Through Diverse Perspectives
Today, our Haller Program group participated in an activity using a tool called the StrengthsFinder Assessment, which provided valuable insight for both me and the group as a whole. Although the test was a bit tedious and lengthy, the results helped me understand how strength assessments can improve team collaboration and allow each person to…
Settling In and First Client Meeting
This is the third day of the Haller Program, and I’m starting to get settled into both the program and the city environment. The program’s classes have been extremely engaging and informative so far, allowing me to broaden my perspective from a business standpoint. Besides the classes, today our group also held our first meeting…
The Haller Program: Introducing Myself
Hello, my name is Mark Rakach, and I am really grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Haller Program. The chance to meet new people, explore other cultures, and gain hands-on experience is something I have always been highly interested in, and I am enjoying my time in the program so far. I…
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