Freshbox Blog

Meet Ryan: Freshbox Intern

At Freshbox we’re an eclectic crew.  This week we’re profiling Ryan, a stellar intern with a lot of energy who’s been involved with so many different aspects of work at Freshbox that it’s hard to describe his exact role.  If there’s an odd job to be done, he’s our man.  When he’s not out printing Freshbox labels or picking up Oreos from T Bears, he’s keeping life lively on the sandwich line or delivery lunch orders.  If you’re curious to learn more about the guy who’s been bringing your sandwiches, check out his interview below.

How did you get involved in Freshbox?  What did your interview for your internship entail?
I learned about Freshbox through Kelly, Freshbox’s Chief Sandwich Ambassador.  My interview was the most challenging and intimidating interview I have had to go through in my short life.  We talked about Freshbox and Joe answered some of my questions, normal protocol, and then things got interesting.  They proposed that I had three tasks, each challenging in their own way, and during those tasks I could only ask two questions. The first two tasks were pretty simple, nothing too crazy, and then I was asked to sell Freshbox’s old meat slicer by 11 o’clock. Imagine walking in as a possible intern and being asked to sell a meat slicer! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to sell it, but I guess they saw promise in me.

What’s something that sets Freshbox apart from other jobs you’ve had in the past?
Freshbox is very different.  One, it is very flexible. We will make almost any amount of sandwiches, so this means waking up very early to make them. We don’t ever say no to anyone who wants to join in on our social mission by using our catering business.  Joe is one of a kind, there aren’t many like him. It is great to work with all the employees at Freshbox; we’re a pretty close group and that doesn’t usually happen at the places I have worked.

What does a typical day at Freshbox look like for you?
Crazy! It is rarely routine.   Chaos is the norm but it’s a controlled chaos. I usually run errands for Kelly and Joe, get things that the company needs to thrive that week, and make sandwiches on the line while talking about subjects ranging from Mike’s mullet to Keyetta’s boxing abilities to Ephram’s attempt to play college football despite his age.

What Pandora station do you pick when it’s your turn in the kitchen?
Since the Disney station still hasn’t been picked yet, I enjoy rocking out to AC/DC with Mike.  There is nothing like packaging boxed lunches and hearing “Shot to the Heart” or “Highway to Hell” to pump us up to finish 150 sandwiches in one hour at 4 AM!

How do you stay busy when you’re not at Freshbox?
I am graduating from Capital University in May, so school has definitely kept me busy.  When I am not doing homework, I lead a small group bible study through the Vineyard Church of Columbus in Westerville.  I also really enjoy thrifting, playing music, partaking in the intramural sport of the season, and of course playing Mario Kart on N64 when I get the chance.

What’s your plan for after you graduate in May, 2011?
I am asked this question all the time!  Honestly, I don’t know.  I want to stay in Columbus.  I am looking for any job opportunities that might match my skills, but I’m really just praying to see what God has for me.  He knows what I want to do, and has a great plan for my life.

Name a random fact about you that other people might not know:
I lived in Novomoskosk, Russia when I was six years old.

If you could invent a totally new Freshbox sandwich, what would it be?
It would include a lot of cheese. I would call it the October Tri-queso and it would involve bacon bits, salami, ham, and prime meat. This sandwich will change the world one piece of cheese at a time. There is something about cheese that really raises the bar on sandwiches.

Comments are closed.