For Herz, his background in the arts and sciences isn’t secondary to his success in business; it’s foundational. While earning his degree in economics from IU, he took classes in psychology, sociology, and English, and he’s quick to cite them all in discussing his career.
“There’s been times in my work where I’ve spent more than half my time on legal agreements,” Herz says. “Whether it’s mergers, partnership agreements, articles of incorporation—that’s where a liberal arts education is so beneficial.”
Herz cites the College’s influence on his management skills, as well.
“Within the College of Indiana University, I learned to study the nature of people and how to get to the essence of what was driving individuals,” he says. “This became one of the key components to our, and my, success. I realized, if I can understand how to motivate employees to become the best professional version of themselves, the power that we can unleash will be unstoppable. And that is exactly what happened.”
When it comes to advice for current students and young entrepreneurs, Herz talks a lot about focus, commitment, and drive. But more than anything, he talks about doing work that makes you happy.
“Find what you love to do,” he says. “That’s the biggest thing. I hear a lot of people say, ‘I want to make money,’ but it’s going to be hard if your only goal is to make money. We spend so much time working, and it’s just painful if you don’t love it. Find your purpose and then put on your blinders and go do it and become the absolute best you can be.”
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