Employee Milestone Spotlight: Ben Cheslawski
Milestone Spotlight features an interview with a recent recipient of a Penguin Random House Milestone Award, which is given out to employees who have reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. years of service with the company. The Employee Milestone Spotlight interview allows us celebrate our colleagues’ service by highlighting their successes within the company, and, is a chance for them to share some fun and personal information about themselves!
This month, we shine the spotlight on Ben Cheslawski, Adult Mass Merch. Sales Manager, who celebrated his fortieth year with the company on February 21, 2017! Get the scoop on Ben by checking out his interview below:
What is your role at Penguin Random House?
I handle all PRH adult books that are sold to Hudson News Co in their wholesale division. This includes buying offices in NJ, PA and NH that distribute to the 6 New England states, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.
What do you find most challenging about your role at PRH?
The vast amount of new titles. When I began 40 years ago I sold Bantam Books. All we had were 36 new to mass market books a month. I was there for the first hardcover and the first trade paperback from Bantam Books.
What is your favorite book of all time? What is your favorite book right now?
My favorite all time is THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY. My favorite right now is anything by Lee Child.
What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had?
Helping one of my best friends in his apple orchard. I’ve spent most of the last 20 years every weekend in September and October out in the orchard. No heavy lifting….. just helping families You Pick their own fruit. I’ve been there long enough that the children I helped in the beginning are bringing their children to me. They introduce me as the apple professor and I try and explain a little about the farm and apples.
Who is or has been one of the biggest influences in your life (professionally or personally)?
My father. He was one of the smartest well-read people I ever knew. He died very young but he instilled in his children a strong work ethic that has served me well. My twin brother and I had our first jobs (taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor) when were in the first grade. We could only take money from the neighbor if we put it in the bank. My parents created workers and savers at the same time. I’ve had a job ever since.
Every employee celebrating a milestone anniversary is given the opportunity to be featured in Employee Milestone Spotlight. Think there is a milestone we’ve missed? Let us know! Email Faith Engstrom in HR to set up an interview.