Angelo Wesson says he runs his business like a Navy SEAL instructor – tough.
But after what he learned Wednesday at Junior Achievement’s Business Week program, he says he plans to balance that management style with a softer touch.
“I’m a hard-knocks boss, so I might lay off a little bit,” said Wesson, 18.
For the past six months, Wesson has worked as an independent sales representative selling communications products such as satellite radio and Internet phone service for a multilevel marketing company. He manages dozens of employees.
“I learned that everyone has faults, but everyone can progress,” Wesson said.
About 150 Colorado teenagers, including Wesson, are taking part in the annual Business Week at Johnson & Wales University in Denver.
The event, which runs through Friday, is organized by Colorado’s branch of Junior Achievement, a nationwide group with headquarters in Colorado Springs that is dedicated to educating youth about business.
During Wednesday’s activities, groups of about 10 young people used Popsicle sticks to create miniature buildings, furniture, cars and even rocket ships.
Adult volunteers served as group leaders, using different leadership styles – including autocratic, democratic and laissez faire – to teach the teens about how managers handle workers. Judges rated students on creativity, sales technique and presentation.
“That was the fastest hour of my life,” said Wesson of the Popsicle-stick contest.
Michael Harlas, 15, said the week of business-related activities will help when he returns to Cherry Creek High School this fall.
“I’ll be a better leader and take charge more in school,” said Harlas, a sophomore. “I have a better understanding of business.”
Both Wesson and Harlas were in a group with a laissez-faire leader.
Robin Wise, chief executive of the local Junior Achievement branch, said each participant paid $150 for the week-long session, and scholarships were offered for some.
“It’s a hands-on experiment in leadership,” Wise said. “The kids watch this unfold and see the pros and cons of different leaders.”
The winning team for the Popsicle contest had an autocratic leader who helped the teens build a helicopter, a couch, a truck and a rocket.
“We had a hard leader who never would admit we did a good job,” said Lindsay Emil, 17, of Columbine High School. But “we are all competitive and it pulled us together.”
Staff writer Will Shanley can be reached at 303-820-1473 or wshanley@denverpost.com.
