This past semester, I had the invaluable opportunity to intern at Geyser Systems in Montrose, Colorado. Working alongside Jonathan, the CEO, and Lisa, the CFO, I gained firsthand insight into the complexities of running a small business. From packing and shipping orders to product assembly and business strategy, each task taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the hard work behind the scenes of a small company.

My internship began with training under Josh, who served as my supervisor during the first few weeks. I was involved in a variety of tasks, including assembling parts, testing products, and helping out wherever necessary. One of my first responsibilities was cutting and assembling tubing for showers, a task that seemed simple at first but proved to be surprisingly intricate. Although it wasn’t always the most exciting work, I quickly learned that these small, often repetitive tasks are essential to maintaining the smooth operation of the business.

After a few weeks, Geyser Systems faced the challenge of downsizing, and my role shifted significantly. I began working directly with Jonathan and Lisa, which provided me with a unique opportunity to learn directly from the company's leadership. Jonathan’s passion for his business was evident in everything he did, and I quickly learned from him the importance of perseverance and passion in business. One lesson that stuck with me was his emphasis on finding a purpose that drives you: “If you don’t have a reason that makes you jump out of bed in the morning, you might as well just stay there.” This advice resonated with me, highlighting the importance of staying motivated, especially when faced with challenges.

Lisa’s guidance was equally invaluable. She taught me the day-to-day operations of the business, from packing orders and managing inventory to handling accounting. As my responsibilities grew, I began taking on more tasks, such as managing order accounts and handling shipping logistics. While the work was often repetitive, I found it rewarding because it allowed me to understand the interconnectedness of different aspects of the business. By the end of my internship, I was able to handle most packing and shipping duties independently, with Lisa offering support whenever I needed it.

An example of a project I worked on was creating an Amazon product page for an item that had not yet been listed on Amazon. This task taught me a lot about e-commerce, marketing, and how to present a product in a way that builds trust with customers. Crafting clear, concise product descriptions and answering customer questions effectively were key elements in making the product stand out. Though it was a relatively small part of the business, the experience deepened my understanding of the challenges of marketing in the digital age.

Beyond daily tasks, I also got a glimpse into the strategic side of the business. Jonathan had me help edit a business case he wanted to publish, giving me a behind-the-scenes look at the planning process. I also had the opportunity to observe him practice his pitch to potential investors, learning the importance of clear, persuasive communication when presenting a company to the outside world. Watching Jonathan and Lisa collaborate closely was an eye-opening experience. It became clear that running a small business requires constant problem-solving and cooperation.

One of the most valuable lessons I took away from my time at Geyser Systems was how leadership shapes company culture. Jonathan and Lisa’s leadership styles fostered a supportive, collaborative environment where I was encouraged to take ownership of my tasks and offer my input. This made me feel like a true member of the team and gave me the confidence to step up and take on new challenges. Their willingness to listen to my ideas and provide guidance whenever necessary was incredibly motivating.

Despite the often repetitive nature of some tasks, I learned the importance of persistence and dedication, especially on days when the work wasn’t glamorous. Whether it was counting inventory or packing boxes, these mundane tasks were crucial to keeping the business running smoothly. Jonathan and Lisa often reminded me that success isn’t just about big projects or breakthroughs—it’s about consistently doing the hard, necessary work that ensures long-term success.

My internship at Geyser Systems was truly an amazing experience. I walked away with a more thorough understanding of what it takes to run a small business, from technical tasks like product assembly to strategic activities like marketing and business planning. I also learned the importance of perseverance, passion, and attention to detail, which will undoubtedly guide me in my future career. I am grateful for the mentorship and support I received from Jonathan and Lisa, and I look forward to applying the lessons I learned during my time at Geyser Systems as I continue my professional journey.