This month we'd like to introduce you to Jacob, whom you may also know as Jake. Jacob genuinely brings his big heart and wise soul to all aspects of his work. Truly a team player, we welcome his guidance and leadership as a Managing Director of Harbin Hot Springs.
What passions do you have?
I have a passion for community- especially my coworkers who are my best friends that have become my family. I am passionate about consciousness both individually and collectively as well as personal growth, helping others, cats, philosophy, and baseball.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy road trips experiencing Asian cuisine, thrifting, swap meets, the redwoods, the ocean, and good company. I have a fondness for Volkswagens, so I also spend a lot of time with that hobby as well. I collect tattoos and I like going to concerts of the bands I grew up listening to.
What does a typical morning/day look like for you at work?
I wake up early and become caffeinated. I spend a couple hours working from home before coming into work at Harbin where I go to the café and get a coffee. I then make my MBWA rounds catching up with managers and staff, giving and receiving hugs and smiles. I make my way to my desk where I start on emails and my to-do list that I’ve previously created and add to as the day progresses. Due to daily staff needs, questions, and challenges that arise, our Ops Department continually shifts focus to provide on-the-spot support, stepping in individually or collectively to assist as needed while balancing our own personal work. My days are a perfect blend of hard work and camaraderie, making it a highly rewarding work environment.
Where did you work before coming to Harbin?
I have about 20 years' experience in Warehouse Management with an emphasis on database management and administration before earning a Computer Science degree and going into the Information Technology industry. I also spent a number of years doing loss prevention both internal interrogation and shrink as well as external theft, fraud, and ORC.
How did you learn about Harbin?
I grew up listening to stories about Harbin from my Uncle Michael (R.I.P.) who frequented Harbin throughout the 1980s, and 1990s and early 2000s.
What Jobs have you worked at Harbin?
My previous roles at Harbin Hot Springs include Fire Prevention, Security, IT Help Desk, IT Tech (Levels 1–3), System Administrator, IT Daily Operations Manager, Purchasing Coordinator, Managing Director Assistant, and Department Manager Liaison before becoming a Managing Director.
How many years have you been at Harbin?
I arrived in 2015 so this would be my 11th year, with a break in between due to COVID-19.
How do you inspire your team and others?
I try to inspire my team by incorporating humor and keeping things lighthearted. I try to use a tailored management style to understand my teammates as individuals and work with them accordingly. I pride myself on leading by example, providing constructive feedback, celebrating successes, and holding myself equally accountable. I make strong efforts to empower individuals’ growth at work by developing personalized plans to help the success of those that I oversee, which creates a positive and happy work dynamic while also building trust that helps make learning from mistakes and coaching easier for us both.
What is your vision or what are your hopes for the future?
My vision hopes and dreams for the future of Harbin starts with bringing in more folks that are aligned with heart consciousness and integrity, and being able to retain them long term. From there, I would like the Residency Program to restart, so there is a safe, happy home for all of us who are like-minded and kind-hearted. I believe that those who can view Harbin not just as a job, but as a community we build together, our pride and quality of work will naturally rise. That is my vision.
What do you love about working at Harbin?
I absolutely LOVE being part of a team that is constantly striving for growth, improvement, and success- with compassion. It's the best feeling to be able to use my skills combined with my heart while being surrounded by so many people from different backgrounds who all do their part cohesively, working towards the future of Harbin while also openly working on themselves. My entire life has become a seamless journey of being heart conscious and success driven. Without this opportunity, I truly don’t know where I’d be today. I have felt accepted at all phases of my personal growth while being surrounded by others, possibly unknowingly on the same mission. This opportunity has opened mental and emotional blockages that have allowed me to see myself in others and learn from them while knowing and trusting that we are all here for the same reasons with the same nurturing reciprocation while in different stages of our individual journeys. This openness allows each of us to learn from each other, to listen, to hear, to share. Knowing that this allowance exists creates a playground for growth and development to make continual efforts in becoming a better person. I feel this closeness builds unity, understanding, and respect that help us communicate and work together more effectively.
“This is the real secret of life- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play”. -Alan Watts
