Life Lessons Shared with Intro to Business Students

Introduction to Business students got to hear what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur from someone who has expertise in this area. Mr. William “Jack” Degel, owner of Jack’s Shack in Glen Head and Uncle Jack’s Steak House Restaurants in NYC, shared his experiences as a business owner and restaurateur.  Mrs. Kornberg, Business Education teacher, said “Mr., Degel was able to add real life spin to our Entrepreneurship and Franchise units.  He inspired everyone in the room to be passionate about what they do and to believe in themselves.”

Here are some excerpts from Mr. Degel’s conversation with the North Shore High School students. “Why did you pick Glen Head for the location to open your first Jack’s Shack restaurant?”  I live in the district and wanted to be close to my customers.  It was important to me to hear what people say and think about Jack’s Shack so I could keep improving and doing things better.   I like to get to know my customers and at Jack’s Shack that means families, teenagers and kids.  You have to live it, love it, and be there to make a business like Jack’s Shack work. “How did you get started as an entrepreneur?”  I first learned about accountability, success and failure when I had a paper route as a kid.  I was constantly trying to figure out how to do things better. First, I collected money from customers on Friday nights but many people weren’t home.  So I started collecting on Thursday nights instead and had a much higher success rate…”What advice do you have for our students and young people who are thinking about their future?” It’s hard to know what you want to do in life. But find out what you’re good at and challenge yourself.  Put your heart and soul into it and don’t be afraid to take a chance. Learn from your mistakes and turn the negativity of those that doubt you into positive fuel to help you achieve your goals.”

Many thanks to Mr. Degel for visiting North Shore High School and sharing his experiences and adding a real life spin to the teachings of Mrs. Kornberg’s for her Introduction to Business students.