40 under 40: Josh Sweigert, Lake Tahoe Community College
Tahoe Chamber | September 18, 2018 | 40 Under 40
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During the work week, you can find Josh Sweigert at Lake Tahoe Community College, where he helps adults progress their educational and economic well-being through LTCC’s ADVANCE program. His position as Tourism Industry Coordinator specifically helps adults obtain or advance their careers in hospitality and culinary fields.
Outside of work, you might find Josh on stage, playing bluegrass, folk, country and classic rock tunes at local venues.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Josh Sweigert.
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
As Tourism Industry Coordinator, I serve as ADVANCE’s primary contact to the hospitality and culinary industries in and around the South Shore. ADVANCE is an adult education network, with a mission of working with the local business community to help adults advance their economic or educational well-being, via a broad number of resources.
My primary work is to gather the input and support from chefs, general managers, human resource managers, and others as we build and refine a range of programs in coordination with Lake Tahoe Community College. One example would be our creation of a forty-hour Culinary Boot Camp that has served over 100 participants in the last two years here in the South Shore. Our next big project is the development of an American Culinary Federation apprenticeship program, which will allow employed culinary workers to attain nationally recognized certifications while at their place(s) of employment. A similar program geared towards hospitality workers is on the horizon as well.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
That would be seeing over a dozen properties here in town sign on in support of our culinary apprenticeship program as “Sponsoring Houses” in May of this year. A wide variety of businesses including restaurants, caterers, hotels and ski resorts validated our last two years of work in the community by committing to serve as host sites for apprenticeship work as we move forward.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
One that I have been trying to incorporate over the last year or so is to “assume best intentions.” Far too many conflicts/grievances/squabbles can arise out of misinterpreting or making less than charitable assumptions about the actions of others (something I have certainly been prone to). Much of this can be avoided by simply giving folks the benefit of the doubt, and as often as not, their intentions were indeed positive.
What was your first job?
Despite the fact that I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula, my first paid work was actually with Mountain Air Sports rafting rentals in Tahoe City when I was 14. My uncle was a bus driver for the company during the rafting season, and while visiting him one summer, I fell in love with the place and asked my parents if I could stay for a month. They said yes, and I wound up working there the rest of the season and returning when I was 17 to work a full summer. Awesome memories!
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
It’s just a great place to live and work. I love the beautiful scenery and the unending recreational options. I love the seasonal changes, and I love being a part of the vibrant patchwork of people, groups and places that make up the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
Not outside of work, but if anyone wants to send me some suggestions and why I should volunteer for a particular organization, please feel free to do so at sweigert@ltcc.edu!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Aside from getting out in the mountains or on the lake, my favorite thing to do outside of work is probably playing music. I can be found most Monday nights at Base Camp Pizza Co, in the Heavenly Village, playing guitar and singing bluegrass, folk, country and classic rock tunes, along with a few songs of my own.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Outdoors: Desolation, Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Nevada Beach, Round Hill, Hope Valley, much more.
Establishments: Base Camp Pizza, MacDuff’s, California Burger, Harumi, Jalisco…Boyd’s Barber Shop!
Get in touch with Josh today:
Email Josh
LTCC ADVANCE