Mentor Meeting 1- Tyler Sigler

Over a month ago, I took a mission trip to Loskop, South Africa. On the trip were 9 of my close friends and two leaders who had played football and graduated from Wheaton College in the past. While on the trip, I became close with one of our leaders, Freddy Ellis. Once returning to campus, I asked Freddy if he could mentor me, not really knowing what exactly it was that he did. I met with him two weekends ago in the city, as he took me to his crossfit gym. We worked out together, then talked for awhile about how he decided to work in the field he did, and why he decided to do so. Freddy grew up in Texas before coming to Wheaton. His dad, a successful pharmaceutical sales rep, inspired his son to go into the business program here. Although Freddy only found a few key classes really beneficial during his time here at Wheaton, he really enjoyed attending Wheaton and playing football. As I have begun to figure out what exactly it is that the Lord has planned for me after graduating in December, I think he has placed Freddy in my life to help me do so. Freddy helped start a real estate program at Hope Academy, a private charter school in Chicago. After working to help start that for four years, Freddy left to work at J.P. Morgan Chase, in outside sales. But, after only 6 months of working there, Freddy knew that it wasn't for him. While in college, he and one of his close friends had always dreamed of starting up their own company. They had even made a business plan, thinking that some day once they had enough experience, they would branch out and chase after some idea.  And sure enough, that is exactly what Freddy is doing now. He has begun his career as his own boss, as an "entrepreneur." And he has really inspired me to do the same. That regardless of what exactly it is that I feel the Lord calling me to, that I need to somewhat risk it all and chase after it all. Freddy has become extremely successful, as he is the co-founder of Watermark Properties, a real estate development company based out of Naperville. Freddy loves what he does, and inspires me to do the same. He told me that some nights he has trouble falling asleep, because he gets so excited to go back to work the next day. They're company is growing rapidly, and Freddy is loving it. I have set another time to meet with him, and I will continue to ask questions and find out more as to exactly how he is motivated to love what he does so much.