There’s a lot to love about life at VFA HQ, but our favorite perk is getting to hang with the Fellows…a lot. Whether they’re dropping in to help out at Selection Day, or giving us a call to chat about life, work, and the companies they’re dreaming up, the Team gets to know our Fellows pretty well. So while we might be a little biased, we think they’re pretty awesome—and we figured it was time to share the wealth.
You may know where our Fellows live, and if they’re starting a company, but ever wonder which books they couldn’t live without? Their favorite fro-yo joint they’ve found in their city? Their pro tips for staying productive at work? We’re kicking off our Fellow Spotlight Series with Mitch Rubin, a 2014 Detroit Fellow and Duke alum (congrats on the win last night!), who gave us his thoughts on how to succeed at a startup, his favorite local beer in Detroit, and everything in between.
Name: Mitch Rubin
College or University: Duke ’14
Major: Political Science
VFA City: Detroit
Company Name: BoostUp
Role: “Marketing Manager” — but it’s not fair to put a label on it.
Describe what your company does in a tweet: Social savings platform enabling people to save toward their next car or home with help from exclusive brand partners, family, and friends.
Best part of startup life:
The responsibility and independence you’re given. You have the potential to make significant decisions that will impact your business every day. And of course, that I don’t have to shave my beard every morning.
One thing you’ve learned about how to be a great startup employee:
Propose your own ideas or perspectives often. But make sure you think about all angles and rebuttals for your idea before you blindly suggest it to the team. And as always, get stuff done.
One tip/life hack for staying productive at work:
The Pomodoro Technique. 1 pomodoro = 25 minutes of straight grinding, followed by a 5 minute break. After completing four pomodoros (2 hours), take 20 minutes to relax, take care of personal to-dos, or eat lunch. Then get right back at it with some more pomodoro. #formaggio
The coolest part about living in your city:
Seeing progress happen on a daily basis. From constant construction, to more foot-traffic, to cool new restaurants and businesses opening up. And not just any city, but Detroit: the past epicenter of American culture and success.
Someone is spending 48 hours in your city; what are the top 3 things to do during that time?
- Go for a bike ride along the Riverfront.
- Walk through the Packard Plant without getting caught.
- Check out the madness of Old Shillelagh’s.
Most surprising aspect of living in a VFA city:
The immediacy of a connection felt to your city. From instantly becoming a Red Wings fan, to following the local news and developments, you feel invested in your city.
Best food or beverage you tried for the first time in Detroit:
Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale.
Most significant life lesson you’ve learned since becoming a VFA Fellow:
Prioritize what’s most important to you, and follow through with it. We all want to do so much and be a part of so many things, and it’s simply not possible to do it all. If you focus on what matters most in your life, you’ll be satisfied and fulfilled.
One book or blog you think every current and future VFA Fellow should read and why:
Reread Catcher in the Rye. Just do it.
One invaluable part of your daily routine that you’d recommend to other Fellows:
10 minutes of meditation every morning.
If you could tell your junior-year-of-college-self one piece of advice, it would be to:
Wake up early in the morning. Carpe diem. I know it’s cliché, but it’s far too easy to let the days go by in college. Enjoy every freaking second you’re there.
Most ridiculous company idea you and your fellow Fellows have come up with:
If I told you, I’d have to kill you.
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted to VFA?
In the middle of a 2 ½ hour class on a Monday night. Stepped outside, listened to my voicemail from Andrew, and then left class immediately.
What else is cookin’ in the life of Mitch Rubin? Where can people connect with you online and learn more about what you’re up to?
Twitter handle: @mrubin24. Lots of things brewing: from startup ideas, to recording songs, to getting involved in local organizations like The Future Project. More updates to come!