Skylight Financial Group’s 2019 summer intern program is underway! Over the course of the next few weeks we will be introducing these 11 aspiring professionals working with our teams across the state of Ohio. Get to know Greg, Taylor, and Tyler below.
Greg Hamper-Mentor, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
I am a junior at John Carroll University. I chose John Carroll because of the strong support opportunities they give veterans like myself. Going to one of the states premiere business schools was also very important to me.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I have been interested in financial planning since I started my degree three years ago and over time I have developed a great relationship with the senior advisors at Skylight. It is because of them and their openness to mentorship that I am here today.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I am a very passionate outdoorsmen and spend a lot of my free time hunting and fishing. If I can get the opportunity to bring other veterans along and share the experience with them, then that makes it even better.
What life achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of becoming a husband and father to my incredible wife and son. They are both my biggest support and the reason I work as hard as I do.
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
The Umbrella Academy on Netflix. Such a cool show!
What is the funniest “dad joke” you know?
A photon walked into a hotel, and at the front door the bellhop asked if he had any luggage. The photon replied, “nope, I’m traveling light.”
Taylor Wise-Whitehouse, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
University of Toledo. A lot of my family went there, and they have a really great business program.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I really love to help people in whatever way I can. I always put people’s needs before my own. I know that Skylight is an amazing company, so I am excited to jumpstart my career and become a financial planner.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I love to hang out with friends and have a great time. I love spending time with them and getting to hear about their days.
If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
I would choose Katy Perry’s “California Girls” because I’m “fine, fresh, fierce” and “got it on lock”. Country Roads would be my second choice!
What is the funniest “dad joke” you know?
Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece…
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
The Office.
Tyler Tucker-Springfield, OH
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
Originally, I chose to attend Ohio University to pursue astrophysics major, one of the few schools in the state with that program. It wasn’t until later that I discovered a passion for business and decided to switch majors.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I have always loved the idea of helping people as a career, and financial planning seems like the perfect mix between supporting others and of utilizing my skills as a business professional.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
For as long I can remember I have had a love of sports. I watch a ton of football, and try to get on a golf course as frequently as possible!
If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
Hey Ya by Outkast. It’s a crowd pleaser that everyone knows by heart!
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
I have just recently started Game of Thrones this summer and I am loving every minute of it!
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life what would it be?
Interstellar, because everything in the movie is true to the laws of physics—besides the blackhole scene, of course—and the acting is incredible.
William Sergio – Grove City, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
Bowling Green State University. I go to BGSU because the tuition was affordable, and the business school has a wide variety of resources and programs to utilize.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I wanted to become a financial professional because I like to help people. I wanted an internship to see what the business is like, and I chose Skylight because their program values the intern’s own education over everything else.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I am a serious history buff. I study WW2 collect militaria from the time period, and over the years I have built a small museum at my house. I also love hockey. I used to play goalie when I was younger, and I am a huge fan of the Columbus blue jackets.
What is the funniest “dad joke” you know?
“Hey there is something in my shoe”
The dad: “yeah it’s called your foot!”
If you could share a beer with any person throughout history, who would it be and why?
Charlemagne, King of the Franks. He united most of Europe, was the first emperor to rule from western Europe since the fall of Rome, and is regarded as one of the greatest leaders in world history.
What board game do you believe you have the best chance of winning and why?
Monopoly! I love the game and everyone I meet hates it, so since I play a lot more than most people I have a decent strategy. I also play by the rule book which gives me a better experience. I have a small assortment of Monopoly collector’s edition boards, such as “original 6 hockey” and “WW2” Monopoly boards.
Clayton Brady – Shaker Heights, Ohio
Where do you go to school? Why did you choose to go there?
I am currently at Fairfield University in Connecticut. I had the opportunity to play for their lacrosse team and attend their highly respected business school. Also, seniors at Fairfield get to live on the beach which I thought was really cool.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
Being a finance major and a Cleveland native, Skylight seemed like the perfect place to start building my experience in the industry!
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
Playing lacrosse has always been a huge part of my life. I play long stick middie at Fairfield, which has been rewarding as well as challenging. Besides that, I love watching Cleveland sports, playing video games, and spending time with my family.
Who is your role model? What do you admire about them?
My father has always been my role model. He’s extremely hard working, charismatic, and funny—everything I have strived to be in my life.
What was your first job ever? What did you like/dislike about it?
When I was younger I used to work as a pool attendant at my community pool. I really enjoyed the social aspect of the job and getting to see all my friends there. Cleaning the deck and the bathrooms though was not so enjoyable.
If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
Without a doubt in my mind, Bohemian Rhapsody.
Andrew Smigelski – Waterville, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
I attend Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I was drawn to Miami because of the beautiful campus, and the Farmer School of Business really felt like a place that could guide me to success.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
It provides me with hands-on experience in the field while giving me the opportunity to get a head start in the business.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I love spending time outdoors. Especially when I go fishing. Aside from fishing, I love spending time with my family and friends, hockey, and giving back to my community.
If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus because it is easily her best song and would energize the crowd.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
It was a 3-day country music concert over Labor Day weekend called Red, White, and Boom. I saw Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Blake Sheldon, and Dustin Lynch just to name a few!
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
Parks and Rec. Best show ever created by a wide margin!
Tim Vanderhoof – Lorain, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
The Ohio State University. The driving factor was the fisher business school, and the fact that my two older siblings graduated from there as well.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
To learn if financial planning is the right career decision for me. I have always wanted to pursue a career focused on helping others, a value that Skylight puts first and foremost.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I have recently started pursuing my interest in real estate this year. I am now a licensed agent and love the relationship I have been forming with colleagues and clients. In addition, I am on the rugby team at OSU. When I have some free time (which is rare), I also love to play the FIFA on the PS4.
What life achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of myself for becoming a real estate agent while also being a full-time student.
What is something about you that surprises most people?
People are usually very surprised when I tell them that I play rugby. I have been told that I smile too much to play such an intense sport.
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
Brooklyn 99. It was recommended to me by a friend. I gave it a chance and before you know it… I binge watched the first 3 seasons in two weeks!
Merritt Brewer – Chagrin Falls, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
I will be a senior at Ohio University this fall. OU’s highly respected business school was really the driving factor behind my decision.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I was very intrigued by Skylight’s entrepreneurial spirit right from the start. After attending a luncheon at the Columbus office about the internship opportunity, I immediately jumped at the chance to gain valuable real-world experience.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I love hanging out with friends, spending time with my family, fishing across the state, and playing video games!
Tell us about a few things you have on your bucket list.
There are many things on my bucket list currently, but my two main goals right now are to backpack through Europe, which I plan to do right after graduation. I am also a very passionate hiker and hope to one day climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
What board game do you believe you have the best chance of winning and why?
I believed I have the best chance of winning a game of Settlers of Catan due to my elite strategy and the sheer number of hours I have spent playing.
If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick and why?
If you were to ask me this question a few months ago my answer would have been Picture by Kid Rock and Cheryl Crow. But after seeing a star is born, and hearing Bradley cooper sing, I will have to say shallow by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.
Jackson Taylor – Silver Lake, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
I go to Ohio University. I chose OU after falling in love with the campus and discovering that 2 of my closest childhood friends would also be attending. We have all lived together since freshmen year!
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
When I came across the position online, the description was exactly what I was looking for. Last summer I had the chance to intern in the financial planning world and I found myself really interested in the work. This experience at Skylight will be a perfect test to make sure this is without a doubt the career for me.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I am about as diehard of a Cleveland fan as you can be. Whether it be Browns, Indians, or the Cavs—I can’t get enough! Some of my earliest memories are of going to Tribe games with my family, and I’ll never forget the cavs championship in 2016. I also can’t wait to watch the Browns this season!
Tell us about a few things you have on your bucket list.
Attend a Browns playoff game, Indians world series championship, visits the Grand Canyon and go to Italy on vacation. I would also love to see a concert at Red Rocks in Colorado.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first concert I ever attended was country music legend Eric Church. I saw him at the Q, and to this day it is still one of my favorite memories.
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life what would it be?
It would have to be Warrior. It’s an action-packed movie about two brothers who compete for a UFC championship title.
Zach Hoban – Columbus, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
I go to Bowling Green State University. I chose this school based off the strength of its business school, and the scholarship opportunities I was offered.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
The program is really focused on preparing you for a future career by putting education first. In the long run, this approach will help develop real world experience, so I can see what being a financial advisor is really like.
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
I have a passion for all types of volunteer work. I have made multiple mission trips down to Mexico, but even performing simple acts around my community, like helping a busy parent by watching their kids, is extremely rewarding.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Twenty-One Pilots
What TV show are you currently hooked on?
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
What was your first job ever? What did you like/dislike about it?
My first job ever was at Panera Bread when I was a teenager. I’d have to say my best part of that job was making myself whatever I wanted for free!
Greg Margevicius – Cleveland, Ohio
What college do you currently attend? Why did you choose to go there?
Ohio Wesleyan University. I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship at OWU and they had all the programs I was looking for.
Why did you want to participate in the Skylight Intern program?
I wanted to see what being a business owner was like and I thought Skylight would be a great place to do just that. Very excited to start learning all about the financial services industry!
Outside of school and work, what are you passionate about?
To put in one word—Baseball. I love going to tribe games when I can and I’m really looking forward to Cleveland hosting the All-Star game in July! I also enjoy collecting baseball cards and playing for the whiskey island shamrocks, a local vintage baseball team.
What is the funniest “dad joke” you know?
Did you know alligator can grow up to 10 feet? Most only have 4 though…
What was your first job ever? What did you like/dislike about it?
When I was 14, I worked in the summer for my uncle’s construction company. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I had earned by the end of the summer but spending 8 hours a day on a roof in the summer heat wasn’t so great!
If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life what would it be?
“Remember Red, hope is a beautiful thing.” — Shawshank Redemption
