A metro Detroit native, the now 21-year-old had a bit of a topsy-turvy direction post high school. He had a years-long itch to go to watchmaking school, but after getting denied numerous times, he enrolled in community college classes and worked as an assistant to an occupational therapist. He was 19 when he made the jump to Michigan State University to immerse himself in French studies.<\/p>\n
Soon after, a failed quiz led him to his true calling in life. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe professor told us we had to do something PR related in order to get extra credit for the quiz, so I updated my profile on LinkedIn,\u201d said Mitch. \u201cInstead of taking the extra credit, I got a job with Shinola and left the university to follow what I was originally after.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite his lack of experience in the industry at the time, Mitch wowed the Shinola team during the interview process as he displayed an extensive knowledge of both quartz and automatic timepieces. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time, we were looking for someone with experience, but Mitch\u2019s love for the brand and watches in general spoke volumes,\u201d said Shinola Head of Watch Manufacturing Kathryn Hoffman. \u201cWe extended an offer and Mitch joined the repair team.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mitch’s passion for watches came at a young age. Most second graders are interested in cool erasers and snack time, but Mitch was focused on something else. <\/p>\n
\u201cI got my first watch in second grade when I was going back-to-school shopping,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was a Timex and I was so fascinated by the second hand\u2014it was a lightning bolt. Wondering about how things work really pulled me in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Consider the lightning bolt as the symbol that illuminated his way\u2014from a curious second grader to his first chance at learning the art of watchmaking with Shinola, a brand also with an affinity for lightning bolts. <\/p>\n
Mitch\u2019s natural talent for watchmaking did not go unnoticed when he started at the watch factory at the brand\u2019s Detroit headquarters. The lead watchmaker took him under his wing and not only trained Mitch on how to repair quartz watches but also how to handle automatic movements.<\/p>\n
He learned quickly and became a key player during the launch of Shinola\u2019s first automatic watch, the Lake Erie Monster.<\/p>\n
While we value such raw talent, at Shinola, we believe in helping our employees grow to their full potential, even if that means letting them spread their wings beyond our walls. <\/p>\n
After nearly two years at Shinola, Mitch was one of only 14 students to be admitted to the Lititz Watch Technicum in Pennsylvania. Founded by Rolex in 2001, the school offers a two-year, year-round program to help students become qualified to service high-end watch brands. <\/p>\n
The Shinola team is incredibly proud of Mitch and we cannot wait to see what his future holds.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to fulfill the best role I can in this profession. I want to make all of the opportunity and hard work worth it,\u201d he said. \u201cWatchmaking has been the result of hundreds of years of passionate people. It\u2019s too great of a thing to let go. To me, it\u2019s about doing the best work I can each and every day.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A metro Detroit native, the now 21-year-old had a bit of a topsy-turvy direction post high school. He had a years-long itch to go to watchmaking school, but after getting denied numerous times, he enrolled in community college classes and worked as an assistant to an occupational therapist. He was 19 when he made the […]<\/p>\n