Roberts students search for free advice from Google, area businesses

“ATG… It’s Our Business” is this year’s theme for the Gifted and Talented Group at Roberts Elementary. 

Business was on their minds when the ATG students had the opportunity to visit The Varsity Shop and Google in downtown Birmingham. 

The two ATG coaches, Kristin Bemis and Julie Cesaro, are guiding their students as they open a school store. Before launching this business, the coaches wanted to give the students an opportunity to speak to the successful business owner of the Varsity Shop as well as a successful employee of Google.

ATG’s first stop was The Varsity Shop, which is celebrating over 55 years of service to its customers. Marc, the owner, offered the students sound advice to owning and operating a successful business. He explained the importance of listening to the customers, knowing when your environment changes-change with it, know your products, bigger is not always better, and most importantly always treat your customers the way you want to be treated. Marc had a great impact on the students. He was motivating and also encouraged the students to think like business men and women. 

Stop number 2 was Google. When the students arrived, they were greeted by Sarah, an employee who has worn many different hats throughout the company. She was able to share several aspects of her life at Google. After a tour of the office (and yes….there IS a slide!) the students participated in a video conference with Google employees from the Chicago and New York offices. 

Sarah spoke to the students about many things, including the importance of working in a team, thinking about how the product the students will sell will help the buyer, creating a culture they want to be a part of, and advertising their product. Through an interactive presentation, she shared the importance of always working hard, getting good grades, helping others, and attending a good college to get a great education. At the conclusion of her presentation, Sarah left the students with: “Do cool things that matter” and “How will you change the world?”

The students were grateful for this unique opportunity. They were able to meet two successful and inspirational people that shared a wealth of knowledge and guided them as they open their own small business. There is still a buzz around Roberts about their visit to The Varsity Shop and Google. Many of the ATG students now have their sights set on working for Google some day!