Week 11

Shawn Cupples ’87 was the featured speaker at the April 21 Ruth A. Miller Senior Business Seminar. Shawn is Vice President for International Business Development for GNC in Pittsburgh. During his talk, he shared his insights and observations on a variety of issues including pursuing career opportunities, communication strategies, and the complexities of international commerce

“Overall, I enjoyed Shawn’s talk with the class because he explained the processes and ideas that go with creating products, not only within the United States but overseas as well. I think having Professor Steven Kandray there also helped show a different side of business that the class was not used to hearing about. If I had a year left at Thiel College, I would choose to take an international marketing class, because this is something that sparked my interest after this past Wednesday night.” Madison Acor ’22

“As per the advice of Professor Miller, Cupples has stayed with GNC for many years because he appreciates their business and products. The speaker also mentioned his travel experiences while at GNC, including his trip to Boston as well as a six-year “trip” to England. Because of these journeys, Cupples obtained a diverse background and was able to appreciate other parts of the world in person.” Emily Baker ’22

“The next point that Shawn brought up I really tried to dissect what he was trying to say, as he was putting much emphasis on the topic and stressing how important it was, this being the communication skills that he said he wished he had earlier in his career. Shawn attributed communication skills in the workplace to being able to build strong teams and relationships so that all these individuals would be able to come together and create an idea that was far better than anything one person could have come up with.” William Brandsema ’21

“I think it was really fun talking about TikTok branding and the influence it has on so many people. Truly, there are videos of people from every single living generation on the app. The reach is astronomical. I never thought of or considered it a branding tool until it was brought to my attention in class, simply because I watch the app every day and it is part of the culture for people to show things they use or review how the product has worked for them. Products being used to gain ‘clout’ was never considered branding to me. Until last night.” Ashton Camerot ’22

“Another principle he spoke on was saying yes when opportunity shows itself. He said not to get bogged down in the details of the opportunity, but instead to say yes and worry about the details after. This went along splendidly with another principle of his which is get diversity in your background. The diversity that he was speaking of is finding things that set you apart from everyone else, and how else are you to find this diversity if you are not willing to say yes to opportunity when it comes. Both principles were accompanied with his stories from around the world as an international representative of the GNC Well brand. He talked about his trips abroad and how his say yes attitude got him to the position he currently holds in GNC, which is Vice President of International Business Development.” Hailee Hess ’21

“Lessons learned, ‘Stick to a business and a product that you like’, ‘Excel is a gift from the gods’, ‘If you can communicate, be flexible, have and build a team, you will be successful’, and ‘Being uncomfortable leads to success.’” Delaney Merideth ’21

“He also said to be flexible in your work environment and do things that will benefit you and learn the way that’s best for you. Shawn and I relate to volunteering in your workplace. I recently joined my company’s safety department for no extra pay, but it will be beneficial to me in the long term. I learned at my job the more opportunities that you take the more opportunities will arrive.” Anthony Sebastian ’21

“That company (GNC) took him on an adventure across the United States and Europe. He has been to nearly 30 countries as a result of his position. He even lived in the United Kingdom for six years. He is the kind of guy that will take on any opportunity open to him, and his successful career is a reflection of that.” Hannah Uschock ’22

“Dinner was pleasant! I was seated with Shawn Cupples and Jess Peters. We were all impressed with the meal in that it was created to put us to sleep! Not really, but the German food was excellent. We talked about each of our lives, and Shawn was able to give us a sneak peek of what he was about to present. He actually took a class with my mom when they both went to Thiel!” Hannah Uschock ’22

“The night began with an excellent meal from the AVI staff. The appetizer consisted of a soup, the entrée was fried veal, and the dessert was a peach pie with ice cream, which was to die for.” Madison Acor ’22