Alumni Spotlight - Ryan Clausen & C.j Ford

Ryan Clausen and C.j Ford trace the beginning of their business ownership to EvCC, crediting the college for allowing them to explore different ideas on their way to becoming entrepreneurs. “I learned self-discipline and proper study habits, helping me to narrow down my long-term goals,” says Ryan. Ryan went on to graduate from the University of Washington at Bothell with a business degree. C.j Ford, Ryan’s friend and business partner, says, “All of my professors were kind and quite helpful. At EvCC, I learned to be in charge of my life.” Cascade Courier, a local delivery service, was established in 2004 by C.j’s father. Last January, the two friends joined together to purchase the business, currently serving a variety of clients in the greater Everett area. “My advice to current students is to ‘follow your passion,’” says Ryan. “Never give up!”

What is your current occupation/career?

C.j: I currently own a courier business with my friend, Ryan. We are enjoying our journey in business ownership.

Ryan: I am an entrepreneur at heart. Besides co-owning Cascade Courier with C.j, I have many side jobs as well. These activities include evaluating businesses and collecting statistics at local professional sporting events.

How did you choose EvCC?

C.j: EvCC was in a good location, had the classes I wanted to take, and was affordable. I had a great time attending.

Ryan: When I was a junior in high school, my friends started going off to Running Start and Sno-Isle at various locations. At first, I didn't take that step because I had no background of the specifics, worried it would affect my sports career, and liked being with my high school friends. However, I regret not starting sooner. It turns out EvCC lets you do it all! I spent my senior year attending EvCC for Running Start after I heard more great things. I chose EvCC as it was close to my high school (Marysville Getchell), and enabled me to still compete in my high school sports activities (varsity golf and tennis).

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?

C.j: EvCC let me explore different ideas. While it sounds cheesy, I really think knowledge and education are important for everyone.

Ryan: Although I only attended for one full year, I learned very quickly that finance, statistics, and computers were some of my strong suits. EvCC helped me narrow down my long-term goals drastically for the better. I also loved the freedom of choosing my desired class times, which I had not experienced in my earlier years of schooling. This let me sync up at least a couple classes with my closest friends, while meeting lots of new great students as well. The teachers were all unique in their own way. I learned self-discipline, proper study habits, effective weightlifting skills, and enjoyed learning more about wildlife and technology on a weekend field trip with my geography class.

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

C.j: I finished my high school education.

Ryan: I went on to pursue a four-year bachelor's degree at the University of Washington Bothell (UWB). I graduated UWB in June of 2018 with a double concentration in finance/technology innovation management. Thanks to EvCC, I technically finished classes after the Fall 2017 quarter (finishing two full quarters early), providing me a savings of roughly $7,000 worth of tuition! 

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?

C.j: I don't think there was a single person I can pinpoint, but all the professors were kind and the students and administration I interacted with were quite helpful.

Ryan: I would like to give extra thanks to a couple teachers in particular that always remained positive, cared about my passions, and helped me understand that you can work hard, yet learn a lot and still have fun doing so. Those instructors were Kerry Lyste and Cheryl Gstohl.

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

C.j: There's no shame in loving to learn--try to keep your options open as long as possible. It never fails to amaze me how life changes. Having a ten-year plan is great, but if, three years ago, I made all my decisions today, things would be different. Don't burn bridges for the same reason.

Your friends probably have great advice and terrible advice; listen to both. Some great ideas I have come across came from unexpected places. 

Find someone you admire and ask how they got their job/status; it's usually more roundabout then you might imagine.

Life as a adult is complicated and crazy--don't forget to smile and enjoy the ride every now and again. 

Learn to play music, even self taught. I never regretted playing any instrument; it's worth it. Ten minutes at least three times a week of practice will take you farther than you anticipate. . 

A higher education is a worthy goal, but don't forget to learn practical things like how to fix a toilet, tie a good knot (preferably five), basic first-aid, cook three good meals, etc. These basic skills go far as you get older. It also helps to explore more mundane things to find a unexpected passion. 

Take a philosophy course or two; the basics apply to everything.

Call your mother--she loves and misses you.

You're in charge of your life, so act like it. After sixteen, it's all on you. 

No one is against you; they are for themselves.

Ryan:  Follow your passions! College is designed to be hard for a reason. GPA is not everything, as it is a number needed to put on paper. Many times throughout college, you will experience lower GPA numbers than you believe you deserved. I met individuals who were smarter and brighter than me, and yet I had a higher grade in that class than them. Knowledge gained is the most important.

Turn any frustration into fuel to do better for the next quarter. 

And the most iconic phrase I say to everyone I meet: never give up!