Nick Koch 29 Occupation: Strategic account representative, TechGuard Security
Email: nicholas.koch@techguardsecurity.com
Education: University of Mississippi
Family: Parents, Steve and Jodie Koch; Mom, Lisa Kincaid; Wife, Dr. Allison Long
Affiliations/community activities: RISE, chair-elect, community service subcommittee, events subcommittee; United Way of Central Illinois, board of directors and resource development committee; Local First Springfield, board member; Chatham Jaycees, member; Wooden It Be Lovely, volunteer; Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County, volunteer; Titan Fuel, volunteer; Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group, member and Real Men Read, volunteer
What is your guiding principle in life? Work hard, give back and support your community whenever possible. Always treat others the way you want to be treated. Martin Luther King Jr. has a quote I try to live by, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
What is your greatest hope for Springfield? My greatest hope for Springfield would be to keep young professionals here and attract more young professionals to town. I hope more job opportunities come to town that attract young professionals who will plant their roots here.
What would you like to give back to your community? There isn't one particular thing I'd like to give back, but rather, know that I've made a positive impact and encouraged others to get involved and give back to the community. Like Howard Zinn said, "Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path? Life is like a roller coaster – there's ups and downs, twists and turns, so strap in and enjoy the ride.
Are there any events of the past year that have affected you and how so?
Being involved with RISE Springfield, United Way of Central Illinois, Local First Springfield and Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group have opened many doors for me and allowed me to make both personal and business connections that will last a lifetime. I've really discovered what it means to be involved and have seen firsthand what it means to "get out what you put in."
What's the song you sing in the shower? "Cheeseburger in Paradise," by Jimmy Buffett
