Business

Internships in the Time of COVID-19: How Brightree continues development of young professionals

Published

4 years ago

August 20, 2020

Brightree 2020 interns in a Zoom meeting. Top left, Kamryn Taylor, Marketing Sales Rep Intern. Top right, Briana Anderson, Marketing Intern. Bottom left, Lexi Mellott, Marketing Intern. Bottom right, Anete Foss, Graphic Design Intern. (Photos courtesy of Trish Nettleship)

Internships are a key stepping stone on the path to success for college students and recent graduates, but many have seen that important growth period deferred or taken away amid the COVID-19 crisis. Brightree, a software company based in Peachtree Corners that caters to post-acute healthcare, wanted to find a way to continue their thriving internship program in a safe, beneficial manner for both the interns and the company.

The 2020 Brightree Internship Program

“We had to step back and say, ‘How do we want to approach this internship?’ And it was a challenge, because most of our managers (who are part of the internship program) are used to managing people on-site. It was a huge adjustment,” said Trish Nettleship, Vice President of Marketing at Brightree.

Valid concerns were raised regarding working remotely with interns who may require additional guidance. Nettleship and other leaders felt strongly that providing learning opportunities in a real business environment was something that needed to go forward despite the extra challenges that a virtual internship program would present.

This is the fourth official year of the Brightree internship program, though Brightree has intermittently employed interns prior to that as needed. It’s typically a 10-week summer internship program from mid-May to late July, with all interns starting at the same time and collaborating on various work projects. Students in the program were treated just like any new hire, with orientation and being assigned a buddy to assist them and show how team dynamics work at the company.

A throwback to the 2017 Brightree Internship program. The interns were treated to a product overview presentation and received official Brightree backpacks and other goodies.

“(The internship program) has become more and more crucial to our business, quite frankly. The interns, they are younger, they are in college, they are coming in with a fresher perspective than what we have,” said Nettleship.

The Fabulous Four Interns

The number of interns that Brightree took on for the summer was reduced to four individuals, as opposed to the standard 10 to 15 people. Kamryn Taylor served as the Marketing Sales Rep Intern, Aneta Foss was the Graphic Design Intern, and the two additional Marketing Interns were Briana Anderson and Lexi Mellott.

“I was actually really grateful that Brightree was still having their internship,” said Foss.
Every day, the four interns met with the marketing team on Zoom for a daily stand-up to see what had been done on their on-going projects. Foss’ role was more visual and instructional, working on e-book informational guides and supplemental graphic design projects as they arose. Taylor worked directly with clients, as well as cold calling, hoping to walk through interactive tutorials of Brightree’s software offerings.

The two marketing interns “assisted the team in areas of marketing communications, marketing research, and digital marketing. That translates to researching the industry to provide insight for content for the blog and the website, and to provide insight into the brand’s digital footprint,” according to Anderson.

The main issues that came up had to do with longer task completion times simply due to working in different places, as well as having to relay complex information such as new software techniques over the phone versus having the luxury of a manager talking through it face-to-face. However, the four enterprising women rose to the challenge and steadily improved as the weeks went on.

“The company did a really good job, because they scheduled one-on-ones with each member of the team, trying to get to know me and I’m getting to know them. I could reach out to anybody if I needed help,” said Foss.

Taylor also expressed positive views about how the internship program was run. “I would say, despite being online, everyone has been really helpful and really good with communication,” she said.

Anderson had this to say about her time at Brightree: “I’ve learned so much during this internship, but I think the things that have meant the most are not the technical skills but rather what I’ve learned about what I want in a work environment. Brightree has shown to me how much I value the collaborative work environment. Everyone is involved in ideation and planning, even if they won’t be involved in the creation of assets until later down the line — and I love that!” Anderson said.

Another look back at the 2017 Brightree Summer interns as they presented a recap of their projects and experience to the executive team. Kensley, Marketing Intern (left) and Anissa, Business Analyst Intern (right). (Photos Brightree’s Facebook page)

What to expect

The future for these young ladies looks blindingly bright. Taylor is a rising senior from the University of Georgia who plans to continue her career in sales. Foss is a junior at Georgia State University with aspirations to land a graphic design position with a company similar to Brightree after graduation.

Mellott, a local graduate of Wesleyan School, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Georgia Tech. Anderson is entering her fourth year at Georgia Tech and currently deciding between the career paths of UX/UI Design or Marketing.

With the current state of the worldwide business marketplace so in flux because of COVID-19, it is encouraging to see a Peachtree Corners company standing behind the workforce of tomorrow, giving them a foundation to build on.

Related Topics:Brightree Business covid19 Featured Healthcare healthcare technology Internships young professionals

Up Next

Firebirds Lemonade Days 2020- Month of August

Don't Miss

Startup Atlanta Releases the 2020 Guide to the Ecosystem

Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

Business

VyStar Credit Union Continues Growth in Georgia with the Opening of a Peachtree Corners Branch

Published

20 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for May 29, 2024

VyStar Credit Union has to announced that its Peachtree Corners location is now open at 5125 Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners. This is VyStar’s fifth full-service branch in Metro Atlanta and joins branches in Stockbridge, Suwanee, Smyrna and Marietta.

In support of its purpose to “Do Good,” VyStar partners with non-profit organizations across the communities it serves. VyStar will make a $5,000 donation to the Rainbow Village to celebrate the grand opening of the Peachtree Corners branch at the ribbon cutting event in late May.

“VyStar’s first branch in Gwinnett will provide residents and business owners with better banking options, including free checking, access to early direct deposit, great rates, financial wellness education through VyStar’s Financial Fitness initiative, and unbelievable member-centric service that only a credit union can provide,” said VyStar EVP/Chief Operations Officer Chad Meadows.

The Peachtree Corners branch features VyStar’s digital-forward design, which enhances how employees connect with members. This includes interactive touchscreen kiosks that provide financial tools and allow members to quickly explore the latest products, services and rates.

Lobby and drive-thru hours for the Peachtree Corners branch are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

VyStar continues to work with local organizations to build up the communities it serves. In Metro Atlanta, that includes supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Junior Achievement of Georgia, Frontline Housing Inc., H.E.R.O. For Children and many others.

“Each time VyStar opens a new branch, it is another opportunity for us to support our purpose to Do Good. With eight full-service branches now in Georgia and our first Contact Center in Metro Atlanta, VyStar is able to provide residents and area businesses with exceptional financial products along with personalized service,” said VyStar SVP/Georgia Market President Janean Armstrong.

VyStar has seven additional locations in Georgia: Marietta, Smyrna, Suwanee, Stockbridge, Brunswick, Savannah and Thomasville, with plans to open branches in Pooler, Kingsland and Peachtree City over the next year.

The credit union is also expanding its services in Florida with a third branch in Tallahassee scheduled to open in May followed by a branch opening in the Lake Nona area in August.

To celebrate the grand opening, the community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Learn more about the Peachtree Corners branch.

Business

Kendra Scott Opens New Store At The Forum

Published

2 weeks ago

April 26, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott is celebrating the opening of its newest store in Peachtree Corners the weekend of May 10 at The Forum.

Upon opening, the 2,263 square foot store will display Kendra Scott’s current collections. The store will also showcase the brand’s unique Color Bar, offering shoppers an interactive experience to create customized jewelry in minutes and leave with it in hand.

Worn by celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Camila Cabello, Mindy Kaling, Zendaya and Kelly Clarkson, Kendra Scott’s collections are known for their custom-created stone shapes, genuine materials and design details.

This will be Kendra Scott’s first store in Gwinnett County, which joins five other retail locations in Georgia.

The brand will continue to show its support for the community through partnerships with non-profits and local businesses. For the grand opening weekend, Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners will host various non-profits for Kendra Gives Back events, donating a percentage of proceeds directly back to the causes.

Kendra Scott hosts more than 10,000 Kendra Gives Back events in retail stores annually and looks forward to establishing relationships and connecting with the Gwinnett County community.

“We’re excited to continue introducing the community to new brands, bites and events at The Forum as part of our vision to create downtown Peachtree Corners. Kendra Scott will be a welcome addition, providing our guests a top-notch experience to shop its unique offerings in person,” said Charlotte Hinton, The Forum marketing manager.

Doors will open on Friday, May 10, at 10 a.m. with celebrations throughout the weekend, including giveback events, gifts with purchase and giveaways. RSVP for more details here.

Upcoming events:

Friday, May 10 from 10-12 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with The Forum for a VIP event. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special jewelry gift with purchase.* Guests will also enjoy refreshments from Giulia, The Italian Bakery.
Friday, May 10 from 5-7 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with the Norcross High School Cheer Team and donating 20% of proceeds. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase* Guests can also receive a custom embroidered bow from Quiet Hours Embroidery with purchase.
Saturday, May 11 from 4-6 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is partnering with Spectrum Autism Support Group and donating 20% of proceeds. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase.* Guests will also enjoy complimentary cotton candy from Wonder Soirée with every purchase.
Sunday, May 12 from 12-2 p.m. – Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is celebrating the Community of Motherhood. Supporters who spend $100 will receive a special gift with purchase.* Guests will also receive a complimentary Mother’s Day bouquet of flowers from Nancy’s Flower Truck.

*One per person while supplies last.

Kendra Scott Peachtree Corners is located at 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 710 in Peachtree Corners at The Forum. For companywide updates and product details, follow @kendrascott on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Business

BRACK: Peachtree Corners to lose Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Published

3 weeks ago

April 19, 2024

Courtesy of Elliott Brack's Gwinnett Forum

Scottt Gottuso and Geoffrey Wilson. Photo provided.

Peachtree Corners will soon lose one of its most iconic, popular and tasty businesses.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier, run by Geoffrey Wilson and Scott Gottuso, has been told by Peachtree Forum landlords, North American Properties and Nuveen Real Estate, that its lease will not be renewed. The last day of business will be July 25.

Meanwhile, Peachtree Forum is getting several new stores. They include Kendra Scott, Sucre, and The NOW Massage. Previously announced were Alloy Personal Training, Cookie Fix, Gallery Anderson Smith, Giulia, Lovesac, Nando’s Peri-Peri and Stretchlab. Wilson adds: “We are not in their big picture.”

Wilson has operated Peterbrooke at the Peachtree Forum for 14 years and Gottuso has been there nine years. They have made the chocolatier profitable and doubled sales. Wilson says: “We turned it around through community involvement and made relationships. We worked with the schools, gave donations, did a lot in the community, and made a difference. We produce most everything we sell in the shop, so it’s labor intensive. We make European-style chocolate treats from scratch from the very best ingredients, package it, make gift baskets, and also sell a lot of gelato.”

Key items include truffles, hand-made caramels, cherry cordials, chocolate-covered cookies and pretzels and strawberries hand-dipped in their own blend of chocolates. (They are all good!) One of Wilson’s and Gottuso’s most iconic products is chocolate popcorn. Once you try it, regular popcorn is tasteless. “We sell a lot of it.” Wilson adds: “Gelato sales have carried us in the summertime, since there are not many chocolate holidays in the summer.”

Peterbrooke now has five employees, and would like to have 10, but it is difficult to hire people with the skills in chocolatiering. A key part of its business is corporate companies, such as Delta Air Lines and Capital Insight. The Peachtree Corners’ Peterbrooke has corporate customers as far away as Cleveland, Ohio.

The operators were surprised when the Forum owners did not renew its five year lease. “The big decisions were made in Charlotte or Cincinnati, not locally,” Wilson feels. “We were no longer in their big picture. They want new and glitzy, shiny, fancy and trendy.”

The operators plan to start their own chocolate company, to be called “Scoffrey,” and initially sell online, plus have pop-up locations during holidays, and possibly have a booth in other merchants’ stores on occasions.

“Whatever we do would look different. We might rent a space somewhere close by so that people can still have the good chocolate experience with us, but we won’t have a regular audience walking by.”

Another element: the price of chocolate futures has spiked this year, with a bad crop production year. Wilson says: “That is key to our business and a huge cost increase. That doesn’t help.”

Wilson adds that the forced closing of the Peterbrooke location “is something like the death of a friend. But you go to the funeral and to the wake, and in six months or a year, It won’t be so bad.”

Have a comment? Send to: elliott@elliottbrack

Written by Elliott Brack

This material is presented with permission from Elliott Brack’s GwinnettForum, an online site published Tuesdays and Fridays. To become better informed about Gwinnett, subscribe (at no cost) at GwinnettForum