City Magazine’s Ones to Watch recognizes up-and-coming leaders who enhance local business and the community as a whole through their work and volunteerism. This year, ten people were chosen by a panel of past winners after being nominated by their peers and employers. Congratulations to these outstanding leaders.
Jacob Vogel
Coca-Cola Bottling Company, president
What is the single biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Easiest advice I can give is to connect and establish good relationships.
Why is it important to you to be involved in the community?
We are selling the idea of “Open Happiness,” so we want to be a part of people’s daily lives. The more we are part of their fundraisers, family gatherings, and recreational times, the more we gain loyal consumers of our products.
Tell us about your family.
I lost my father, Carl Vogel, in April due to pancreatic cancer complications. I had the pleasure of working with him for a little over five years, and I miss him every day. He left me large shoes to fill while I’m also fitting into my own shoes. My mom, Kim, resides here in Jefferson City, and I also have a younger sister who is an attorney for the attorney general’s office in NYC.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Here at Coca-Cola (hopefully making progress towards having a wife and kids), trying my best to grow and expand our business.
Charity of choice and why?
I recently joined the American Red Cross board, due to the fact my father received over 50 units of blood in a year’s time. It is very important to me to donate.
What are some words you live by?
Sua sponte — Latin for “of your own accord.” It’s the Army’s Ranger unit motto. You only live once and life is short.
What animal would be your spirit animal and why?
A tiger or a lion. It would be cool to be king of the jungle for a day.
What trait do you most want in a co-worker and why?
The ability to listen, execute a plan, and develop a relationship with our customers so our company is successful. In return, our employees and community will grow as well.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have a sweet tooth and like all desserts, especially gooseberry pie. I appreciate that it’s seasonal and harder to find.
Community Involvement:
- JC Mentors Program
- Boys and Girls Club board
- St. Mary’s Foundation board
- United Way
- Red Cross board
- Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce
