Employee Spotlight: Patrick Scherz
Pat Scherz is an official "Sales Guy" here at Website Pipeline - meaning when someone comes to us in need of ERP-integrated websites or tools, he's the one on the phone finding out what their businesss needs, if our software is the best solution, answering all their questions, and ultimately getting a quote in their hands so they can make a well-informed decision.
With a wide range of entrepreneurial experience, from business ownership to operation, he was well prepared when a new opportunity came along with Website Pipeline - and after seeing what he had already accomplished on his own, we couldn't wait to get him on board and put his talents to good use solving problems for our prospective customers.
He also might hold the record for youngest sole proprietor of a restaurant and bar, but we can't say for sure.
Where are you from/where did you grow up?
I am from Greenville, SC. I’ve been here my whole life except for a year and a half stint in Puerto Rico when I was 13-14 years old. Very proud of Greenville, love calling it home.
What project/goal that you worked on are you most proud of?
Currently working on a life-style brand called “Paddle Life” that caters to paddle sport enthusiasts.
My goal is to create this brand with a huge giving back initiative for children in need. Recently we sponsored an event for the Special Olympic Stand-Up Paddle Team out of Columbia, SC by selling our products and donating the proceeds to the group. At the end of the day I love the satisfaction that comes from helping make someone’s day/week/month/life better. Can’t beat it.
What TV/Movie character would you be if you could choose?
Easy – Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. I can’t really tell you why other than the fact that I’m a Johnny Depp fan AND I like to stir the pot a bit and challenge the norm – which his character does often. I also love being on the water so that probably contributes to the idea.
What's the funniest thing that has happened at Website Pipeline?
That is one tough question to answer in a few sentences. If I had to pick one I’d have to say seeing Brian Seidel in a PBR vest and matching slacks, dancing on the catwalk adjacent from the one I was on at our Sage Summit After Dark party in Chicago. At that moment I knew I was working at the right place.
What do you like doing outside of work?
This is a long list – anything active usually tops it.
I regularly play flag football, softball, volleyball, golf, basketball, hockey and I love to take the boat and/or the paddle boards out on the water.
I love the mountains, especially when there’s snow on them and I’m strapped to a snowboard.
Paddle surfing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, all get my blood pumping and put a smile on my face. My end goal is to retire on the intracoastal waterway and/or on a lake near the mountains in either SC or NC. #waterbug
Which college(s) did you attend?
Clemson University - studied marketing and management. Love the concept of business and making money.
What's the best book you've ever read?
"Start Something That Matters", by Blake Mycoskie (Toms Shoes) or "The Everything Store", by Jeff Bezos (clearly a trend here)
What do you watch on TV?
My favorite movies are Oh Brother Where Art Thou, and Sandlot. If I'm just watching TV I usually go for a show like Dexter, or Shark Tank.
What's your favorite thing to eat?
Green bean casserole – I have no idea why it’s my favorite but I can eat the mess out of it. Maybe because it reminds me of Thanksgiving and family but who knows.
Who is your hero/someone you look up to?
Would have to be my Dad - very smart man with great work ethic. If I can be half as brilliant and half as successful as he is I’ll be happy.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and who would you take with you?
I want to go back to Barcelona, Spain and I’m taking my partner in crime with me – my beautiful future baby mamma by the name of Hope. Beautiful part of the world rich in history and culture.
What’s your favorite thing about working at WSP?
The people here – definitely much like a family and everyone is top notch. Also the work hard, play hard mentality is key to loving what you do for a living.
What is one thing you couldn’t go a day without?
Laughing – as corny as that sounds. Always great for the soul, well that and coffee.
Do you have any pet peeves?
My biggest – leaving clothes in the dryer or laundry basket to get wrinkled. I hate ironing, and leaving them bunched up makes them that much harder to iron. I’m cringing writing this.
What is your life motto/favorite quote?
Procrastination is the thief of time – carpe diem. My father used to get me planners each Christmas and would write that in the front cover. Has stuck with me since I was a young boy. Time is the most precious commodity and one of the few items money/success can’t get back, no matter how much you have.
What is your theme song?
This is a tough one – right now I’m on this “Saturday Night (acoustic)” by Sam Hunt kick. There is a line “We’re way too young to be sitting at home”, that resonates with me because I’m always going to be “too young” to sit at home.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Ambitious. Passionate. Relentless.
Pat is one of 60+ Website Pipeline employees, all of whom are in North America. Sometimes, when people stand him up for meetings, he channels his frustrations into interpretive cubicle dances too saucy for instagram. You can learn more about the Website Pipeline culture on our website, or visit our Meet The Team page to see more WSP employees.