If there was one word to describe Nate Wertz’s career, it would be varied. The native of Mishawaka, Indiana, knew that he liked people and helping others when he graduated with degrees in business and youth ministry, and he followed his heart from there. Learn more about this positive thinker and his unique background.
What’s your pre-TGRP professional background?
I graduated from Bethel College in 2012 and worked for a couple of different churches and nonprofits right afterward. I taught personal finance and entrepreneurship to at-risk teens too, and I ended up working for a financial planning firm as an advisor in residency. My heart is taking care of people and my mind functions in numbers and business!
What led you to Colorado?
In 2014, my wife and I had an opportunity to go down to Costa Rica to work with small businesses and the U.S. Embassy there to secure microloans for those businesses to grow. I was helping write business plans and working with people there. After that, a few connections with some churches in Colorado led us here. And my goal was to start a coffee company.
Tell us about the coffee venture!
I worked with some farmers in Costa Rica and when I came back to the U.S., I met some people who wanted to invest in a coffee shop. I co-founded Monk and Mongoose, which is still around today with locations in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village. I split from my business partner in 2018 to join Lost Coffee as director of retail operations. My focus was ethically sourcing coffee from farmers and importers around the world.
And what about your real estate ventures?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, the coffee business, like so many businesses, took a huge hit. I was laid off in September and I jumped into real estate, which is another side venture my wife and I have done for 10 or more years. We’ve fixed-and-flipped distressed properties and invested in some rental properties, so it was a good way to keep busy during that time.
From coffee to real estate to recruiting…how?!
I know Mark Reister from church and he always asked me what I would do after my coffee and real estate endeavors. He set me up to meet TGRP’s director of placement and contract solutions just for an introduction, and little did I know I was essentially being interviewed for an internal role! I started in April 2021.
How do you like recruiting so far?
I am a people person and I care a lot about our candidates and our clients. I really enjoy it. I’m still learning but I think it’s a really great fit for me.
What is your favorite part of working at TGRP Solutions?
The culture, hands down. I think places like this are not easy to find. We have such great people who care about each other and want to lift each other up.
What’s your silly-but-real job title?
General Contractor. Mark knows I’m willing to jump into any project, even if it means fixing drywall in the office!
When you’re not at work, where would we find you?
Spending time with my family as much as possible and maybe at Home Depot. We are renovating a house that we bought as an investment but recently decided we’re going to move into sometime in 2022.
Best book you’ve ready in a while?
Digital Minimalism or Deep Work
Name a movie you could watch over and over.
I’ve got to go with Top Gun. We’re going to see the new one as a company this week!
Who do you admire most in your life?
My parents. They’ve been super supportive of my brothers and me, whether that’s driving us to every sport as kids and teens, or helping me navigate career changes, or being there for my wife and I as we became foster parents and later adopted our daughter and son.
One of the weirdest things that’s every happened to you?
During our time in Costa Rica, my wife and I decided against our better judgment to hitchhike when we couldn’t get a bus when we needed it. It was a desperate move and it worked out, but I wouldn’t do it again. Lots of laughs shared along the way.
Where do you think TGRP will be 5-10 years from now?
Bigger and better is our future. I hope the company continues to grow, and I believe Mark sets a great example for us all. I believe we’ll be in multiple markets and different metro areas.
