My 1st Gig: From Scrubbing Dishes to Shaping Policy— Andy Johnston’s Path to Advocacy
Sometimes the smallest jobs teach the biggest lessons.
For many professionals, the first job is a steppingstone, an unexpected twist, or a lesson in humility. For Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Engagement at the Grand Rapids Chamber, his journey started in an unlikely place—a sorority house dishwasher job at Michigan State University.
The Power of a Passing Comment
Andy’s professional path was shaped by seemingly small moments of influence. A high school biology teacher once told him he’d make a great teacher, a comment that stuck with him. His “fake grandpa,” a close family friend, gave him two pieces of advice before heading to college: get a handicap parking pass (which he ignored) and get a dishwashing job at a sorority house (which he pursued). That second piece of advice set off a chain reaction of connections that led him into politics.
Finding Opportunity in Unexpected Places
Through his work at the Delta Gamma sorority house, Andy met people who would later influence his career. A conversation about politics with an alumna led to his first official job in the field—working for the Michigan Republican Party as a volunteer program coordinator. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave him invaluable experience and relationships that continue to shape his career to this day.
Lessons from the First Gig
Andy’s early career experiences reinforced two major lessons:
Relationships Matter – The people he met in his first political job are still influential in his network today. He stresses the importance of being upfront about what you care about and staying connected.
No Job Is Too Small – Whether it was washing dishes, carrying cases, or handling administrative work, Andy learned that successful leaders aren’t above any task. He continues to emphasize this mentality at the Chamber, where he believes that doing the small things right builds strong leadership.
Playing the Long Game
Having been with the Grand Rapids Chamber for 18 years, Andy has found a way to keep growing within one organization. He attributes his longevity to loving his work—engaging with business leaders, advocating for free enterprise, and being at the intersection of government, business, and community. He encourages young professionals to be creative, take initiative, and put their ideas forward, even if they don’t get immediate approval.
The Importance of Leadership and Adaptability
Andy now helps shape leadership programs at the Chamber, including Leadership Grand Rapids and Emerging Leaders. He sees leadership as a continuous learning process, blending community engagement with personal growth. His own leadership philosophy is influenced by early lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the value of making meaningful connections.
Would He Hire His Younger Self?
Reflecting on his own journey, Andy laughs at how long and unrefined his first cover letter was, but he believes his passion and energy would have made him a strong candidate. His best advice for young professionals? Be excited about what you do and embrace every opportunity—whether it’s dishwashing, hauling a cooler, or leading major advocacy efforts.
Andy’s story is a testament to how the smallest jobs and unexpected encounters can set the foundation for a meaningful career. His first gig didn’t just teach him how to wash dishes; it set him on a path to leadership, advocacy, and making an impact in West Michigan.
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