Meet One of Our Account Executives: Interview with Harmony Healthcare’s Josh Zagarena
A lover of all things Chicago, this Harmony teammate is a whiz when it comes to longboarding. His work ethic is something to be admired here in the office, but he’s passionate about his world outside of work as well.
Without further ado, here’s Josh in his own words.
What does a typical day look like for you here at Harmony?
No day is ever typical for me, which I love. My days include taking client and prospect calls, helping other Account Executives with questions about past clients or current challenges, and on occasion making on-site client visits. A few times a year I attend conferences representing the company.
Create the soundtrack to your life in 5 songs. What makes each song representative of your journey?
- “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap (It’s the song I think about during that perfect fall day when the sun can warm your face while the cold wind blows across it.)
- “Homecoming” by Kanye West (When I fly home, this is my #1 song to listen to. Going home is always a great journey.)
- “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” by John Mayer (I saw him live back to back nights, and I had never heard a song played like this. It was something I’ll never forget.)
- “Papercut” by Linkin Park (This song and album remind me of times spent with Jimmy, my best friend of 18 years.)
- “Chelsea Dagger” by Fratellis (Singing this during the Blackhawks’ past decade of success has been so much fun. Plus, getting to hang out with Lord Stanley was great.)
Tell us something about yourself that may surprise us.
My girlfriend Ashlee and I are the owners of two hairless Chinese Cresteds. The first was a rescue, and we fell in love with the breed’s demeanor and the fact that they are hypoallergenic. The second was luck. We love Stella and Cleo!
Tell us a story from the weirdest job you’ve ever had.
I worked at a casino in surveillance for 89 days. I lived an hour away and worked the 3am-12pm shift. This meant I was awake getting ready for work at 1:30am. There’s a weirdness that comes from working and people watching during those hours. Seeing people at the casino eating cheeseburgers out of vending machines at 5am was something I’ll never forget.
If you could pick one superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel! From the Berlin Wall falling to the Pyramids being built, getting to see different moments in history would be incredible. I would also buy the Grays Sports Almanac from 1950-2000 and cash in.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in the last 5 years?
No matter how far down you are, you are not defined by that moment. You are defined by what you do to get yourself out of that position.
What is your favorite book and why?
I have a recent favorite and a long time favorite: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. I could expand on why I love these books for hours, but it boils down to two things: my love for Chicago and the hospitality industry.
Shonda Rhimes sees pop culture potential in your life story. She wants to turn it into her next TV series. Who plays you, who plays your closest confidante, and why?
Paul Rudd would play me, and my closest confidante would be played by Seth Rogen. Paul Rudd has always reminded me of myself during my best days; he’s the most energetic and happy guy in any scene he’s in. Seth Rogen would be my buddy because he’s always laughing and he’s extremely loyal to his friends. Plus, that laugh is contagious!
