New entrepreneurial coach is a Marine with an MBA
[Original article written by Michelle Ganassi appeared in the Somerset Daily-American on Feb. 8th, 2019]
The new director of the Somerset County Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department plans to use knowledge gained around the globe to help local businesses grow.
Joseph Fetzer, 27, of Ferndale Borough, started his new post Wednesday.
“I am thrilled to be working for Somerset County in this capacity,” he said.
In the past decade Fetzer has completed a variety of assignments as a senior enlisted adviser to different commands all across the globe while serving in the United States Marine Corps.
The director position is part of an Appalachian Regional Commission grant that expires in October.
He said his time in the Marine Corps will allow him to draw on different experiences.
“If there is one thing the Marine Corps taught me, it is I am a servant leader,” he said. “I embrace the service leadership. I am here to work for the best interest for the people of Somerset County.”
His deployments include tours in Africa, Afghanistan and Russia. He most recently completed a three-year tour in Japan.
“That really allowed me to engage with people from many different backgrounds and harness all those resources collaboratively to come together,” he said.
Along with his military background, he has a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Saint Leo University, a master of business administration from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and is currently attending the professional coach certification program at Duquesne University. He is a member of the International Coach Federation and is pursing the associate certified coach credential.
“I am naturally inclined to help people,” he said. “And that is what coaching is.”
“I want everybody to know I am here working for Somerset County in this position, and I need them to know I am accessible to them as a resource. It doesn’t matter how big or small the idea is, please come and talk to me. I would love to explore what you have in mind.”
Fetzer said he is working to create awareness and accessibility.
“I want everybody to know I am here working for Somerset County in this position, and I need them to know I am accessible to them as a resource,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how big or small the idea is, please come and talk to me. I would love to explore what you have in mind.”
He said he will be flexible with his hours to accommodate people’s schedules. Despite being on the job for less than a week, Fetzer said he has already had people approach him with ideas.
“There are already people who are taking advantage of the resources here,” he said.
Somerset County Commissioner Gerald Walker said he is excited about the new hire.
“I think he is going to do a great job in that position,” he said.
Fetzer can be reached at startup@co.somerset.pa.us or 814-445-1569.
