Her Story
About Carolyn
Carolyn Hippenstiel brings more than a decade of experience to the food and beverage industry, where she serves as a shift lead and trainer while working two positions at Viva Chicken and Steel City Pizza. In her roles, she handles prep work, cashier duties, customer service, expo, takeout, and line cooking, demonstrating versatility across all stations during long shifts. She earned her bachelor's degree in business with a 3.97 GPA and is currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration at Strayer University, where she belongs to the Alpha Sigma Lambda IOTA Ada chapter. Hippenstiel credits her three years of sobriety for enabling her to complete her education, sustain multiple jobs, and create a stable life with assets such as a car and the ability to pay bills. She has achieved notable successes, including generating over 65 five-star reviews in one night and elevating her store from last to first place in customer reviews among 16 locations. Passionate about customer service, she strives to brighten customers' days and draws motivation from helping others in recovery while learning new skills to increase her value.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carolyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my sobriety. Being sober allowed me to obtain my degrees, hold down multiple jobs, and build a stable life with physical things like a car and the ability to pay bills. Without sobriety I would not be successful today, and it gives me the confidence and independence to keep pushing forward every day despite the struggles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up. Even with a prison record and drug record, keep showing up and knocking on doors because someone will give you an opportunity. Learn from mistakes and always be willing to learn new skills to become more valuable.
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