Creating Opportunity
By Holland Levin
What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Holland Levin, and I am from Bucks County, PA.
What are you currently studying at Millersville University?
Currently, I am studying Entrepreneurship.
What interested you in joining the internship program with Next Generation of
Lancaster?
I was interested in joining the internship program with Next Generation of
Lancaster because I wanted to become more involved in the community and connect with others in a meaningful way. The organization aligns closely with my values, and I was especially drawn to the opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and hear their stories.
What do you hope to do after college once you receive your degree?
After college, I hope to work for an established business to gain experience and
continue learning. I’m also interested in getting more involved in my family’s business to
understand what it takes to run one successfully. Ultimately, my goal is to use those
experiences to start a business of my own.
What has your role involved so far with content creation and marketing efforts for
Next Generation of Lancaster?
My role has involved a variety of content creation and marketing efforts,
including creating interview videos, designing overview posts for social media, and
developing book recap posts.
What have you learned through this internship experience?
Through this internship, I’ve learned how to work closely with others and
collaborate effectively as part of a team. I’ve also learned how to take feedback and use it to grow and improve. Additionally, this experience has pushed me to step outside my
comfort zone and try new things, helping me build both my confidence and skill set.
How has being involved with Next Generation of Lancaster impacted you personally
or professionally?
Being involved with Next Generation of Lancaster has impacted me a lot,
especially in understanding the true value of networking. I always knew it was important,
but not to this extent. Walking into events can feel intimidating at first, but I always leave feeling proud of the connections I’ve made. With each event, I feel more confident and comfortable, knowing more people than I did before. It’s helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What does the phrase “Next Generation” mean to you personally and professionally?
To me, the phrase “Next Generation” represents both growth and responsibility. Personally and professionally, I’m at a point in my career where I’m working to make a name for myself in the community and establish a reputation built on trust, consistency, and strong relationships. It also means embracing continuous learning, adapting to new ideas, and finding better ways to serve those around me. I see it as an opportunity to contribute fresh perspectives and form my own ideas while still respecting the foundation of those I have learned from before me.
What has it been like working with the team at Next Generation of Lancaster?
Working with the team at Next Generation of Lancaster has been both educational and
rewarding. Through this experience, I’ve learned what it’s like to collaborate as part of a team, communicate effectively, and build meaningful relationships. In college, I don’t always get opportunities like this, so being able to work closely with a group in a real world setting has been especially valuable.
What does the phrase “Next Generation” mean to you?
The phrase “Next Generation” means continuing a legacy while creating
something of my own. In 1975, my grandparents started Northeast Building Products to
build a better life for their family. It grew into a successful company with over 950
employees before being sold in 2019 under my uncle’s leadership.
Entrepreneurship has always been part of my life. My mom became a real estate
investor at 19 and later used that experience to invest in Airbnb properties. My sister,
now 25, started her own small business nearly three years ago and has found great
success doing what she loves.
I was able to see firsthand the hard work, risks, and rewards that come with
building something from the ground up. Because of that, “Next Generation” means
carrying forward that entrepreneurial mindset while making my own impact.
What advice would you give to other young professionals or students looking to get
involved in their community?
My advice to other young professionals looking to get involved in their
community is not to be afraid to put yourself out there. Taking the first step can feel
uncomfortable and even intimidating, but that’s often where the most growth happens. If you’re always comfortable, you’re not growing, and the biggest opportunities come when you challenge yourself and step outside of that comfort zone.
This conversation highlights Holland Levin’s growth, ambition, and commitment to building meaningful connections through Next Generation of Lancaster. His journey reflects the value of stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and carrying forward an entrepreneurial mindset to make a lasting impact both personally and professionally.