In a surprising twist of fate, several iconic figures—including Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and Guy Fieri—share a common starting point: community college. This educational pathway has also shaped the career of Chris Tomasso, CEO of First Watch, a breakfast-and-lunch chain generating $1 billion in revenue. Before he completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida, Tomasso began his academic journey at Manatee Community College.
For Tomasso, the decision was purely financial. The higher costs associated with four-year universities, combined with additional housing expenses, made community college the more sensible choice. “It really was just a business decision for me,” he noted in a conversation with Fortune. While he acknowledges that he missed out on the traditional four-year experience, he insists that starting at a community college was the best option given his circumstances.
With student-loan debt reaching a staggering $1.65 trillion, Tomasso has a message for Generation Z: status should not overshadow the practicalities of education. He urges young people to focus on building skills and demonstrating resilience, rather than getting caught up in the prestige of their educational institutions. “Don’t let ego get in the way,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of character and determination over a polished resume.
Tomasso’s scrappy, resourceful mentality was evident even during his time as a student. He took a job at a department store specifically to obtain a discount on a suit for an internship with the NBA’s Orlando Magic—a testament to his ingenuity and his belief in the value of hard work. This attitude, he asserts, is crucial for young professionals eager to make their mark in the workforce.
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His key piece of advice for those starting out? Proactively seek opportunities for growth. “Make sure people know you want to learn more,” he said, urging young professionals to go beyond their outlined responsibilities and to actively seek additional challenges, even in unfamiliar areas.
The landscape of higher education is evolving, with an increasing number of students reconsidering their options. Traditional four-year institutions often dominate discussions about higher education, but community colleges now serve more than a quarter of all college students in the United States. Currently, these institutions are experiencing a surge in enrollment, with a 4% increase reported this year, outpacing the growth rates at public and private four-year colleges.
For many students, financial considerations play a crucial role in choosing community college over a four-year university. Completing two years at a community college can drastically lower student debt, especially as over 30 states are now offering tuition-free programs for eligible residents.
Rather than viewing community college as a secondary option, Tomasso encourages a reframing of its potential. “It should be seen for what it is: a hack to get that kind of degree for basically half the price,” he affirmed, highlighting the practicality and accessibility of pursuing higher education through community colleges. This shift in perspective could ultimately pave the way for many aspiring students to navigate their educational and career paths more effectively.
