By Gabriel Gutierrez (RU-2026), Reinhardt Advancement and Communications Division Work-Study Student
Over forty students from Reinhardt University visited the Coca-Cola Company’s world headquarters on March 19th in Atlanta, gaining valuable insights into marketing, leadership, and career development. Throughout the day, industry professionals captivated the students with their business knowledge, including Glenn Rivers, a member of Reinhardt University’s board of trustees and the Senior Director of Customer Leadership at Coca-Cola, and Heather Trotter, a former trustee and senior vice president and general manager of Coca-Cola’s East region. Another former trustee and the vice president for customer engagement at Coca-Cola North America, Lisa Pinkston, also welcomed the students.
A highlight of the visit was touring The Vault, Coca-Cola’s innovation and collaboration center, where students learned about design thinking and problem-solving. The entire experience was eye-opening for students as they learned about the company’s rich history, brand evolution, strategic thinking, and global business success.
Coca-Cola professionals led engaging exercises and shared personal and professional advice. Daniel Langston, a marketing projects consultant, emphasized the power of storytelling, time management, and the importance of creating your own path. Tara Ard, Senior Director of Customer Relations, shared advice on embracing flexibility, focusing on controllable factors, and building resilience. Payton Ringer, a sales manager at Coca-Cola, provided practical career guidance, including resume optimization, networking, and risk-taking to stand out in the job market. Paula Weeks, Senior Director of FIFA World Cup 2026—Hospitality, discussed how large-scale global events are organized and the importance of adaptability and teamwork.
Students reflected on the valuable lessons imparted during the visit. “I was fortunate to be on this trip because it bridged the gap between what we learn in class and how businesses operate in the real world,” said Alejandro Sanchez (RU-2026). “Seeing firsthand how Coca-Cola has built and protected its brand over the years was inspiring, and hearing from professionals who have successfully navigated the industry gave me a new perspective on what it takes to stand out. It reinforced my passion for marketing and made me even more eager to apply these lessons to my own career path.” Emma Goodwin (RU-2027) agreed, “I learned so much that I can use in my job today, in my future, and apply it to my time at Reinhardt as well.”
Russ Fletcher, professor of business at Reinhardt University and former Vice President of Customer and Trade Communications at Coca-Cola, organized this insightful experience in collaboration with Reinhardt’s Business Club. Reinhardt President Mark Roberts, Professor of Business Professor Tony Daniels, Director of Student Development Josh Garner, and Reinhardt Board of Trustees member Kevin Williams accompanied the students. The trip was made possible through funding made possible by the Student Government Association, RU Leads, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (CITEL).
Images by Gabriel Gutierrez (RU-2027) & Carson Frizzell (RU-2027)
