North Greenville University represents: Joshua Putnam’s life after NGU
Grace Turner, Staff Writer
Photo curtesy of Holly Putnam
From being a state representative to a business owner, 2011 graduate, Joshua Putnam always pursues making a difference.
At the age of 21, while he was a junior at North Greenville University, Putnam ran for a seat as the state representative of South Carolina. 21 years old is the minimum age required to be a candidate. Although he lost in that election, Putnam did take a seat the following year at the age of 22. He said running for state representative was both exciting and intimidating as he sought to replace the incumbent of 22 years.
Putnam pursued the position as state representative because he wanted to make a difference. In the House, Putnam lead the charge for reform in the foster care system. This was the first time the issue got that sort of attention in decades.
Another initiative Putnam was behind was the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act. This act worked to create safer communities on college campuses by requiring fraternities and sororities to keep a database of hazing incidents. This database allows for students interested in joining a sorority or fraternity to make an informed choice by considering the safety record of the group. With these two acts and more, Putnam says he is pleased with the progress he was able to achieve as the state representative.
After concluding his time as a representative, Putnam was approached by the Palmetto Family Council where he soon became the President and CEO. Palmetto Family Council is a non-profit organization that serves as a think tank for issues regarding faith and family. The organization publishes research papers that allow people to better consider what is being proposed in matters such as dealing with alcohol or drug use.
Today, Putnam is the owner of a Chick-fil-A business in Idaho. Graduating from NGU with a degree in marketing and a minor in business administration, Putnam knew he wanted to own a business one day.
The road to owner was not quick, however. For a first step, Putnam took a position as the general manager of the Chick-fil-A in Laurens County, SC. After three years of work, he was given the opportunity to own his own Chick-fil-A in Idaho, where he now lives with his family.
Sticking to his mission, Putnam pursued owning a Chick-fil-A specifically for the values of the company. Although it is not without challenges, he says it is a joy to build a team and serve the community.
Part of his team is his wife Holly Putnam who does all the marketing for their business. She designs the materials and creates content for the business’s social media accounts.
The Putnams are also involved in the business of parenting, with children ranging from ages six to 11 years old.
Putnam understands what it feels like to be a student preparing to head out into the world. He encourages students, “Don’t be scared of challenging situations. You will learn from your failures.”
He believes some of the best ways to prepare are to start networking early and take advantage of every opportunity.
