Nick Katherina — a product of the Coatesville Area School District who professes to “bleed red and black,” the high school’s colors — is a Program Analyst for Wells Fargo Bank, where he ultimately helps customers meet their financial goals.

Katherina began working when he was 16 years old as a host at Cheeseburger in Paradise in Exton. He left shortly thereafter to work at Foot Locker, where he could indulge his passion for sneakers.

Katherina credits many people for having an impact on his career.

“I consider so many people to be important in shaping who I am as a professional,” he said. “I think my good friend, Kenny Hill, set me in motion by helping me land my first job I was passionate about. My previous district managers, Reggie White and Michael Buechi, pushed me when I needed it and put me in positions to be successful when they felt I deserved it. Even my last district manager before I left Foot Locker taught me to be a ‘chameleon’ and how to thrive and adapt to any environment I was placed in.”

Katherina’s proudest professional achievement was managing Foot Locker’s flagship store in Center City.

“The position was incredibly fast-paced and highly demanding,” he said. “During my first two full years at the store, I was able to lead my team to become the top-earning store in the entire company both years. I received many awards and earned a trip to Nike’s corporate headquarters in Oregon. Being so passionate about sneakers, this was a dream come true!”

Katherina has a number of favorite restaurants in Chester County.

“I think Jack’s Pizza & Pasta in Coatesville has buffalo chicken pizza that can never miss,” he said. “I love the burgers at the Pour House in Exton. And a hometown favorite would be a cheesesteak from Italian Village in Downingtown.”

Katherina and the rest of the 2022 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration held outdoors on Tuesday, May 10 at Penn State Great Valley. The in-person event will feature food trucks, drinks, touchless registration, a VIP tent, and boundless opportunities to network. It will also be live-streamed.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders.