About Us
Trenton Willson
Throughout my life, I have not only chased my dreams but have also dreamed often. I am a visionary, and over the past few years, I have come to understand the power of recognizing my own nobility and sharing it with others.
I began my career as an accountant. I had always loved and excelled in math. I figured that if I was good at math, I could become a great accountant. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Utah and spent 13 years advancing into leadership roles with companies such as Marriott International.
In 2008, I made the decision to bring my family back home to Utah because my oldest child was not speaking in school. We knew that they would open up to the one teacher they trusted most—their grandmother.
Now unemployed at the start of the Great Recession, I quickly realized that finding work was not as simple as I had hoped. The job market had become increasingly cautious, particularly in accounting thanks to the Enron scandal. Despite my experience, companies overlooked me because I lacked a Master’s degree or CPA certification.
Determined to overcome these challenges, I began learning from mentors and career coaches about how to navigate the job search process effectively. Before long, I became highly skilled at it—so much so that I started calling myself a "professional job seeker." I began teaching others, and soon, I found myself working as a career coach for the Utah Department of Workforce Services and later for Utah State University. Today, I continue to serve as a Program Specialist at USU, but I am always looking for ways to go beyond my current role and help others unlock their full potential.
I am also the self-published author of "Nobility Road: Ten Steps to Find Your Purpose," which outlines the process of my transition from accountant to career coach—my true calling. I would love the opportunity to connect with you and help you discover your nobility and express your genius to the world.
Professional Experience
Utah State University - Program Specialist Richfield, UT - Dec 2016-Present
- Started in 2016 as a GEAR UP Advisor at Carbon High School teaching underserved high school students college and career preparedness
- Hired August of 2018 as 1 of 3 original Program Coordinators to create and establish a remote work certification program in Utah funded from the state legislature in 2018
- Teach the Remote Work Professional Certification course monthly including grading, and career coaching individuals in their remote work job search
- Recruit students to register for our programs including the Remote Work Professional Certificate, Remote Work Sales Certificate, Remote Work Leader Certificate, and Ecommerce Accelerator program
- Contributed to the successful placement of 620 students in jobs most of which are rural Utah residents
- Established the Professional Development Workshop series and the Remote Job Spotlight Series with 60+ total episodes of career and business leaders teaching remote work skills, career development, business best practices, recruitment, and more
- Developed and revamped the curriculum as needed and as practices changed
- Manage tables at trade shows, community events, and planned and promoted in person community recruitment events
- Played a critical role in establishing this organization as a nationally recognized and award winning economic development program. Awards include:
- Educational Technology (Team) National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) · Mar 2024
- Excellence in Extension Engagement (Team) Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) · Jul 2023
- Excellence in Community Development Work (Team) NACDEP · Mar 2023
- Hermes Creative Award, Platinum Winner (Team) International Competition for Creative Professionals · Oct 2022
- Award for Innovation (Team) National Extension Technology Community (NETC) · Jun 2021
- Award of Excellence (Team) Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) · May 2020
- Innovation and Creativity Award (Team) NACDEP · Mar 2020
Utah Department of Workforce Services - Employment Counselor - Price, UT - Feb 2012-Apr 2016
- Taught 1000+ job seekers in job search workshops including: Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, Job Search Using Technology, LinkedIn, Job Search Basics and more
- Established a 12-week curriculum for job seekers which included guest employer presentations
- Presented over 500 public presentations to job seekers and employers
- Created and implemented the LinkedIn for Job Seekers Workshop for the State of Utah
- Taught the Work Success course which focused on helping individuals get off public welfare
- Coached individuals in their job search and assisted them with their resumes, interview preparation, networking, offer negotiations, and career growth and progression
Marriott International - Senior Assistant Controller - Multiple Locations - Aug 2001-2009
- Hired in 2001 - General Accountant - SLC Marriott, Promoted to Staff Accountant at Renaissance Springfield Hotel (IL) 2003 and later promoted to Assistant Controller 2004, Promoted to Senior Assistant Controller at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells CA 2005
- Managed the Accounting Department at a $50+ Million resort hotel and a staff of 6-8 accountants
- Prepared and reviewed the monthly financial reports and reported to Executive team in monthly meetings
- Created a Marriott-wide accounting best practice that was awarded best practice of the year
- Worked closely with HR in hiring and recruiting staff and teaching financial management to non-financial leaders and staff
- Awarded: Manager of the Quarter - Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa · Oct 2008, Shining Star Award - Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa · Dec 2007, I am the One Award - Manager of the Quarter - Renaissance Springfield Hotel · Apr 2005, Persistence Award - Renaissance North America Finance & Accounting · Jan 2005, Outstanding Team Player Award - SLC Marriott · Jan 2003
DreamCoachers- Owner - Utah - 2010-2018
- Developed entrepreneur programs in local communities assisting dozens of small businesses grow and succeed in business
- Published a book “Nobility Road: Ten Steps to Find Your Purpose” as well as many blog articles, and news articles for local newspapers
- Coach individuals through career changes, job search and career development
Education
University of Utah - Bachelor of Arts - Accounting - 2001
Salt Lake Community College - Associate of Arts - 1999
Utah State University - Master Remote Work Professional Certificate - 2018, Master Remote Work Leader Certificate - 2019, Remote Sales Certification - 2024
Other Credentials
Skills:
Career Counseling, Career Development, Program Management, Job Search Strategies, Remote Work Leadership, Interviewing, Negotiation Skills, Sales Certified, Public Speaking, Career Fair/Trade Shows, Event Management, Hospitality/Resort Mgt, Remote Work Leadership, Remote Communication Tools, Personality Assessment Tools, Teaching Styles and Learning Styles
