For most college students, the years after graduation are spent furthering another persons dream. Whether through internships or entry-level positions, everyone resigns themselves to it at some point. Richard Bieniek had other ideas.
Bieniek, a 21-year-old student at La Salle University, has wasted no times in striving towards his goals. Along with being an International Business major, Bieniek spends his weekends practicing with his band in a fraternity basement. Although it may sound modest, his band “Ocean Heights” has been noted as an up-and-coming indie group. “I was asked out of the blue to join a band in need of a drummer. I figured since I have the skills and free time, why not?” said Bieniek, “I started playing the drums in 3rd grade, but I got serious about it in 6th grade and started taking professional lessons. I never thought I’d end up in a band though.” Fellow band member and lead singer Justin Wilkerson said that Bieniek “came in clutch” for the band, and added that they couldn’t be where there are now without him.
While playing at venues like the Trocadero are big for local bands like Ocean Heights, Bieniek says the biggest gig he ever played wasn’t at a large venue, it was in his hometown of Bethlehem, PA. “The biggest gig I played was a memorial concert for one of my close friends who suddenly passed away. There were over 500 people there, so it really meant a lot to me to be able to play there.” Bieniek also said he learned how to DJ at age 15, and hopes to some how apply that to his current role in the band.
Aside from his musical background, Bieniek boasts an impressive résumé in the business world as well. Despite dividing his time between school and the band, the B-town native found enough time to work on his other passion: Real Estate. When Bieniek began college he linked up with Wesley Works Real Estate, where he was an assistant to the broker and handled the company’s administrative work. When asked what he thought about being an assistant, Bieniek said, “It was tough in the beginning. I did a lot of busy work, but I like to think it paid off.” It’s hard to argue with his reasoning, as he is now a licensed relator in Pennsylvania.
As for choosing between music and real estate, Bieniek doesn’t plan on making a decision soon, saying, “At this point I don’t feel like I’m in any rush to choose. If I had to give you an answer right now, I’d probably say Real Estate because it’s more of a sure thing, but who knows, anything could happen.” Bieniek hopes to finish college and travel the world before settling down, and one day hopes to open a real estate business of his own.
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