Howard Pauchnik grew up in Weirton, West Virginia, where community and consistency shaped his early years. He graduated from Brooke High School in 1976 and went on to Fairmont State College, earning a bachelor’s degree in education in 1981. While in college, he competed as a hurdler on the track team, an experience that taught him discipline, balance, and focus.
Howard began his career in education with a simple goal. Show up. Be prepared. Care about the students. He taught history and coached basketball at Steubenville Central High School, where he quickly learned that teaching and coaching were closely connected. Both required patience, trust, and clear expectations.
His career later took him to Oklahoma City, where he taught history and coached basketball and baseball at Mount St. Mary’s High School and Putnam West High School. Known for his calm leadership style, Howard focused less on wins and more on preparation. He believed that structure helped students build confidence, both in school and in life.
Outside the classroom, Howard developed a lifelong passion for golf. He has competed in amateur tournaments across Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Florida. Golf offered balance, challenge, and quiet reflection.
Now retired, Howard remains active and engaged. His career stands as a steady example of leadership built through consistency, preparation, and care for others.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days are simpler now that I’m retired, but structure still matters. I wake up early, usually around the same time every day. I start with coffee and reading the news. Then I either walk or hit golf balls. Staying active keeps my mind clear. I try to plan one or two meaningful things each day instead of filling every hour.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I write things down. Always have. Whether it was practice plans or lesson outlines, I believed ideas only work if you organize them. I don’t overthink. I test things in small ways and adjust as I go.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I like seeing more focus on mental health in sports. When I coached, kids didn’t always talk about stress or pressure. Now they’re more open, and that’s a good thing.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Preparation. I never liked rushing. I always planned lessons and practices ahead of time. That habit stuck with me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient. Progress takes longer than you think. But it’s worth it.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think boredom is good sometimes. It forces you to think. Kids today don’t get enough quiet time.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Show up consistently. Talent matters less than people think.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away. Golf helps. Walking helps. Distance brings clarity.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building trust. Students and coworkers knew what to expect from me. That consistency opened doors.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I tried to coach everyone the same way. It didn’t work. I learned people need different approaches.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Community-led after-school sports programs using retired teachers and coaches. Low cost. High impact.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Calendar. Simple. Keeps me accountable.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Wooden by John Wooden. Simple leadership lessons that last.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Friday Night Lights. It gets the balance between sports and life right.
Key learnings
- Consistency and preparation often matter more than raw talent
- Structure helps people build confidence and focus
- Leadership is built through trust and reliability
- Quiet reflection can be a powerful tool for clarity
- Small, community-based efforts can create lasting impact