Based in Portland, Oregon, William Franklin Rehm IV has worked as a stock and shelving professional at Cosmic Comics since 2017. In this position, William Franklin Rehm IV is responsible for organizing and pricing products, in addition to moving large, heavy boxes of products. William F. Rehm IV is also tasked with keeping the store in a clean and orderly condition.
William F. Rehm IV balances his professional activities at Cosmic Comics with his volunteer work at Beaverton City Library, where he works in the circulation department. A valued volunteer at the library, he assists visitors, re-shelves books and other materials, and oversees children using library facilities. He also supports visitors interested in joining the library’s summer reading programs.
In the past, he has worked on the support team at Farmington Gardens and as a carryout professional with Al’s Garden Center. He also excelled academically during his time as a student in Portland. When he is not working, he enjoys writing short fiction, often in the genre of Gonzo journalism, using the cut-up method. His other interests range from backpacking at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest to designing fantasy tabletop role-playing games.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I keep different hours. Right now, I am more of a night owl and sleep in late in the morning. I find I am more creative at night. I enjoy getting out for a hike in the middle of the day as it stimulates my creativity and leads to feeling more productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I try to thoughtfully think through new ideas when it comes to creating music or writing. From there, it is all about trying and editing. The editing process is critical in landing the vision.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The speed that which alternative music genres emerge. It feels like it is a great era for new sounds that come from diverse cultures.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I try to be in nature daily. Where I live, we have a lot of rain and spring, and summer arrives later. But I try to get out regardless of the weather as the beauty of nature makes me feel alive and leads to greater productivity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Insights and learning come from repeating, failing, and learning.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Trail-running shoes are better for hiking than hiking boots (controversial, right?). Ha Ha!
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Seek information from a variety of sources; don’t just live in a familiar information bubble.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Step away. It can be hiking or zoning out with a good book or music. Taking a pause usually leads to clarity and the ability to refocus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening to feedback, both good and bad. Hopefully feedback that is not positive is at least constructive. I take seriously the feedback that I receive and apply it to my work.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Similar to the last response, it is about listening. Early on, I didn’t want to hear feedback that wasn’t positive, which led me to repeating mistakes. I finally learned that if I want to grow and improve, I need to listen to others.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
As a person with ADD, I use an app called Forest. I like the outdoorsy element of it and the visual of planting and growing a tree as I make progress is motivating for me.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I don’t listen to a lot of podcasts, but I like The Daily. I enjoy getting a deeper dive into current events.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched “Conclave.” It was entertaining and very relevant in sharing how political the selection of the Pope can be.
Key learnings
- Patience and process are important.
- Editing over and over leads to better work.
- Nature is a necessity! It is important to be outside every day for inspiration and for health.
- Recognize the importance of walking away in moments of stress in order to refocus and regain energy.