Coast Inc's Corner Chat: Adriana Ristic

From growing up in Mount Prospect as the oldest of five girls to studying marketing at the University of Alabama, Adriana has always been someone who leads with energy, heart, and ambition. After pivoting from a path in nursing and discovering her passion for business, she found Coast Inc. through Handshake—and instantly felt a connection.

Since joining the team, she’s embraced every challenge, leaned into growth, and found a place that feels like home. Whether she’s talking about her Serbian roots, memories from company get-togethers, or her dream of owning her own business, Adriana brings a refreshing blend of realness, drive, and humor.

In this interview, she shares how Coast is helping her turn big goals into reality—and why she believes showing up with an open mind can change everything.

Q: How did you hear about Coast Inc.?

I discovered Coast through Handshake, and then Abbi reached out to me. After we talked, I just really loved our conversation. I knew I didn’t want a traditional 9-to-5 desk job—I was looking for something more dynamic, like an entry-level sales role. Once I came across Coast and went through the interview process, I was all in. I loved it, and that’s how I got started.

Q: What is it like to work with Coast Inc.?

The best part about working at Coast is the support system. You’re surrounded by like-minded people who challenge you daily to push yourself—and you get to do the same for them. The environment is super fun, and I really enjoy spending time with everyone, especially during our team get-togethers after work on Thursdays. It’s just good energy all around. Everyone here is working toward something big, and it’s motivating to be part of that.

Q: How has Coast Inc. helped you achieve your goals?

Coast has played a major role in helping me grow—both professionally and personally. Coming out of college, I always knew I wanted to be a business owner someday, but I didn’t really know how I was going to get there. Being here for just four and a half months, I already feel like I’m on the right path.

The growth I’ve seen in myself in such a short time has been huge, and the fact that I still have so much room to grow excites me. It’s been such a valuable experience, and I genuinely feel like I’m becoming the person I need to be to reach those long-term goals.

Q: What does working at Coast Inc. mean to you?

Working at Coast means having a real shot at turning your dreams into reality. I feel like I’m building the life I’ve always envisioned for myself. I’m gaining valuable skills that I know will stick with me and help me succeed long-term.

Being here excites me for the future. I get to constantly challenge myself, set high standards, and actually hit those goals. It’s a place where your hard work really pays off.

Q: How does Coast fit your personality?

I’d say I’m super extroverted—once I warm up. I can be shy at first, but once I get comfortable, I don’t stop talking. Coast creates an environment where I feel like I can just be myself. I never have to worry about being “too much” for anyone.

I’m a talker, a yapper—I love to have fun, and I’m all about growing and learning. Coast totally matches that energy and gives me the space to bring my full personality to the table every day.

Q: Funny or meaningful memory:

I had been with the company for maybe three or three and a half months, and since our company works remotely, I had only ever seen my manager, Taylor, on Zoom. Then one day, I met him in person and I was like—whoa, he’s tall! It kind of caught me off guard.

But what really stood out was when he told us, “Go close two sales today, and I’ll take you out to lunch.” I was on a team day with Martin, and after we hit our goals, we met up with Taylor in the city. It was just so nice to have that one-on-one time and finally meet him in person.

Q: If someone was on the fence about working at Coast, what would you tell them?

I’d say come in willing to give it a shot. This job definitely takes hard work, discipline, and a shift in your habits—but if you commit to it, you’ll grow a ton. It’s all worth it if you give it a real chance.

Q: Why did you choose sales as a minor, and how has that helped you in this career path?

When I switched majors, I was kind of in limbo—I wasn’t sure what direction to take. I spent a lot of time talking to my dad, who owns two businesses, and he’s always said, “I just can’t picture you sitting behind a desk all day.” I even did an internship that was super corporate, and that confirmed it. It’s not for me.

I chose sales because it’s not a traditional job. I get to talk to people all day and build relationships—which is totally my thing. The classes were pretty basic, mostly about memorizing pitches, but honestly, they helped prepare me for this role and gave me a foundation to build on once I started at Coast.

OUTRO

Adriana grew up in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect as the oldest of five girls, a role that naturally shaped her into a leader and example for her younger sisters. She’s proudly Serbian, and her heritage plays a major role in her values and upbringing. Splitting her time between the U.S. and summers in Serbia gave her a well-rounded perspective and deep appreciation for both cultures.

She graduated early from the University of Alabama in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in sales. Although she originally pursued nursing and completed all the prerequisites, she eventually pivoted to business—a path that better aligned with her outgoing personality and passion for connecting with others.

In addition to her academic achievements, Adriana spent 14 years as a competitive cheerleader, building strong discipline, resilience, and a team-first mindset that she brings into everything she does today.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. You can learn more about Coast Inc. here.