Meet Kurt Hesser, business development manager at Maly Marketing.
Tell us a little about your business. – Maly Marketing (malymarketing.com) is a full-service marketing agency based in Lincoln. We’re driven to help our clients succeed and to do work that we’re proud of.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve known the owner, Steve Maly, for many years. When he was looking to expand his team, I was grateful for the chance and challenge!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The Von Maur shooting in Omaha, where eight people were shot and killed on December 5, 2007. I was an executive with Von Maur and was tasked with helping rebuild the store and get it opened before Christmas. We reopened on December 20, right before Christmas. It was a hard time for all. Many years later, our thoughts and prayers continue to extend to all that were affected.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two boys: Alex is 15 going on 30, and Christopher is 10 going on 15. I love my guys so much. They keep me grounded and are always challenging my thinking on life.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The births of both of my children.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Go to a show! I’m a big movie buff and was involved in the arts throughout my childhood. Anything from a movie to seeing something on the stage, it’s one of my favorite activities.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I am the State of Minnesota Travel and Tourism’s Corn-hole Champion of 2019.
Who inspires you? – My kids. Every day, one of them has something they are excited about or something new that we just need to chat about.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received. – “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Kind.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – Disney’s “Go the Distance” from Hercules.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Photographic memory.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Secondary education teacher.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – At Maly Marketing, we partner with many nonprofit organizations every year. Most recently, I would say Habitat for Humanity and the local Food Bank.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. Great theories in there!
What is your favorite movie? – Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s a little bit of a romance drama and explores the “what if” parallel.
What is your favorite TV show? – At the moment, Yellowstone is at the top of my list.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – BisonWitches for lunch. It has been a staple in the Lincoln community for some time and always has a great McQuinton sandwich.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jackie Robinson.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 875-6228; kurt@malymarketing.com; malymarketing.com.