In August of 1998, Kyle Bruss interviewed with Sandy Maxell, one of the founders of Talent Plus. She hired him on the spot and he started that very day. In 2001, he worked for three years for his national fraternity in Indianapolis, then returned to Talent Plus in 2004. Talent Plus is an international human resources consulting firm. They have offices in Singapore, Bogota and are headquartered here in Lincoln. They help their clients select individuals, based on The Science of Talent, who are more likely to think, feel and act like other top performers. They also offer consulting services around personal development, organizational development, culture and engagement.

Tell us a little about your family. – My wife and best friend, Beth and I have been married for almost ten years.  Our son, Jaxon, is 2 1/2 and we have a yellow lab named Dasha. The Bruss house is full of interesting two-year-old questions, cars, fire trucks, and slobbery chew toys.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – The fall of 1998. I joined Talent Plus in August, met my wife in September and was elected president of the ATO fraternity in November.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Time with family and friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was on the rowing team at the University of Nebraska. It included some very early mornings on Branched Oak Lake, but it was unbelievably fun and a great workout!

What are you the most proud of? – I have an incredible relationship with my wife, Beth.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – It’s a toss-up between “Happy wife, happy life” and “If you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life.”

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – Complete a Master’s degree

How would your friends describe you? – I cheated and asked! They said: energetic, smart, calm, enthusiastic, engaging, happy, intense, open, friendly, persuasive, funny, caring, competitive, trusted, confident, focused, responsible, dependable, decisive, optimistic, visionary, peanut butter M&M lover.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – At Talent Plus you get to use them every day – I recruit, build relationships, facilitate seminars, consult with clients. Beth also lets me cook, so I get to use my talents every day.

Which talent would you most like to have? – Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be able to fly. I once jumped out of my grandmother’s bathroom window with a towel for a cape like Superman.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? – I’d like to be more physically fit. Since Jaxon was born it has been harder to be disciplined about working out.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I finished The Hobbit, am reading Flourish by Martin Seligman but love the Game of Thrones books by George R. R. Martin

What is your favorite TV show? – The Big Bang Theory, Morning Joe, Discovery Channel

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? – Clients: JTK, Venue or The Dish.  Date nights: Bread & Cup or a Lazlo’s restaurant.

If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be? – I’d transport myself into the future and have dinner and a great bottle of wine with my son Jaxon when he is about my age.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Call (402) 489-2000, kbruss@talentplus.comwww.talentplus.com