Secret Recipe: Kyle McGovern, McGovern Marketing

As a supplier inside sales executive for a smaller company in the middle of Wisconsin, my relationships with our multi-line reps is invaluable.  I have been fortunate to work closely with Kyle (and Kurt) at McGovern Marketing since they started with us.  And Kyle’s involvement with OPPA (Ohio Promotional Professionals Association) where he is the current President, has only reinforced my beliefs in the benefits of our industry regional organizations. - Molly Neises, MAS/Maple Ridge Farms

How did you get started in this industry?

I was actually never planning on being in this industry. I moved to Las Vegas as a project manager in construction in 2009. The economy just died, and I lost my job. Luckily, I knew the executive chef at Margaritaville, and he gave me a job as a prep cook. Eventually I moved up in the company and started opening restaurants around the country. Working 7 days a week and long hours got old, so one day I asked my dad, Kurt McGovern if he would be willing to take on a partner. I flew back to Cleveland to shadow him for a month. After one week, I quit my job in Vegas, and told my dad this is what I want to do with my life, I have been in the industry ever since.

What is the biggest takeaway from your experience in this industry?

My biggest takeaway has been the relationships I have built over the years. Some of my customers have become very close friends, and even some competitors are now my closest friends. This is the only industry I have ever been in that I am even close to my competitors. We all look out for one another.

What is something with your day-to-day job that you still struggle with and what are you doing to overcome that struggle?

Time is always an issue. There’s never enough of it, and everyone seems to want everything yesterday. To combat this issue, I try to use my inside reps as often as possible. I bring in the projects and they help to close them.

What is the coolest project you ever worked on and why?

The coolest project would have to be for the Cleveland Indians. I love going to Tribe games, and Tri-Mountain did all the jackets for the entire staff. My customer invited me to a game after they were completed. It was really cool to be able to walk through the stadium and see everyone wearing jackets that I provided with the Indians logo.

Describe a non-profit or a cause you are passionate about and tell us why.

I have truly enjoyed working with the Special Olympics. My friend Kara Keister has been volunteering for 20+ years, and a few years ago she got me involved. It has been an extremely rewarding experience. Not only do you get to make a difference in the athlete's lives, but since I have been volunteering for a while now, the athletes have started to recognize me. They run up and give you a huge hug. It may sound weird to say, but knowing they are doing it just because they are happy to see you every time, is something special. They never ask for anything in return.  

What’s the best book you’ve read recently and how has it helped you either personally or professionally?

A book I have read several times is by Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World. Professionally the title says a lot. It is more about how to live each day to better yourself though. It's funny, but the smallest things make the difference. One of my favorite chapters is to laugh at the world. It's a great gift we have, especially when we start to take life too seriously. 

BONUS:  Do you have (or have you had) a mentor within the promo industry?  If so, tell us about them!

My father, Kurt McGovern, has always been my greatest teacher. Not only in business, but in life. He has been in the industry for 30+ years. He has taught me to enjoy my career and never be money motivated. He always said if you love what you do, the money will follow. I have focused on this, and it has made me successful. I can honestly say I love what I do and cannot imagine doing anything else. I don't just have a job now, but a career because my dad gave me an opportunity and believed in me.