Introducing… Kevin McDonald! Kevin is the newest addition to the CLE team and joined us as our new General Manager. Kevin oversees day-to-day business operations and can be found in the office with us creating strategies to help CLE grow, or in the warehouse helping out with a project.
Name? Kevin McDonald
How long have you worked at CLE? One week.
What is your role at CLE? General Manager.
How did you first learn about the company? I first learned about CLE when I was the Director of Special Events for Prairie Meadows. CLE came highly recommended as an event production company. I met with Arren and consulted with him on certain aspects of what Prairie Meadows needed and we ended up hiring them for some out-of-house operations.
What is your favorite part of working here? My favorite part of working here (so far) is CLE’s mission and seeing how it truly is the standard each person here strives for. Memorable events, lasting impressions. That’s something I’ve tried to live out myself throughout my professional journey in the event industry.
What is something you learned in the last week? I’ve learned just how dedicated and professional the CLE team is. We have a wonderful group of people here.
Who inspires you? I don’t know that there’s one person who inspires me, but there are aspects of many people that do. When I need inspiration, I reflect on some of the football coaches that I have worked with and draw upon their wisdom. Coach Mike Hohensee speaks on the importance of being the best you can be on and off the field. He emphasizes being a better man to the people around you and being a leader and an inspiration to others.
What’s your hometown? Born and raised in the Des Moines area (Clive, to be exact).
What was the best concert you’ve ever attended? Not just one, but the Grateful Dead’s 1989 3-night run of shows at Alpine Valley. Everything about the shows and the music just clicked. Ten years later, there was a DVD of the event released because it was just that good.
What is your favorite family tradition? My family has a strict “no chili until Beggars Night” policy. Waiting until that chilly night in October to enjoy the first cup of chili (specifically white chicken chili) is a fun tradition my family and I have.
What has been your favorite project at CLE? Working with Arren and taking tasks off his plate so he can focus on the big picture. I can work in the business so he can work on it.
What’s your drink of choice? India Pale Ales.
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Will It Go Round In Circles”- Billy Preston
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? Depends on the season, but I enjoy hiking and cycling when it’s warm. In the winter I love mountaineering and skiing.
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