My name is Kiara Loucks and I have been presented with the exciting opportunity of maintaining the position of Larimer County’s Youth Ambassador on behalf of Governor Hickenlooper and the Making Colorado initiative. The responsibilities which accompany this position require me to collect as much information and speak to as many resources from Larimer County in order to attempt to metaphorically paint a picture of the business opportunity, social climate, and overall “feel” of Larimer County. To report on the business opportunity end of the project, I have taken the initiative to interview multiple business leaders and figures in our community. From New Belgium to Clear Channel Radio and every small business in between, Larimer County is rich with economic opportunity. Having a connection with Kurt Hoeven, I thought it would be an exciting opportunity to hear what he has to say in regards to the existing relationship between OtterBox and Larimer County seeing as OtterBox is one of the larger business entities based within Larimer County’s limits. With well over 10 years of experience, Kurt Hoeven has had the ongoing honor of serving Larimer County with his work at OtterBox. Currently the Global Financial Officer at OtterBox, Mr. Hoeven has recently begun pursuing yet another up-and-coming business, Blue Ocean. Although his recent actions with Blue Ocean are ever so fascinating, OtterBox has been the outlet through which Mr. Hoeven has spent the majority of his time working in Larimer County. When questioned about the consistently growing relationship between OtterBox and Larimer County, Mr. Hoeven explained, on behalf of OtterBox, that OtterBox has been a primary employer in Larimer County and has supported the construction and real estate industries. Employing hundreds, OtterBox currently supports a steady stream of hard working citizens in Larimer County. OtterBox does business all over the world at this point, but has remained faithful to employ local citizens to help operate OtterBox’s home base in Fort Collins. With such a large operation to manage, OtterBox has also been a large supporter of the real estate and construction industries in Larimer County; frequently building this, renovating that, or investing in another building. Supporting Larimer County has never been a project with little priority to OtterBox. The OtterCares Foundation is the philanthropic arm of OtterBox, with a focus on giving back to the Northern Colorado community. Currently promoting a movement to mold today’s youth into tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and philanthropists, OtterCares is devoted to involving the community in order to make a large difference. The above stated campaign by OtterCares is asking for input from OtterBox followers on the website in order to attempt to establish what route best would cater to molding today’s youth into tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Unlike the majority of other larger corporations, that seem to only throw charitable actions at the community, OtterBox takes pride in involving the community in order to improve the community. OtterBox has such a passion for giving back to the community because of the immense support received from the community. Mr. Hoeven stated, “OtterBox wants to give back because they rely on the community.” As Mr. Hoeven stated, OtterBox receives great support from Larimer County and the surrounding community. An advantage to operating in such a beautiful county as Larimer County, OtterBox can employ workers who are excited to work because of the quality of living in Larimer County. Fort Collins has been listed multiple times in nationally acclaimed publications as a top competitor of best place to live, best place to retire, etc. This noticeable quality of life available in Larimer County has not only caught the eye of nationally acclaimed writers and publications, but has also been the source of pleasure and satisfaction to those who reside and work here. As we approached the final question of the interview, it had become blatantly obvious how much enthusiasm Mr. Hoeven had in regards to Larimer County and the advantages of operating such a large corporation on Larimer County’s soil. Every answer to the questions I had asked seemed to have nearly subconsciously flowed because of the excitement and knowledge that he possessed about Larimer County. But upon asking my final question, Mr. Hoeven seemed to pause in hesitation to find the right words; I requested, “Using one word or phrase, briefly summarize the experiences between OtterBox and Larimer County.” The phone had gone quiet for just a matter of seconds before Mr. Hoeven conjured up a brilliant response. “It feels like home.” This genius response had been something that felt so appropriate, yet I had never heard anyone use these exact words; instead, when the question had been posed to other business leaders, they seemed to have the identical emotion but lacked words to directly voice this emotion in regards to Larimer County. Larimer County has so many incredible resources and innovative thinkers that often it’s easy to forget how comfortable it is to be among the elite. Mr. Hoeven’s words of explaining how Larimer County is such a comfortable entity couldn’t have been more appropriate. Larimer County is home to so many large businesses and small businesses alike that it is simply second nature to our citizens to find great success. Businesses like OtterBox are a fine example of the potential to economically flourish due to the support and innovative thinkers that can be found around every corner in Larimer County.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 19:28:09 +0000
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