Hiett Ives

Who had the biggest influence on your career & why?

My first boss and mentor – he saw more in me than I saw in myself. He pushed me and I found success wasn't all that hard to achieve with the right plan and the right goals.

What drove your decision to get into the marketing business?

A British friend saw me at my first ever B2B trade show in the early ‘80s and said B2B marketing was little known at the time, but a lot of fun. I pursued it and it is.

Share a great client story.

Getting British Airways into a then 15 year old Offshore Technology Conference where the airline of record since day one had been Continental Airlines – but they had never figured out how to become an exhibitor.

What is your method for developing creative solutions for your clients?

Listening to THEIR needs and requirements, then matching my skills and abilities to them and going forward from there.

In your opinion, what makes a great brand?

One backed by integrity, honesty and quality. A good product/service also helps!!

What driving career goals are you still pursuing?

To be significant and leave a living legacy.

Name at least one talent that you wish you could master?

Competency in either a foreign language (probably Spanish) or a musical instrument (piano).

If you were marooned on a desert island, what would you miss most?

Companionship.

What food helps you think creatively?

Breakfast food – bacon, eggs, toast, milk.

Tell us about your pets.

Two cats – (a mother and a daughter) – I tolerate them. Our daughter gave the mother to her mother (my wife) and that’s how that one played out. Were I to have my own pet, it would be a dog, but I have no plans in that direction at this time.

Describe your childhood and include where you grew up.

My father was career military (Air Force) – I was born in DC, then Alabama, back to DC, then Long Island, London, Delphi, Indiana and finally San Antonio. Three high schools in two countries and two states. My three years in a British boarding school (7th, 8th, 9th grades), were three of the finest years of my youth and I have great stories and memories of those years.