In her own words: Kathy Hess, owner of Just Imagine

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us a little about your company its specialties, its history, the size of its staff.

Kathy Hess: I started my own business because I like to be involved in every step of the process. I work with designers and copywriters, and I handle all of the client contact and media development. I believe in relationship selling and I have worked with many of my clients since I first started the business in 1998. I specialize in collateral development, event management and advertising sales. I also publish magazines and area newsletters for various organizations.

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

Hess: As a sole proprietor my role is to keep my clients satisfied by continuing to bring fresh ideas and opportunities to them. Fortunately, I have surrounded myself with outstanding people that make everything go smoothly.

NNBW: How did you get into this?

Hess: I love marketing. I can't imagine doing anything different. I enjoy helping businesses be the best they can be by assisting them to identify their strengths and market opportunities.

NNBW: What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?

Hess: The greatest ability needed is to see through the clutter and to get a clear understanding of the business and help identify the marketable points. Then, strategizing an effective and attention-getting message to attract customers.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been? Why wasn't it your first choice?

Hess: I never had any desire to do anything else. I really love what I do.

NNBW: What are some of the important trends you see in your industry?

Hess: The biggest change I see is the sharing of content and the necessity to being willing to be a part of that. The Internet has changed the way we do business. My role is to help my clients keep a consistent look and image in everything they do.

NNBW: What do you like to do when you're not working?

Hess: I enjoy spending time outside and with my boys. I am an avid skier and long-distance runner.

NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?

Hess: Do what you love and love what you do. Be open and willing to change with the current trends.

NNBW: Would you rather be younger, thinner, richer or smarter? Why?

Hess: Right now, smarter. Second thought richer might be helpful. I know I can't be any thinner; the running takes care of that.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Hess: The best advice for serving clients was to make sure when they see me, I always have at least one new idea. Clients will always be willing to hear a new idea and will continue to hire me if I continue to help them succeed in their business.

NNBW: What are five things you can't live without?

Hess: The outdoors, my children, my friends, my flexible schedule and my clients.

NNBW: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why would you want it?

Hess: The ability to see into the future and share my vision. It might help with some of the marketing campaigns I develop.

NNBW: What does the content of your refrigerator say about you?

Hess: It is absolutely full and indicates I have teenagers and that like to eat and I like to cook.

The basics:

Name: Kathy Hess, owner, Just Imagine Marketing and Design

How long have you been in this job? I started my business in 1998.

How long in the profession? 26 years

Education: BS in Marketing from the University of Connecticut, 1984

Best book you've read? "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom

What's on your iPod? Mostly music-Train, John Legend, Pink, Mike Snow it varies, I do have some inspirational podcasts too.

The best movie ever? "Titanic"

Spouse, kids or pets? I have two boys. Lewis Falconer (14) Jacob Falconer (13)