Meet a Hodger: Aaron Kurz
Yet another intern-turned-Hodger, Aaron Kurz joins Hodges once again, only this time he’ll be working as a communications specialist for the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office. Aaron brings media relations savvy and content marketing smarts to the team, finding stories worth telling and getting them told. From working as communications manager for an ad agency to managing emergency response teams at a disaster restoration company, Aaron has picked up a wide range of skills since his intern days.
Aaron is a Richmond native and graduate of Hampden-Sydney College. When he’s not running between the office, distilleries and events, Aaron enjoys cooking elaborate meals with his fiancé, Haley, listening to bluegrass music and enjoying a nice glass of Virginia-made bourbon after a long day of smallmouth bass fishing. In case you haven’t met him yet, Meet Aaron Kurz.
Why did you decide on a career in PR?
I grew up in a house of writers – my dad wrote for the Associated Press his entire career, and my mom is a PR professional in higher education. Writing and communicating were skills I was around early and often. When I got my English degree and was looking to start a career, PR’s combination of storytelling and problem solving was what really spoke to me.
What celebrity do people say you look like?
I don’t think that I necessarily look like him, but in high school (before I had a beard) I heard way too many times that I reminded people of Marshall from “How I Met Your Mother.” I like Jason Segel, so I’ll take it. I’d say I’m more of a mix between Jon Hamm and Hugh Jackman.
What advice do you have for young people who want to get into public relations?
Get in front of people as much as you can. As screens continue to dominate attention spans and more can be accomplished with the click of a button, taking time to have a real conversation with someone holds far more weight than clicking “Easy Apply” on LinkedIn. Build your network in a meaningful way and the career development will happen.
What’s your favorite Richmond eatery?
Edo’s Squid. It’s a classic. Get the pork chops. And the braised fennel. And the squid, white bean and arugula salad. Honorable mention: Pho Tay Do.
Where do you get your news?
These days, Facebook comment sections are my favorite place to go. I’m looking for keen insights that go beyond the clickbait headlines. Whichever comments have the most likes are the ones that shape my own opinions.
Casey Prentice
A self-proclaimed organizational junkie and data geek who confesses to a secret desire to be a professional organizer, Casey enjoys account management, writing, editing and digital content strategy. Her agency work has helped clients like Virginia’s Community Colleges, VCU, ODU and Virginia DMV.
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