Our new Account Coordinator, Kade Gewanter, will graduate from Castleton University with his MBA this summer. With Darby, he’s able to convert his passion for fishing and the outdoors into securing amazing PR for many of Darby’s clients. We were able to snag Kade for a quick interview between work and classes to ask him a few questions about his style tips, the big one that got away 🎣, and whether or not pineapple 🍍 belongs on pizza 🍕.
What clients do you find yourself working with at Darby Comm?
I have had the pleasure of working with Morakniv, PAKMULE, Maine Fly Company, and Old Town Canoes.
You’re currently finishing up your MBA, what’s one obscure pearl of wisdom you’ll remember from your time in school?
From my time in school I have learned that everyone has something to offer. You can never write anyone off and you must always try and help people be the best versions of themselves. The most talented, creative, deepest thinking people I have ever met have been through school. I think for some people it takes a complete stranger to point out the set of skills they have and maybe steer them towards how to use them.
You’ve been known to live by the mantra “Dress to Impress” when it comes to presenting in front of a room of peers. What’s your go-to style tip?
My go-to style tip is on special occasions, cuff the jeans. I believe you cannot cuff jeans all the time but once in a while, when the time is right, give them a roll. Also, I believe everyone should own a pair of boat shoes.
As an avid angler, you likely remember the fish that got away as much as the fish you landed. Give us your best tall tale of the monster that got away.
In some circles, there are still discussions of a monster walleye that I, unfortunately, lost in Clayton, NY. I was seven years old and that unfortunate experience could likely be traced back to immature knot tying and drag control. There were some tears and I’m sure some high-pitched screaming. It was a good battle and seeing it in that crystal clear, Saint Lawrence River water was special. Losing a fish like that will do a lot more for a fishing career than catching it.
Favorite piece of gear right now?
XTRATUF boots, I wear them more than any piece of footwear I have ever owned. Exceptionally comfortable, waterproof, warm, durable, and I think they look pretty good. Not a lot of footwear can be worn on a haddock boat and out to dinner.
What’s a bucket list experience high up on your list?
I would really enjoy attending Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic in Texas. Through extensive research and riveting first-hand accounts, I have concluded that it is the perfect mix of awesome BBQ, great music, and very cold beer. All things I am deeply passionate about. I of course would want to experience this with my brother and my friends.
Does pineapple belong on pizza? Flour or corn tortilla?
As my single favorite pizza topping, it certainly belongs on every pizza, except old school, traditional pies that should not be messed with. Pineapple adds a depth of flavor and a unique texture that cannot be duplicated with any other topping.
The best corn tortilla I have ever had has to beat the best flour tortilla I have ever had. However, I feel strongly that a higher standard of craftsmanship exists with flour tortillas meaning that they are on average going to be better than corn tortillas. I have no time for rubbery, hastily made, mass-produced corn tortillas, so often I go with flour.
Beverage of Choice
Too close to call between a Fiddlehead IPA and a P.B.R at the turn during a tremendous round of golf.
What’s your guilty pleasure song?
My guilty pleasure song is Name by the GOO-GOO dolls.
What content creators do you enjoy following?
Steve Rinella, Joe Cermele, Jay Siemens, Adam Mellusi, and of course the famous BBQ Pit Boys. I think all these people are extremely passionate about what they do and demonstrate that in different ways. Passion isn’t always refined and smooth but when it is expressed in a way that inspires other people to do awesome things, it truly is beautiful. It would be great to see more people making a comfortable living doing something they love.
Learn more about Kade and the rest of our team on our About Us page.
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