𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗯: Faces of KC IABC Leadership - John Kurtz
John Kurtz • Co-Website Coordinator
How long have you been involved with KC IABC and how did you get started?
I started coming to events in 2021 when I moved back to Kansas City and I joined the board a year-and-a-half ago. A friend of mine that I made from my time in sports media (Mike Klein) is a huge IABC advocate. He suggested that I check it out, and the rest is history!
What’s your day job?
I am in charge of public relations for ReeceNichols Real Estate and have been since 2021.
What’s the most gratifying thing about your day job?
I absolutely love the people that I work with. It is a great company from the top down. Our CEO is as down-to-earth as it gets and knows how to create a great culture, which makes me want to work harder to support what our brokerage is doing. I also love my seven teammates on the marketing team. We know how to balance having fun and getting things done.
Favorite place to be when you’re not at work?
Either playing one of my guitars in my home office, or eating Greek/Thai food at one of my favorite spots (Thai Place, Meddy’s, Hummus & Pita).
You sound pretty busy. Why/how do you make time to serve on the board?
I got a lot out of the KC IABC events I started going to during my career transition a few years ago, so I wanted to help create more of those opportunities for other people. Organizations like KC IABC are so important in an era when it’s so much more challenging to connect with people in person.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from KC IABC?
That building professional relationships doesn’t have to be intimidating. The KC IABC events have always made that very easy, and I’ve met so many great people over the years.
Do you have a career path not taken?
I was a full-time sports broadcaster for ten years before transitioning to public relations in 2021, and I still do plenty of sports broadcasting work as a side hustle. Not sure if that totally counts, but it’s close!
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Smooth seas don’t make good sailors.”
KC/IABC is a 100% volunteer-led organization. Behind the scenes, these committed board members make things happen.
