This week’s Why Draper? entry features someone who has long been a fixture at Draper. Jim Hoodlebrink has worn several hats during his years here, but he is currently the IDS/Rental and Staging Products Manager.  He’s my partner in crime.  I couldn’t do my job without him!

How did you come to be working at Draper? 

While working in the carpet industry in Oregon, Lee Denhart (currently our Field Sales Manager), suggested I contact Draper for an interview. We were starting a family and all our relatives lived 2000 miles east, so I interviewed with Draper and started in June of 1993.

How long have you been at Draper?

Not long at all-21 years!

What different roles have you had here? 

Regional Manager, HT Manager, IDS Manager, now IDS and Rental Products Manager – I’ve always been involved in the audiovisual side of our business in some way.

Funniest memories at Draper?

There are many – one stands out on a Rental Reload Ad. We had our President, John Pidgeon, dress up as Ben Franklin. He is a good sport.

What do you like to do in your time away from Draper?

Camping, all kinds of sports, and enjoy family time.

Tell us about your family…

4 kids – Tyler, Erin, Geoff, Aimee and my understanding wife, Brenda. Tyler graduated in 2012, Erin in 2013, Geoff graduated from high school this year, and Aimee will graduate in two years. Here come the college years! Erin actually worked in my department as an intern this summer, but she’s not going to make a career out of it. Tyler worked out in our Displays/Tradeshow area. He learned that factory work was challenging but not his forte, which is why he’s studying to be an engineer.

Wishes for 2015?

Continued good times with Draper and watching our kids grow into wonderful adults.