Name: Geoff Holton
Title: President
What do you like most about working at Sassafras?
I really enjoy being part of a special group that not only has common goals of things like excellence in StoryDesign, superior customer service/resourcefulness and commitment to only publishing work that is worthy of the Sassafras stamp of approval, but also respect and support of each other’s individual goals. At the end of the day, it is about what makes you smile and it is refreshing to be part of a company that supports me and allows me those opportunities.
Your hometown postcard—what’s on it?
My family surrounded by all things Kansas City – Kansas Jayhawks, KC Royals, KC Chiefs, delicious BBQ, Sassafras tree.
Who is your hero and why?
To me it is always tough to just have one hero because there are so many people that have a positive impact on our lives: the cancer survivors (like my mom and countless others), those that overcome great odds in sports (Jim Abbott), those that overcome birth deficiencies and achieve (all those with Downs Syndrome that you see working at your local supermarket), those in (or veterans of) the armed forces that stand up for our country (my dad and countless others)…But, if there was one name that I had to say it would be James P. Carmichael, my high school Calculus teacher. He approached each day with the same passion and zeal even though he was teaching a bunch of punks that did not want to be there. I really appreciate the love of his students and the excitement that he brought to lessons every single day. I honestly believe that if we can all find this for ourselves (what makes us smile) we will live a fulfilled and happy life that has a positive impact on all those that we encounter.
What book are you reading right now?
I am actually reading 2: Find A Way by Merril Hoge and Best Practices are Stupid by Stephen M. Shapiro.
Name an interesting thing about yourself that others might not know.
I enjoy coaching youth basketball and have been doing it since I was in college.
What is your favorite website or app?
I am not a very loyal app person because I will download apps for the time of year or events that are taking place and then delete them however, there is a new one that really has me excited and it is the Sam’s Club Scan & Go app. This easily saves me 20 minutes each time I visit Sam’s Club – a fantastic experience. It keeps my kids engaged as well because they are the ones scanning the products.
Is there a particular project or work product you are most proud of?
It would have to be the story that we developed for Coca-Cola to pitch the coffee business to Disney Parks. This was one of our first StoryDesign successes where we identified with the audience and spoke their language. The pitch came to life as a rhyming storybook complete with pop-ups – very creative and fun!
Describe your ideal Saturday!
Workout before the family gets up (not one of those quick workouts, but one where have an intense hour then relax in steam, whirlpool and shower. Hang out with family in the late morning/early afternoon – watch/coach kids at sports, catch a movie, play games at the house…A night out for dinner, drinks and live entertainment with friends.
You’re leaving town for a very, very long time…where would you dine for your last meal and what would you eat?
My mom’s house – Fried Chicken!