ThinkNW Marketing All-Star Profile: Matt Kolasinski, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships at Hillsboro Hops Baseball
We’re pleased to announce our first class of ThinkNW Marketing All-Stars. Chosen by the ThinkNW board and executive team, this program kicks off a tradition of recognizing the unique marketing talent that drives our industry and region forward.
We asked our honorees to share a bit about their work, lives and what the Pacific Northwest means to them.
Here’s what Matt Kolasinski, vp of corporate sponsorships for the Hillsboro Hops, had to say.
How long have you been in your current role?
Five years.
What do you value most in your work in this role, and what do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your current role?
I greatly value what we at the Hops call “First Class Memories.” Our ballpark is fun and lively all summer long, and I love being a part of making that happen for our fans. My biggest accomplishment with the Hops is finding a roster of partners who worry less about spots, dots and impressions and focus on connecting with our fans. We focus on integrating our partners in a way that’s additive to the fan experience and to our community as a whole. The fact that we have partners that buy into this concept whole-heartedly means a ton to me.
What do you like to do outside of your work?
I love golfing, skiing and camping, enjoying the food (whether I cook it or someone else does!), beer and wine of Oregon, and spending as much time as I can with my friends, wife, and girls. I also love football and the New England Patriots, but that last part isn’t very popular around here.
What impact does the Pacific Northwest have on your work?
I’ve loved being a part of the business community in Portland since we moved here 15+ years ago. It’s an amazing group of people with a community-first approach. I also love to connect people feel to the region and their passion for supporting local businesses. We’re proud to serve a ton of PNW food and beverages at our ballpark and know it’s what our fans expect!
How would you characterize the Pacific Northwest marketing/creative community? In your mind, what makes it unique?
It’s an amazingly talented group that’s never afraid to take chances and always focused on results. There’s some much work I see that just gets better and better the more you review it. What makes it unique is that almost everyone I’ve come across is really easy to work with. I’ve had dozens of conversations with counterparts in other markets struggling to find creative or design staff that are team players. It makes me appreciate the community here every time.
