Dan Kasten

“Dan is a dynamic leader who has a unique ability to bring teams together to develop, implement and educate marketing programs that deliver on core KPIs, increasing sales and profitability. His ability to think strategically, while understanding the tactical approach, allows him to build comprehensive and actionable marketing plans. Dan leads with a culture first mindset and understands how to channel his teams’ talents to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. ”

“Dan is a fantastic marketing leader. Leadership comes in many forms, but what stands out is Dan’s ability to lead with empathy, a strategic mindset and seeing the big-picture impact organizationally. He is a relationship builder at heart, which improves communication and team dynamics across all levels, especially in times of transition. Any organization would be lucky to have him!”

“When I went to work for Valassis, my boss tells me, "Call Dan Kasten, I've assigned him to be your mentor." You can imagine how a new hire could be anxious about this...I don't know him from Adam. What if he is terrible at mentoring? Or if he doesn't want to BE a mentor, or if he doesn't know anything and actually misleads me, or if he tries to sabotage the new hire. I'm wrecked! Two years later, Dan is the exact opposite of all my fears and "what ifs". True story: he is my inspiration and the reason I have been promoted twice within my company. With his background in the military, the writing skills, comedy experience, multiple sales roles, marketing work, and teaching/coaching in his spare time, there isn't anything he cannot do (double negative, Dan...I know you're cringing). His passion for people is contagious, and I caught it during our time together. The most important lesson I learned from my time with Dan was that people matter. Yes, he has tons of knowledge for the actual business, but we all know that anyone can learn that. When you have a heart for helping people and for taking part in their success, that cannot be taught. A person is either born with it or is faking it, and if you're a faker it eventually comes out. To this day, Dan puts others first, whether it's his client or his co-worker. Dan takes a genuine interest in people. He is patient with those that don't necessarily deserve it (like me). With an acute sense of their needs, he has this knack for knowing just what to say and when, contributing the always timely joke to keep things light. He also works hard to achieve his well-thought-out goals, both personally and professionally. He is unwavering in his decisions because he's thinking four steps ahead of you--a chess player in every sense--and he believes strongly in doing the right thing. I owe him a great deal more than that dirty martini we had at the top of the Hilton San Francisco, where he schooled me on Vermouth. Here's to your success, Qui-Gon Jinn!! ~Obi-Wan”

“Dan was my mentor when we worked together at Valassis. He was patient, had a listening ear for client initiatives, knew all the tricks of the trade and Frankly was a whiz at Most all things Valassis- but more importantly -consumers path to purchase & strategic campaign planning.. Not only did I learn a great deal from Dan but I also laughed a great deal bc he brings a sense of comic relief to most situations which makes work fun & more productive. During an extended interim leadership gap on our team Dan stepped up and really lead the team in a powerful way with a realistic but simplistic view that made sense. Dan is a natural born leader and a marketing guru that any organization or group would be blessed to work with (I know I was).”

“I worked with Dan for 18 months as his RAM. Dan is honest, fair, and is an excellent leader. Dan understands the needs of his clients and staff and strives to meet those needs. Dan is a strong motivator and leader as an Advertising Director. I would work for Dan again if given the opportunity.”

“Dan was a great resource to me when I was an advertising agency media director. His depth of knowledge of the print industry was beyond compare. He not only understands the needs of media planning and buying professionals, but he can also transition from major market advertising efforts to rural campaigns in the blink of an eye. He has valuable connections across the country and provides outstanding customer service.”