Meet the Team: Kevin
None of what is happening at Bloom would be possible without the incredible team behind it. With our Meet the Team Series, we will be introducing the individuals who are working hard to make all of this possible.
You have most likely met this member of our team member already, but now it's time to get to really know our Director of Business Development, Kevin McFadden:
Where were you born and raised?
I was born nearby, in Auburn. My Dad worked for Boeing at the time, and followed aircraft projects around the country, so I also spent my childhood years in Minnesota and Ohio.
What do you love most about Seattle?
I spent many years away from Washington before moving back here in 2016. I’ve traveled all over the world for work, and the ability to be in a completely different mix of terrain and climate within just a few hours’ drive from Seattle is very unique and has always been fascinating to me.
What is your role at Bloom?
As Director of Business Development, I’m basically “the sales guy”, which is strange because I’ve never worked in sales before. But also strange, because it’s not really a sales role at all. I’m more like a matchmaker for Bloom - finding the right companies to partner with that ultimately will make for a great relationship for both of us.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Hands down, I wanted to be an aircraft engineer. So that’s what I went to school for – I am an actual rocket scientist! Also, I have never worked a day on either aircraft or rockets!
Whom in the world would you most like to share a meal with?
Anthony Bourdain. I love to cook, and eat, and enjoy a good drink or two (or three), and travel, and be introspective about all of the above. Beyond these things, the man was an enigma, but about these things he was a legend.
If it was safe to travel and you had a plane ticket, leaving anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
My wife and I have been itching to travel to Italy for a very long time. The wine, the food, landscape, architecture, all of it. I still haven’t got the slightest idea what we are waiting for, well, other than a global pandemic.
How do you stay up to date on the world of wine?
In 2016, I started pursuing working in the wine industry. I spent a harvest in wine production in the Lake Chelan AVA, and then worked for a few different wineries from the Chelan and Woodinville areas. I’ve made a lot of good friends in the industry, and Leslie and I are members of a handful of wine clubs. Getting out into the wineries and tasting rooms in a region is the best way to get a sense of what’s happening.
After a long day of saving wineries at work, what’s your drink of choice?
An old-school Manhattan, preferably made with Rye, but Bourbon works just fine.
OK quick answer!
Podcast or book? Book
Texting or talking? Texting
Invisibility or super strength? Invisibility
Cake or pie? Pie
Star Wars or Lord of the Rings? Star Wars
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Ocean or mountains? Mountains
Climb a mountain or jump from a plane? Climb a mountain
Ninjas or pirates? Pirates
Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster? Tiny elephant