Patrick Klatt finds plenty to enjoy after first year on the job at Kirkwood’s renowned equine spot
–by Kevin Corizzo, Kirkwood News Service
As he learned more about Kirkwood Community College, Patrick Klatt’s decision to leave Kansas City and become director of the Iowa Equestrian Center on the Kirkwood campus became much easier.
Shortly before he was hired in February 2008, Klatt was also a finalist for a job in Wisconsin. But as he studied Kirkwood and became more familiar with what the school and the Iowa Equestrian Center have to offer, he withdrew his name from consideration.
“I was going to be flown to a fair in Wisconsin for a director position there,” he recalled. “But when I heard more about Kirkwood, I withdrew my name before I went up there.”
Klatt has been overseeing operations of the Iowa Equestrian Center ever since. He had spent the previous five years producing festivals for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. What that job lacked in equestrian training he’s picked up upon arriving at Kirkwood.
“I had worked at the Missouri State Fair for eight years. I had worked with exhibitors and the agricultural events and I had done some scheduling,” Klatt said. “I leased two horse shows, but it certainly wasn’t as hands-on as this. But what I lack in equestrian background I learn from my staff, Liz Lindner and Zach Schaller. They’re both well qualified and make my job so much easier. I’m surrounded by experts.”
Klatt is also surrounded by a state-of-the-art facility that is considered by many to be a jewel in the industry. “I knew a little bit about facilities before I came here, but not necessarily horse-show facilities,” Klatt said. “Yes, it’s definitely state-of-the-art.”
Klatt has been equally impressed with the support he has received from the Kirkwood community. “Kirkwood has been fantastic to work with,” he said. “Every time I go to an administrators meeting, I come back thinking ‘This is a super staff!’ I’ve had nothing but support from our administration.”
Klatt said it’s that kind of interaction with people that helps fuel his passion for his work. “I enjoy the different people that we work with week in and week out,” he explained.
“Show managers have their own different personalities and I like working with people. What I really enjoy is when someone stops me and says ‘I just want to tell you how clean this is’ or ‘we appreciate you working hard.’ That really rings my bell.”