Sept. 18, 2018

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Joel Gackle, account and business development manager at Click Rain.

Name: Joel Gackle

Age: 38

 Hometown: Kulm, N.D.

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My wife was raised in Sioux Falls, and her upbringing here left an indelible mark. After spending a decade in Southern California, we were looking for a place to put down roots for our family that was closer to grandparents. Additionally, we wanted our children to share in experiences unique to the region that helped shape us. We both graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, and when moving, we considered both Sioux Falls and the Twin Cities but ultimately chose Sioux Falls. 

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

After college, I followed opportunities that took me to three countries and several states. I love traveling and learning from experts worldwide. However, I knew I would eventually land back in the region. We have an incredible community, and my wife and I just purchased a home with dreams about our next decade. We are able to have our sons spend the day with their grandpa in the field one day, and the next day we can take them to a concert with an internationally known act. The city is large enough to draw on activities usually reserved for large metropolitan areas but small enough to build solid relationships with people from all walks of life.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Every story is unique, and our clients come to us with a range of stories. They have done the heavy lifting to get their businesses running. They balance their workforce, vendors, customers and various platforms to manage their operations. I get to hear their stories and challenges, and provide feedback on ways we might help chart their next chapter. I am given the opportunity to share new technologies, platforms and strategies that can build on the incredible work already being done. Technologies ultimately free our clients up to do the work that makes them most passionate and drive opportunities to expand their businesses.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My undergraduate major was in business marketing, and my MBA built on that foundation. In every industry and country where I worked, the foundational aspects of marketing played unique roles. My role with Click Rain is unique in that I am now able to work alongside marketing technology experts who create solutions for companies both large and small. These solutions offer real-time ROI — something traditional marketing didn’t allow.

Describe Click Rain in three words.

Fun, digital, experts.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

The absence of a Thai food restaurant is something that needs to be remedied soon. I would love to see Trader Joe’s and Yogurtland expand to the region, but Thai food is a must!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The theme that has been woven through my story since college is that I am passionate about four things: deepening relationships, developing others, building culture and driving clarity. As a continuous learner, Click Rain provides me a tremendous opportunity to work alongside industry experts in an ever-evolving industry. It also allows me to continue building on my passions to impact our city.