Behind every successful company are its unsung heroes. These individuals form the backbone of KORTX, working diligently behind the scenes to bring our vision to life.
In this post, we spotlight a key team member, Al Morisset, KORTX’s VP of Product & Solutions, whose journey has been pivotal in shaping our path and story.
Let’s hear from him about his role, challenges, and his heartfelt connection to the KORTX family. If you’ve ever been curious about the driving force behind KORTX’s innovation, Al’s story is one of dedication, passion, and the comfort of returning ‘home.’
Explain your role here at KORTX. What team are you on?
I primarily serve as a Product Manager within our Product team and oversee both our Engineering and Analytics teams. I collaborate closely with leadership and various departments to streamline and prioritize new software products, as well as enhancements to our existing offerings. I also work hand-in-hand with our exceptional Software Engineers to realize our products and features laid out in our product roadmap.
When did you join KORTX? And why did you decide to come back?
I joined KORTX in March 2018 and was with the company for four years. After a year-long stint elsewhere, I returned to KORTX this past February. My decision to return stemmed from the profound connection I felt with KORTX; it’s more than just a job to me. As clichéd as it might sound, coming back to the company truly felt like returning home.
What do you love about KORTX?
What I love most about KORTX is our team. Though we’re still a relatively small group, we’re a growing ensemble of dedicated experts eager to learn and passionate about our work. Everyone is always willing to help each other out, and we truly work together as a team.
What got you interested in advertising?
While I earned a degree in Economics and initially aspired to venture into investment banking or financial services, fate had other plans.
Shortly after graduating, I took an entry-level role at an emerging ad tech startup in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This position, my second post-college job, became a transformative experience. I rapidly advanced within the company, and about four years into my tenure, it was acquired by Criteo. That experience got me hooked on the world of advertising, software development, and technology startup-type environments.
What’s your biggest challenge in your role?
One of the primary challenges in my role arises from KORTX’s size. Being a smaller company, I frequently find myself wearing multiple hats. I like that we do not have clearly defined, narrow job definitions here at KORTX, but it can sometimes be challenging.
What’s a typical day like for you?
On a typical day, I engage with our Engineering team to ensure everything is on track and moving forward. Whenever an engineer has any obstacles or questions, I step in to provide the necessary answers.
My activities vary based on our development cycle; sometimes, I collaborate with the leadership to define upcoming product features, while other times, I assist in testing features slated for the current quarter.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I’m a proud father to two lovely young daughters, aged 2 and 3. I love spending time with them and my wife and watching our girls grow up together. Outside of work, I’m an avid mountain biker and pickleball enthusiast. There’s a weekly pickleball meet near the office where several of us from KORTX compete fiercely!
Travel is another passion of mine. Annually, my father, two brothers, and I embark on an adventure. This year’s highlight was a train journey through the Canadian Rockies, traveling from Vancouver to Banff and Lake Louise. The previous year, we explored the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, covering both Argentina and Chile.
If you were forced to sing karaoke, what song would you choose and why?
While I’d never voluntarily step up for karaoke, if push came to shove, I’d choose “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw. I always have mini-concerts in my truck whenever it comes on, and I also really like the song’s message.
➡️ More from our Meet the Team series:
- Meet Our Team: Discover the Faces Behind KORTX’s Success: Explore our roundup post to meet other team members defining success at KORTX.
- Meet Jeff Israel: Director of Analytics at KORTX: Read more about our Director of Analytics, Jeff Israel, and his day-to-day duties.
- Meet Jess Ostrom, VP of Client Services: Learn more about Jess Ostrom, exploring her leadership approach and insights into her role.