Meet Peter Hauck, Zeal’s New Community Manager

As you’re reading this, Zeal’s newest hire, Peter Hauck, is in the midst of navigating his first day on the job—virtually. 

We’ve never done a virtual first day before, but it’s just one of the many ways life has had to adapt these days. We’ll get through this in time, and here at Zeal we’re confident that new innovations and strengths will be born from these challenges.

Keep reading to get to know Peter a bit, hear about his love for all things Sioux Falls, and send a socially distanced “best wishes!” on his first day. We’re excited for you to meet him when all of this is over.  

Tell us about yourself!

I grew up here in Sioux Falls and while I wanted to go to college somewhere else to get the experience of living in a larger city, I always knew I wanted to come back. 

My beautiful wife, Alicen (Ali), is from Minnesota and we both love the Golden Gophers, but Sioux Falls is a great place to start a family and start a business so we decided to move back. Ali is currently getting her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from South Dakota State University, and she’ll be starting an internship soon with the Compass Center. Ultimately, her goal is to be a play therapist. 

Together, we have a mini-Australian shepherd named Mayer and a cat named Macchiato. We love to golf, and we’re looking forward to getting some swings in when places open up again. 

Talk to us about your new role and what got you excited about working for Zeal. 

I’ll be taking over the role of Community Manager which involves promoting Zeal’s services, handling their CRM, and managing some elements of marketing and event planning. 

I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship. My dad (Mike Hauck, owner of Minuteman Press) has been a lifelong entrepreneur, and I’ve seen the freedom that’s allowed him throughout the course of his life. I think it’s a great way to carve your own path, and while this isn’t me being an entrepreneur, I get to support them using the skills I’ve developed over the course of my career.

How has your prior experience prepared you for this role? 

I graduated from the University of Minnesota with an individualized studies degree in communication, mass communications, and management. After college, I worked as the marketing coordinator for Maslon LLP, a law firm in the Twin Cities. When my wife and I moved back to Sioux Falls, I got a job as a copywriter at Epicosity and got a taste of the agency world. 

Prior to starting with Zeal, I was working as the director of business development for Minuteman Press, the print shop my dad and stepmom run. Professionally, I was just looking for a way to be even more active in the community that I loved. I love being involved and getting out into the community by going to events like 1 Million Cups.

I’ve always been an extroverted person, and my previous roles have really given me a look into communication, marketing, community building, and interpersonal skills, which are a heavy portion of this role, too. I’m excited to use those skills to help out Sioux Falls entrepreneurs. I’m a big Sioux Falls guy, and I think that entrepreneurship is helping put our city on the map in a way it maybe wasn’t a decade or so ago. I’m really excited to provide the services necessary to keep our town growing and really pull entrepreneurs into the city.

What’s it like to transition into a new job in the midst of COVID-19? 

Well, I’ve definitely never had a virtual first day of work before, so that will be interesting!

But from personal experience, having a resource like Zeal is huge for small businesses right now. Our family has been paying close attention to the content Zeal is putting out, as well as the best resources from the SBA. 

Favorite local businesses in Sioux Falls? 

I’ve been a big fan of Fernson since it started, and I actually worked there for awhile as a beertender. I also love Coffea and Oh My Cupcakes for coffee and treats. As far as a restaurant, I’d have to say Papa Woody’s.