The Story of K2
After Capps purchased the company in 2004, someone immediately came to mind when considering a partner. Kenneth Kracmer (the cryptically-crafted “K2” of the firm, largely because of people butchering his Czechoslovakian surname, pronounced ‘KROCH-mer’) was one of the first clients at Michael & Partners when he was PR Director at Dallas-based Excel Communications.
Following his client relationship with Michael at Excel, Kracmer was called upon in 2005 for a freelance prospect to pitch an important new business opportunity. The decision to work with Michael and Capps again would be a life-changing one.
“George is a master networker and always up to something,” joked Kracmer. “Little did I know that opportunity was an on-the-job training as a potential business partner with Heather to fulfill their vision for the ideal succession plan for Michael & Partners.”
Evidently, the art of connecting the business dots is a company trademark.
”I believe you should always maintain relationships with people even when you don’t need anything. That way, people will remember you when you do,” said Kracmer. “That was largely something I learned from George, and this lesson paid dividends when I was asked to lead the firm with Heather.”
Shortly thereafter, the two people with different connections with George Michael became the owners and partners of his firm. Two years later, in 2007, HCK2 Partners was “officially” born to provide a more full-service approach to clients’ brands, while maintaining many of George’s business philosophies that always put the client first. Today, the two have led the firm to consistent annual top-10 rankings, and have doubled its staff and client roster.
