For Justin Hotchkiss, a conversation at the Hunt can be the beginning of a stronger client relationship. Meeting face to face gives him time to hear what clients are working through and connect beyond the usual video call.
Preparing for his third Hunt, he has seen how those conversations can lead to meaningful connections between clients and practical next steps for their organizations.
We recently sat down with Justin to discuss how he helps clients approach the conference, why meeting in person matters, and which experience has stayed with him from previous years.
How do you help clients prepare for the Hunt?
I encourage clients to think about the connections they can make while they are there. The Hunt is a valuable opportunity to spend time with other Cheetah clients, including firms similar to their own size and larger organizations they may be able to learn from.
Those conversations give people a chance to share strategies and hear what is working for someone else. Going into the conference with that in mind can help clients make the most of their time.
I tell clients that it is good to have “Cheetah buddies.” Having other people you can reach out to, compare experiences with, and continue learning from is a valuable part of being in this community.
What stands out about the connections people make at the Hunt?
Compared with other conferences I have attended, the networking at the Hunt feels very meaningful and real.
I enjoy seeing clients interact with one another and have honest conversations about their experiences. They share ideas, discuss pain points, and talk about how they approach their work.
As a Relationship Manager, I value the opportunity to connect with clients myself. But seeing them build relationships with each other is one of my favorite parts of the conference.
How does meeting face to face change a client relationship?
There is usually a noticeable difference after you have met someone in person. Many of our relationships begin on Teams or Zoom, and those are important ways to stay in touch. But meeting at the Hunt, visiting a client onsite, or having dinner together makes the relationship more personal.
I work remotely, so I experience that with my own team, too. After spending a few days together in Muncie, I leave feeling more connected. Meeting clients in person can have that same effect on the relationships we maintain throughout the year.
What do you bring back from conversations at the conference?
People tend to be more open and communicative in person. What starts as a simple meet and greet can become a 30-minute conversation about challenges they are facing or things they would like help addressing.
I usually leave the Hunt with a long to-do list, but that is a good thing. Some of those items may be things a client has been thinking about for a while but has not yet shared.
One of our biggest priorities as Relationship Managers is getting that feedback. We want clients talking to us and sharing their experiences, good or bad. The Hunt creates an environment where those conversations can happen, and they give us specific things to follow up on afterward.
Is there a moment from a previous Hunt that has stayed with you?
My first Hunt was in Nashville, when I had only been with Cheetah for about two months. I was still very new and learning a lot.
By the following year in Tucson, I had more experience. Jennifer Portugal and I spent time with Nikki Sloan from Peninsula Bay Trust Company, whose team was working through some challenges following implementation.
We were able to sit down with Nikki, talk through what was happening, and learn more about the firm’s needs. Peninsula Bay ultimately transitioned to Business Process Outsourcing, or BPO.
I was learning from Jennifer throughout those conversations. What stands out to me is how much we were able to cover and understand by spending that time together in person. It was a meaningful example of how a conversation at the Hunt can help a client find a path forward.
What would you like people to know about the team behind the Hunt?
Putting the Hunt together is a tremendous effort, and I would want to recognize everyone involved.
When I talk with clients about who is attending, I sometimes hear that people within their organizations are competing over who gets to go. I also hear people in the industry mention the Hunt as one of their favorite conferences.
That says a lot about the culture the team has created. People want to be there, and that reflects the work so many people put into the experience.
