Hubsters Makin’ Moves: Kate Hrdina, Associate Product Manager
By: Main Street Hub
Tags: Company Culture, Professional Development, Careers, Career Change, Career Advice

When Kate Hrdina moved to Austin to join the Main Street Hub Team, she was excited to have the opportunity to give back to local businesses — like the one her father owned for 34 years.

Over her past three years with the company, she’s made an impact on our customers in more ways than one. Kate joined us as a Community Manager and is currently a member of our Product Team.

Get to know Kate, and learn how she used her skills to transition her career:

Tell us about yourself!

“I was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. I studied Food and Wine Journalism at the University of Missouri and then moved down to Austin after landing a job with Main Street Hub. I don’t have a dog, but if I did, it would be a Golden Retriever. I love to cook and bake, and I have the travel bug 24/7.”

What drew you to Main Street Hub?

“I loved the mission — to create thriving local economies. I grew up in Columbia, Missouri, which has a really vibrant local scene. My dad has been a small business owner for 34 years, and lots of my close family friends are local business owners. It’s important to feel passionate about what you’re doing every day, and three years later, that’s still true for me.”

Associate Project Manager Chelsea Poe (left) and Kate (right) after graduating from SemiPro

What roles have you held here?

“I started out as a Community Manager, and a few months in, I quickly jumped on the opportunity to pilot our Customer Request Team. I eventually built that into a full-scale team and started my first role in management as the team lead. At the same time, I also participated in our SemiPro program, which is a product bootcamp of sorts. After graduating from the program, I transitioned into a full-time Associate Product Manager role. That’s where I am now!”

What was your favorite part of each role you’ve had here?

“Oh man, every team I’ve been part of has been amazing! As a Community Manager I was completely blown away by the creativity of the people around me. I loved being constantly inspired by my witty, brilliant teammates and trying new strategies with my writing.

“As part of the Customer Requests Team, I loved being at the forefront of building out something new. I learned that even with a small team, if you’ve got passionate, dedicated people, you can make amazing things happen.

“On the Product Team, I love that I get to collaborate with and learn from so many people across the company on a daily basis — from Engineering and Product Design to Operations and Sales Leadership.”

“Honestly, the teams here are incredible.”

What’s one thing you’ve learned that’s applied to all of your roles?

“Take Ownership for whatever you’re working on, big or small. Apply a critical eye to what you’re doing, and find ways to make it better. No matter how uncomfortable it is, be honest when you make a mistake, and ask for help. That’s the only way you’ll grow.”

Is there anything that surprised you when you transitioned into different roles?

“As I’ve been on different teams, I’ve seen some of the challenges we face as a company from new perspectives. There are so many ways to look at the same problem.”

Advice for someone who wants to transfer internally?

“1. Meet people and learn what they do every day. I had no idea what product management was before starting here. I got the opportunity to work with Alyssa Bernstein (Senior Product Manager) and OJ Hornung (Lead Designer) on some projects as part of the Customer Requests Team, and I just started picking their brains about the Product Team. I became really interested in product and took every opportunity to participate or just get advice from people on that team.

“2. Read. A lot. Find books in the company library that talk about other roles. Ask for article recommendations on topics you want to learn about. Get your hands on materials that other people have published — not only will it teach you about other roles, but it’ll teach you how other people and companies outside Main Street Hub think about that role.”

What’s your favorite small business, and why?

“Papalote Taco House on South Lamar. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall spot that has the best tacos, no matter what the occasion. Need a post-yoga breakfast taco? Papalote. Feeling tired after a long day at Barton Springs? Papalote. You get the point. Order the Alambres on corn. Actually, order two. And don’t forget the homemade red salsa in the fridge.”