Hak Kim, vp, store design and merchandising, Bank of America

How did you find your way into store design?

After studying interior design at New York’s FIT, I was asked by a college buddy to join him as a store designer with Woolworth Corp. (back when it was the parent company of Foot Locker, Champs and Kinney).

“The hardest part of my job is…”

It’s a big financial corporation with live meetings, conference calls, analytical processes, flow charts, process mapping, Excel sheets and PowerPoint presentations. I had some mixed emotions about stepping into such a strict, analytical world, but it’s really interesting, especially for someone coming from the creative side. You have to look at things from an entirely different angle and realize that there are some valuable ideas to mix up into the creative process.

“The easiest part of my job is…”

I find that people throughout the organization are all passionate in their work or line of business, so it’s been easy to establish internal partnerships.

How do you merchandise an intangible product?

Similar to the traditional retail methodologies, we focus on in-store communications and impactful messaging all through the usual channels: floor fixtures, window graphics and multimedia. And, of course, it’s all about our customers’ needs: providing clarity and simplification to our products, guidance through product selections and establishing trust.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Putting on a pair of jeans that isn’t fully dry.

Finish this thought: “Nobody knows that I…”

Have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

What TV show do you have to watch every week?

I try to catch “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” because it’s just too damn funny. Otherwise, I’m usually sitting on the sofa with my kids, watching “The Backyardigans” and “Wonder Pets!” back-to-back on Noggin.

Name a movie you watch every time it’s on TV.

Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon” with Al Pacino. Filmmaking at its best!

You're based in Florida. What makes Ft. Myers special?

Just off the coast, there are two small islands, Captiva and Sanibel. One of the attractions, particularly on Sanibel, is the shelling. You can find some of the most beautiful seashells along the beaches.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Have kids.

What’s the best advice you’ve given someone else?

Have kids. It’s the best thing in the world.

All About Hak

Born: Seoul, Korea

Raised: Philadelphia

First car: 1974 Triumph TR6

First job before college: wheel truer. “I was the guy in the back of the bike shop who built and straightened bicycle wheels all day.”