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The Patio Podcast
The Patio Podcast is a wistful exploration of my hometown's enduring attachment to Hess’s Department Store. In candid conversations with residents, historians, collectors, former shoppers and employees, The Patio hopes to shed light on Allentown, Pennsylvania’s multigenerational interest in one single place.
Does nostalgia this visceral unite a city, or hold it back? How has Max Hess Jr.’s marketing genius endured? What happened to his famous chandeliers? And how good was all that whipped cream pie, really? The Patio Podcast is a new collection of Hess’s memories, meant for the here and now!
The Patio Podcast's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers with Vocals by Sam Cummings
The Patio Podcast
S2 E11: Wayne Holben (PART 2) + Season Two Finale!
This is the Season Two Finale, but there is so much more ahead as we approach the One-Year Anniversary of The Patio Podcast! Thank you to all the cheerleaders, listeners, and guests who made this incredible project possible. You're responsible for preserving your local history and Hess's legacy-- I can't think of a greater gift we could possibly share!
During his 25-years at Hess's, Wayne Holben worked his way up to Director of Public Relations. His longest stretch as a Hess’s co-worker began in 1973, one week after he returned from three-years of serving overseas in the Army. Prior to that, Wayne had various roles as a stock-boy, then worked in merchandising.
Before he was old enough to work, often at the request of Mr. Hess, Wayne ran odd-jobs with his father, Wayne Holben Sr. Wayne Sr. worked at Hess’s from 1951 until he passed away in March of 1968. He was the sales promotions manager, and during his 11th year with Hess Brothers he was elected Secretary of the firm’s Board of Directors.
My guest, Wayne Jr., had the tough job in the early 1990’s of making many public announcements as Hess’s closed stores, removed chandeliers, and sold Max Hess Jr.’s in-store antique collection at auction.
But for years prior, Wayne was responsible for the team of moment-makers who brought you some of your most cherished Hess’s memories. From product promotions, to celebrity visits, to car and vacation give-aways— it was Wayne’s job to engage and entertain Hess’s shoppers 365-days a year. All while doing what the best PR men and women do— remaining invisible and behind the scenes, at all times!
I knew Wayne was highly respected before I met him, and as I think back to our conversation, I know that I would have really enjoyed working for him too.
The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.
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