Hail takes Hagadone Directories helm

COEUR d’ALENE – James A. Hail III has been named Publisher of Hagadone Directories by Brad Hagadone, President of Hagadone Communications.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because James’ father, James Hail II, founded Hagadone Directories in 1987.

“We have a high level of confidence in James that with his passionate drive and know-how of this business, he is absolutely the best person to take over the reins as our new Publisher for HDI,” Hagadone said.

James Hail III “grew up” with the Directories, Hagadone said, referring to the son’s keen interest in his father’s work. The younger Hail delivered phone books as a boy and later joined Hagadone Directories in 2000 when he became the youngest salesperson in the history of the company.

He sold yellow page advertising for two years while attending North Idaho College, then earned a political science degree in 2004 from the University of Idaho.

After graduation, Hail helped set up the company’s office in Eureka, Calif., where he also assisted in sales and represented Hagadone Directories at community events. Hail then attended law school in Minnesota before returning to work at Hagadone Directories in Coeur d’Alene.

“Hagadone Directories is well-known and widely respected throughout the country and within the directory industry,” Hail said. “I look forward to my new challenge as Publisher and pledge to continue to be sales-driven and customer-focused and grow the company’s dominance in the communities we serve.”

Today Hagadone Directories publishes award-winning regional telephone directories in five states: California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana and Washington serving more than 1 million customers and approximately 40,000 business and professional services.

“I have worked in most aspects of the company over my time of employment at Hagadone Directories from sales to clerical and from collections to training,” Hail said. “I have been privileged to witness and experience the highs and lows of Hagadone Directories for almost my entire life by watching and learning from my father.

“The bottom line is that I know this business and know how to succeed.”

Hail is a resident of Post Falls, where he has served as a Parks & Recreation commissioner since 2008 and chaired the panel three years. Hail was a volunteer Big Brother from 2000 to 2011.

Hail succeeds Kim Maksen, who resigned April 12 but stayed on until Hagadone found a successor. Maksen had been with the directory company since 1991.