Wizard of the Month Spotlight - September 2026 - Kevin Hoepper

Our employee of the month is Kevin Hoepper from California!

Now in his second year with Chess Wizards, Kevin has been a major contributor to our success across the Bay Area. He previously helped develop and mentor fellow Wizards in his role as Lead Teacher Trainer, and he now serves as the Area Manager for the Bay Area and Sacramento, CA region.

As we launch our biggest session ever in Northern California, we look forward to having Kevin lead the way and continue driving our growth in the region.

 

Kevin, thank you for being such an outstanding employee and teacher!

To show our appreciation for your dedication and hard work – please check your email this week for a special gift from us.

 

Cheсk out our interview with Kevin below:

 

1. Who are you, where do you come from, where are you going? 

I'm Kevin Hoepper, SF Bay & Sacramento Regional Area Manager.

 

2. How long have you been teaching with Chess Wizards? 

2 years

 

3. What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since you started teaching? 

Personalize learning plans to the specific needs of students based on their skill level and level of interest. Make the lessons fun so students are receptive to learning new concepts. Disney motto “entertain first then educate second”

 

4. What is the most exciting experience you have had while playing or teaching chess?

One of my students won a chess tournament and his parents personally thanked me for inspiring him to develop a passion for chess.

 

5.  How do you motivate your students to succeed? 

Make the class enjoyable, use metaphors (ie “castling is similar to putting your baby sibling in the crib for safety, use your freeze gun to pin the knight guarding the king”) acknowledge and reward strong participation, mentor and offer assistance. 

 

6.  If you could retire tomorrow and never have to worry about money again, what would you do with your time?

Volunteer my time leveraging my skills in teaching chess, art, or business classes to students of all ages.

 

7.  What’s your go-to technique for dealing with ‘handful students’? 

Separate them when needed and/or engage them in helping/mentoring new students.

                                                                                                                                     

8. What is an unusual place you have been to? 

Parachuting from an airplane.

 

9. Do you have a talent that not many people know about? 

Acrylic Painting

 

10. What’s your #1 teaching tip?

Emulate “Ted Lasso” approach. Be kind, optimistic and encouraging.

 

11. What is something interesting that you’re involved in, outside of Chess Wizards?

Volunteer at our local Senior Center, Vivalon, to deliver meals on wheels and teach acrylic art painting. 

                                                                 

12.  If you saw a kangaroo and a chimpanzee playing chess what would you do? Who do you think would win? 

Probably the chimpanzee - more intelligent.

 

13.  Star Wars, Star Trek, or they’re both lame? 

Star Trek since it's a fond memory of my childhood and promoted values of peace, collaboration and integrity. 

 

14. What do you like most about working with Chess Wizards? 

Teaching students and coaching new Instructors.