Meet the Midland Team- Christy Hourigan

At Midland, the stories behind the people are just as important as the products we create. 

Christy Hourigan, our Email and SMS Coordinator, brings creativity, curiosity, and heart everything she does. 

From her early love of technology to her passion for thoughtful communication, Christy's journey is a perfect example of how diverse experiences shape meaningful work.

A Childhood Shaped by Curiosity and Creativity 

"I was born in Texas. I'm a military kid so my dad moved us to Missouri and I grew up in Lees Summit- from kindergarten to now."

Growing up a military kid gave Christy adaptability from a young age, but one thing stayed consistent- her love for technology and creativity. As a kid, she gravitated toward computers and digital spaces, often spending hours exploring everything they had to offer. 

"I loved being on the computer all day and all night. I think that's where my love for technology came. I was definitely a Club Penguin kid."

That curiosity only grew as she got older. Christy spent time watching and editing YouTube videos, experimenting with photo editing tools, and finding creative ways to express herself. 

"I liked watching Youtube videos. I liked editing Youtube videos. I loved getting on Picnik and editing pictures. I think this is where marketing came from for me."

In school, English was her favorite subject, but she also explored hands-on and technical classes that let her creativity shine. 

"My favorite subject was English. I did also take some web design classes. I loved those and my pottery classes."

Family, Culture, and Food

Christy's childhood was deeply influenced by her Korean heritage through her mom, who came to the United States after meeting her dad during his military service. 

"She was in her 30's when she came here. My dad was in the military so he went to Korea. He met her there and he brought her back so she's been here ever since."

While Christy doesn't speak Korean fluently, it's still a daily part of her life.

"I can't speak Korean, but I can understand it."

Food played a huge role in connecting Christy to her culture.

"She made a lot of Korean food all of the time. It's what I grew up with. She makes a short rib. It's called Galbi. They're short ribs and they're marinated in sweet sauce."

Christy's connection to Korean culture extends beyond food. It shaped how she sees the world and her appreciation for having multiple cultural influences in her life.

"Having a parent that's an immigrant, it's so cool. The food is the best part. I like having another whole culture to myself."

Trips to Korean markets were a regular part of her childhood.

"I'm glad that there's places in Kansas and on the Missouri side too where you can go to oriental markets. I grew up going to the Korean markets with my mom all the time."

She hopes to one day pass those traditions down to her own family.

"I really want to learn how to make all the Korean food so that when I have kids, I can make it for them."

Christy also dreams of traveling to Korea to experience it firsthand. 

"I really want to go to Korea and try all the street food."

Finding Her Path

After high school, Christy explored several academic paths while trying to find the right fit.

"After high school, I went to school. I changed what I was studying so many times. I really wanted to be in the medical field. It just didn't work out for me."

A conversation with her husband helped her see a new direction. 

"I was talking to my husband and he suggested marketing because those are the areas that I've always been good at."

That shift made all the difference. 

"I finally graduated in 2025!"

Growing at Midland

Christy's journey at Midland started in a very hands-on way. 

"My dad was the Operations Manager here at Midland. I needed a stable job so he told me to go work for him. I was in the warehouse for a little bit and then ended up in the Show Coordinator position."

Working in different roles gave Christy a strong understanding of the business and how everything fits together. When the opportunity to join the marketing team opened up, she knew it was something she wanted to pursue. 

"We had an opening in email/SMS and it was something that I was always. interested in."

Now, she gets to combine strategy with creativity every day.

"I can put my creative thoughts and energy into it.I really enjoy editing the photos and designing the email itself. I also really like segmenting out customers depending on their interests- agriculture, off-road, emergency preparedness, etc. They're all different so it's fun to mess around with all of those."

What makes Midland special to Christy goes beyond the work itself.

"I really enjoy the people that work here at Midland and the team I'm working with too!"

Looking ahead, she's excited about what the future holds.

"I'm going to start traveling more and I think that's going to be really cool. I'm going to be able to see and meet different people, plus I'll see different places too!"

A Favorite Product

Christy has a clear favorite when it comes to Midland products. 

"I always say the GXT67PRO is my favorite product because it's waterproof. It's really modern and powerful. It's what I would design if I were building a two-way radio myself."

Her connection to Midland products goes back to childhood.

"Growing up, I did have a weather radio, I remember how loud it was when it would go off during bad weather."

She also used walkie talkies with friends.

"My dad brought them home and the kids in my neighborhood would use them. I remember scrolling through the different channels and talking to my friends."

Life Outside the Office

At home, Christy's life is full, thanks to her friends and family.

"I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. I've known my husband forever- since kindergarten, but we didn't start dating until 2020."

Her pets each have their own personalities.

"I have a border collie named Millie, a chihuahua named Nico, a cat named Boba, and another cat named Ghost. Nico came first and he's the smallest, the baby of the family. Millie is the second oldest and she's the golden child. Boba, I found her in a bush and she forgets where she came from. Ghost, we got in Colorado and I brought him back. I love them so much."

Her pets give her a sense of purpose.

"They fill my environment. It would be quiet and lonely without them. I think my husband and I both need routine and they definitely give us that."

Christy also makes time for family, friends, and simple routines that bring her joy.

"I like to hangout with my in-laws, my family, and my friends. We go to dinner once a week with my in-laws. Sometimes we walk to the Farmer's Market on Saturdays. That's one of my favorite things to do."

However, there's one role she takes extra pride in.

"I have a lot of nieces and nephews. That's my favorite role in life- being an aunt."

Looking Ahead

On how she's seen Midland change over time, Christy says there's a lot to be excited about.

"There are a lot more products and variety. There's also a lot of really exciting things to come for Midland in the future. 

With her creativity, curiosity, and genuine love for connecting with people, Christy plays an important role in shaping how Midland shows up in inboxes or messages every day.

We're lucky to have her on the team!