Backstory: Kelly Dowell

Kelly Dowell

Business Developer
Dowco Enterprises
Chesterfield, Mo.

Education

Lafayette High School
Wildwood, Mo.
Class of 2006

“Before college, I worked at Bath & Body Works, Best Buy and places like that. I learned retail was not for me.”

Lindenwood University
St. Charles, Mo.
Bachelor of Arts
Business Management
Class of 2011

Work Experience

2002-2007
Dowco Enterprises
Administrative Assistant

2008-2010
Dowco Enterprises
Account Manager

“I worked at Dowco throughout college. I commuted—it was 30 minutes away. I had a big interest in sales. At that time, we didn’t have a super strong sales machine; sales kind of trickled in. I had a passion for setting up the system.”

2011-2012
Director of Sales & Marketing

2012-Present
Business Developer

“I don’t know if that’s the best title. I would say I’m really the brand experience manager. I’m the first point of contact for all new employees
and our new clients.”

Did you know?

Kelly works with her parents, Dowco co-owners Maurice Dowell and Donna Dowell. She also considers her dogs—Wally, a Shih Tzu, and Broozer, a boxer/pit bull mix—to be coworkers. They go to the office with her daily.

“Last year, I read 18 books. It’s my goal to always be reading.”

“My passion right now is making sure everything we do is standardized and automated, so we can have consistent results and it’s scalable. Earlier this week, we put our employee orientation online.”

2015-present
Volunteer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

“It’s been life changing. I have a little sister who just turned 14. She keeps me young, and I’m not old. The program has been a blessing for both of us.”

2016-Present
Host/volunteer
National Association of Landscape Professionals Young Professionals Networking Community

“Officially, we have a Facebook Group and we’ve done a reception. We’ll have a presence at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, Renewal & Remembrance and at GIE+EXPO. We’re up to 157 (Facebook Group) members. It’s a place to get together, ask questions and share best practices.”

Kelly’s podcast picks:
• “The Charged Life with Brendon Burchard”
• Dave Ramsey’s “EntreLeadership”
• Mike Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It”

Words of Wisdom

“As a leader, your life is full of choices. When in doubt, do the right thing. You never know who is watching.”

“Always continue to learn. Your knowledge is one of the only things people can never take away from you.”

“If you want to be an expert, be an expert. Don’t wait for the title or the opportunity to come to you. Take it.”