KELLY Conklin
Kelly Conklin
Career Highlights:
Chief Operations Officer at Gordon’s Window Décor which includes managing the Web, Wholesale, and Retail Teams. These teams bring in 2/3 of the company’s revenue. Successfully transitioning the business to her own leadership style and culture. She has become a recognized leader having already been a guest speaker and panelist at conferences on the national level.
Community Involvement:
Chamber Ambassador for Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, Active Member of the Vermont Family Business Initiative, Remodeler’s Council of the HBRA, Fabricator’s Alliance, International Window Covering Exchange, and Exciting Windows! Spearheaded The COTS Walk, Green Up Day, putting together a team to dance in Vermont’s Quadricentennial parade, VPT’s pledge telethon, donating shades to the Salvation Army, donating funds to the Vermont Food Bank and The American Red Cross for Haiti.
Favorite part of job? It boils down to three things: our clients, the GWD team, and being part of the family business. We are in the really fortunate position of helping clients make their homes more beautiful which is a fun, inspiring process so we have a great time with clients. The team at Gordon’s is so tight knit- we really are a “family” company which results in a lot of laughter and also makes for a really creative workplace. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the family business. Working with and learning from my Dad has been amazing- I have been able to get to know him in such a different way than if we had never worked together and I really cherish that.
Most inspiring mentor? My folks- my Dad’s business sense, creativity, and seemingly boundless energy and my Mom’s humanistic approach to all that she does, her genuine desire to REALLY listen, and her ability to hear without judgment are all characteristics that I aspire to.
Who is your living hero? Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss)- I know he is no longer living, but since I was a little kid he has been my hero and he really does live on through his books
Favorite downtime activity? Spending time with my husband Rob and son Silas- they are so hilarious and so much fun to be with.
Favorite Vermont Escape? The top of Mt. Mansfield
Favorite social network? Facebook
Favorite website? IMDB- it is ridiculous how much I love movie trailers.
Vermont Business Person you would most want to network with? Peter Helmetag and John Fernsell – co-founders of Ibex Outdoor Clothing Company.
John Boutin, VBM Publisher, Kelly Conklin and Pat Moulton Powden, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Community Development < Last Next >