By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Kelli Gallagher, president at Dee Zee Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Gallagher in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Kelli Gallagher: I have been with Dee Zee since 2009; however, I worked part-time at Dee Zee when I was in high school and college. The people and the continual changes are the best parts of working here. I have met so many good people over the years. In the automotive manufacturing industry, there is always new technology or a new fad to keep up with. Dee Zee is a privately held, second-generation family business and I am proud of that.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
KG: Since 2020, the most challenging part has been keeping up with the volatility of the world. In 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to lay off more than 800 employees and that was not fun. It was even more challenging trying to bring them back as the pandemic fear and government incentives to stay home were available. To go along with that was the volatility in demand from OEM and aftermarket customers. Today, the most challenging part is keeping up with the changing tariffs and making sure Dee Zee is a company where people want to make a career.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
KG: I have been in the automotive industry since 1993. My first full-time job was as an automotive accountant for United Parcel Service. I kept track of all the package cars and semi trucks and trailers in the Iowa District. Following that, I worked as an accountant for a conglomerate of semi-truck dealerships and diesel repair shops for more than 15 years.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
KG: One: empathetic leadership is vital for managing diverse teams and employees across global markets. Strong interpersonal skills and empathy have helped me build inclusive teams, foster collaboration and create a culture of trust.
Two: Resilience to keep up with the fast-paced competitive automotive industry and overcome gender biases, and grit to persist through the challenges with personnel, supply chain and everyday challenges of running a business. I am stubborn and I do not give up. I firmly believe where there is a will, there is a way!
Three: a forward-thinking mindset because everything changes and nothing stays the same. Running a manufacturing company requires continual focus on shifting towards sustainability, anticipating trends, embracing emerging technologies and automation, while driving strategic transformation within the organization.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
KG: In the three jobs I have worked in during my career, I have always been outnumbered, one of the few or the only female at the table. I have been driven to show my worth and credibility to be there. Balancing my career with my personal life and still leading the way for more women in the industry has been a challenge in general. Leading a diverse team and recognizing that it takes a team has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Developing and retaining a dedicated leadership team is essential to Dee Zee's success.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
KG: Charlie Brendeland taught me if you are going to do something, do it big, do it right and do it even better the next time.
Mark Wiederin exemplified the professionalism and knowledge of an accountant, applicable to any business and was steadfast in the existence of a straight line between business and personal expenditures.
My father, Ron Shivers, started taking me to work with him on Saturdays when I was just a kid. I learned that you need to be 110% committed to the business 24/7, and all contributors to the team are essential. From the janitor to the C suite, it takes each skill, ability and dedicated person to have a successful company.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
KG: It is better to make a decision than not to make a decision. If the decision turns out to be incorrect or doesn't work the way you intended it to, make another one! Keep making decisions until you get it right.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
KG: No, automotive was not on my radar as a youth. I wanted to be a DEA Agent or work with marine life, but I did not have 20/20 vision. I truly enjoyed my responsibilities as an automotive accountant, and I am comfortable working in the automotive industry. Honestly, it is my family that keeps me here. I never intended on running the family business, but now I am committed to seeing it through and maybe someday, passing it on to the third generation.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
KG: My parents, Ron and Bev Shivers, were the most influential people in my career and goals. They worked hard to give me opportunities, and continually gave me the emotional support, confidence, and encouragement I needed to pursue my goals, take risks and overcome setbacks. They instilled a hard work ethic in me with discipline, perseverance and responsibility.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.
