It’s week 4 of our “Meet Our Team Monday” series! This week we sat down with Mindy Dickerson McKinley, Vice President of Marketing & Client Development here at DBA. If you’ve had the opportunity to work with any of our consultants, there’s a good chance that Mindy has been behind the scenes working her sales & marketing magic. Her cheerful spirit and contagious smile is just one of the reasons we cherish her as a leader within the DBA team. Here are the 10 questions we asked during our interview with Mindy…
- What did you do before joining Dickerson, Bakker & Associates?
My professional career began with Dickerson & Associates in the 90’s. Before that I was in college, working at the IU Telefund, cutting my teeth on the art of the ask!
- Where did you go to college?
Indiana University, Bloomington. I loved IU and still feel like its campus provides one of the most ‘quintessential’ college experiences. Lots of green grass and history always surrounding you. - How did you hear about Dickerson, Bakker & Associates?
My father, Clark Dickerson, founded the company in 1985, so I literally ‘grew up in the business’. I remember tabulating Feasibility Study results in high school on the floor of my living room surrounded by yellow pads and calculators. Things have certainly come a long way from those days! - What made you decide to come work for Dickerson, Bakker & Associates?
After swearing that working for my father was something I would NEVER do…I realized after interviewing through the IU Business School that the company was in a position at that time to provide an opportunity for personal growth in all of the areas of my study I loved. It also provided an opportunity to enter the business world making a significant difference for our clients while working with a purpose. I was a Journalism Major with a Minor in Business. In the 90’s and early 2000’s I used those skills developing campaign brochures, as well as writing, directing, producing campaign videos, traveling the country with a camera crew in tow, then back to the studio to edit. Those are still some of my fondest ‘work experiences’. - What do you look forward to most when starting to work with a new client?
Meeting people by far is the most enjoyable aspect of what I do. Everyone has a story. Many of our clients have interesting paths that ultimately placed them in their current positions. Also the sense of camaraderie gained through working with clients during what are often very pivotal times for their organizations is very enjoyable. I love the ‘Go Team’ attitude that often starts each of our client engagements. - What is one goal you hope to achieve with a client when starting a new project?
My goal is always to encourage and provide perspective as to what’s ahead. Our company operates under an ‘Assess, Plan and Deliver Results’ model. To me, that means we show our clients that we are in the trenches with them. We want to know the good, the bad and the ugly.Then we provide the expertise to move them to the next level in order to obtain the results needed. I think making clients aware that that’s what we’re here to do – that their successful result is our shared goal – that we understand where they’re coming from and can provide the tools to get them where they need to be, is the absolute core of what we do. If I can help them keep that perspective and understand that we are their partner, our work becomes a lot of fun. Go Team! - What is your favorite part about being a part of Dickerson, Bakker & Associates?
Is ‘see the above’ an option? On a philosophical note, making a significant difference, a phrase Clark Dickerson coined years ago, is the best part. On a personal note, our team is amazing. I enjoy every person in the DBA family and continue to be amazed at the breadth of experience we each bring. It’s a great place to work, period. On an ‘extra’ personal note, having the opportunity to work with my Dad has been a gift that could never be replaced. - What’s the best/craziest thing that has happened to you out in the field?
Travel can always provide some crazy experiences. In 2001, I was traveling right when the word ‘Anthrax’ became part of the worlds’ vocabulary. I may or may not have found myself in a MedCheck in Oregon scared to death. Embarrassing! On a fun note, I’ve been blessed to interview some famous/notable individuals through the years. Again, the stories, the people, that’s always the best part. - What is one thing about you that might surprise people?
I was a synchronized swimmer and traveled the country competing. - What is there anything else you’d like people to know?
I am sure I could keep going but I have a feeling I’ve past the TMI limit for today!
Click here to learn more about Mindy, read her professional biography & how she uses her experience to lead the the Dickerson, Bakker & Associates team each day!
About the Series: Over the next few months, we will do a weekly feature of one of our team members giving you ‘insider access’ to our group of unique & talented folks that are in the field working with DBA clients day in & day out. We are proud to have built a team of industry experts from across the nation that not only know the in’s & out’s of the business but have a demonstrated track record of achieving real success.
