Being in the C suite is a high-pressure job with long hours, responsibilities to the board and an intensive examination. But what is it to be a top manager when you are out of the clock?
AssetsThe series, the good life, shows how emerging managers spend their time and money outside of work.
Today we meet Kelly CookThe CEO of David’s wedding chain business.
If you have been on the market for an affordable wedding dress at some point in the past seven decades, David’s bride was a candidate for her dream outfit. Regardless of whether it is a assembled mermaid or a flowing ball gown, the bridal chain has dressed in the company of more than 70 million customers in the past 75 years. Two years later Explain bankruptcyThe business has made progress in its turnaround, including the introduction of an experienced retail manager as CEO in April this year.
Cook took over the rudder of Davids Braut after working for more than five years through marketing and technology rolls. But long before Cook rose to the company CEO, Cook collected an impressive Rolodex of brand competence. In the 1990s she started as a logistics analyst for Continental Airlines – after four years as a director of the role of customer relationship management.
People are their calling, so she accepted employees and customer management Waste management for three years. By 2009 Cook had entered the world of retail and acted as Chief Marketing Officer for several companies, including DSW, KMART and Pier 1 imports.
“I always put on my way to make ordinary brands in extraordinary ones,” says Cook Assets. “I have become a Specialty (company) from airplanes, to Big Box. When I was one of the few female managers at Waste Management, we said: ‘We are women from garbage, but don’t tell us trashy women!”
Now the 58-year-old series manager is an important ingredient in The revision At the largest bridal dealer in America. Cook says that the business is already on the right track to achieve profitability this year, with the income “in hundreds of millions”. David’s Bridal now has an AI-capable wedding planner named Pearl Planner, and his vision “Gang der Algorithm” aims to make the company the largest retail, media and planning business in the wedding industry.
I worship men’s jackets/blazer – I only get them from Goodwill.
If Cook does not lead the AI-led future of the wedding business, the mother, based in Houston, loves good business. She makes her own lunch every day and buys men’s jackets from Goodwill. But she also longs for the subtleties in life and denies at least one large purchase annually and “fabulous” custom -made suits from designers. She produces three times a year by hiring a private chef for her short vacation and also appreciating her wedding ring in the amount of $ 199, which she has held on for decades.
“As a CEO of David’s, it is like a wedding therapist, crisis negotiator and godmother, who are all rolled into one fairy,” says Cook. “We calm brides that are a broken nail (path) of Defcon 1 and explain mothers why ivory and champagne have different colors.”
Finance
If you have children, what do your childcare arrangements look like?
I have five children (including triplets), three of whom are married and we have our first grandfather.
We had four children under the age of two and a six -year -old. It was crazy. We could not afford childcare, we lived in the salary check in the salary check. My husband, Damon, moved in night shifts and I worked and led a call center. I only saw him long enough to get pregnant with baby number five (wink wink).
Because he moved into the night and I was days, we had a four -hour maintenance of childcare, and we were blessed to have a great nanny that she had three hours a day until my mother -in -law came from work and she had the last hour.
When all five children met their teenagers, my husband stepped back from his position so that we had a parent at home. Less than a month after his resignation, I was triggered from my job. Prayers, prayers, prayers. I was blessed to find a job within 90 days that bridged the severance payment.
What are your life agreements: Mondale apartment in the city or in the suburb?
We have a home in Houston, a ranch outside of Lufkin and an apartment in King of Prussia. It is the best of all worlds.
Do you wear a wallet?
We only have a credit card and no debts. My scooby snack is very good with money. I always have 2 US dollars for myself. I have given them away for 20 years – to see great talent. Here, too, everything is to invest in people.
Which personal financial council would you give your 20-year-old yourself?
Three advice:
1) Use each salary check a little in savings … even if there are 5 US dollars.
2) At least once a year, something super beautiful for yourself.
3) never to say: “This is not my job” is the best way to make more money.
What is the only subscription without you can’t live?
I have none, but I can answer my favorite apps: Taskrabbit, Shipt, Akira, XAnd Poshmark.
Where does your wristwatch come from?
Rolex (a gift from my husband).
From now on I will always set a cook or a cook during the holidays. Last year it was great not to be in the kitchen for the most of the day for 12 people.
The necessities
How do you get your daily coffee fix?
Two must-haves every day: Stok Cold Brew and Gaggia Milano, our coffee machine.
I drink a large bottle of Stok every 2 days. Gaggia cappuccinos and Jasmine Hot Teas are afternoon freezing.
What about eating?
Always eat at noon at my desk. I usually skip breakfast during the week, but on weekends Brunch-Baby-Brunch.
I make my own lunch – salads are a favorite. Doorash Saves my life at least five times a week. Cafe usually licks in the morning and dinner at the end of the busy weeks.
My favorite businesses for eating: all Asian and Vietnamese food. I love it so much – and I’m so bad in cooking food
Where do you buy food?
Where do you buy for your work wardrobe?
I worship men’s jackets/blazer – I only get them from Goodwill. For crazy funny pieces to give a work outfit flair and drama – Akira. The best. And every winter I buy every fur coat you offer. They are the best with fur coats.
My custom -made suits?! Only Indochino. Such a fabulous, high -quality suit.
Shoes – something and everywhere.
For tulle and sequins – Davids bride. I bought at least 12 dresses and cut them off for crop tops, flare skirts, silk overlays, etc. It’s so funny and creative.
Faded, old levi (which I wear at least once a week) – only eBay. There is an eBay seller who has the best selection for the price. And for men -leather bomber jackets that I love, Buffalo Exchange.
Being by David is like a wedding therapist, crisis negotiator and godmother, who are all rolled into a fairy in one.
Are you the proud owner of futuristic devices?
My Bluetooth beam bans. I love music – and it’s great when I buzzed in our cubota on the ranch.
The treats
How do you relax from the top job?
Answer: What is an amazing thing I did today? What did I learn from my mistakes today? What is something grateful today?
A nice meal with Damon. Go for a stroll. Read.
What is the best bonus pleasure you bought yourself?
Extra dark color for my truck window. This Texas heat!
How do you treat yourself when you receive promotion?
When I became CEO, Scooby Snack bought me a new wedding ring. The one he bought me 32 years ago when he suggested, cost 199 US dollars – and that was a million dollars for us. The CEO ring was more, but I appreciate them both.
I bought a custom -made red Etsy Salesperson. I can’t wait to wear it with a delicate, ruffle cotton dress or torn levi and (louboutins).
Take us on vacation, what will come next on your vacation list?
I take three a year: two with our whole family and one with only Damon.
Our family tradition is to rent a huge Airbnb on the beach. So amazing beautiful memories. It’s a splendor, but it is definitely worth it. Last year it was in Cozumel (Mexico) and the owners/host company were excellent.
From now on I will always set a cook or a cook during the holidays. Last year it was great not to be in the kitchen for the most of the day for 12 people.
Fortune wants to hear from managing directors what their “good life” looks like. Get in touch: emma.burleigh@fortune.com
