Your Name: Kelly Drescher
Business Name: The Highland Dog, a resort hotel that is dedicated exclusively to the care of dogs
Type of Business: Dog Services
Business Location: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Website www.thehighlanddog.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/thehighlanddog
Reason for starting
I started my endeavor because I went through a divorce and wanted to change my challenging military/traveling lifestyle to a more “normal”, home every night life. As a woman in the military I knew I would never have a “normal” life traveling regularly with only men; I wanted a family. I love dogs and knew a unique dog “kennel” was a needed service in my neighborhood. The housing market was struggling so I scraped up my savings and bought a run down house to turn into a dog hotel.
How do you define success?
Happiness. If you are happy with who you are and how you spend your days, you’ve succeeded.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Working with mainly men. Knowing how to walk the fine line of “being one of the guys” but also being a strong female and expecting respect not necessarily for myself (my coworkers always do) but women in general. Sometimes I think they forget I’m a female. Trying to see how they (males) interpret things, not being offended and knowing when to pick your battles. Luckily, my co-workers, who overall are a great group of respectful men, help make it easier for me!
Who is your most important role model?
I have two. One is Cheryl Meffert, she has been my mentor since I started flying. She is a well respected female pilot. She has perfected that fine line which I spoke of earlier. She is good at what she does and seems to juggle family and work amazingly. The second is my sister, Krista Drescher-Burke. She is an amazing mom and sister (..and daughter and wife…) and keeps all my thoughts always in perspective. I want to be just like her!