Her Story
About Deborah
Deborah Bowers is the National Director of Real Estate Contracts and Transactions at Kiddie Academy, a specialty child care franchise based in Bradenton, Florida. She has been with the company for 13 years, advancing from real estate manager to director of real estate and vice president of real estate before transitioning to her current role. Prior to joining Kiddie Academy, she worked as a commercial real estate broker negotiating leases and contracts with developers, landlords, and tenants. Bowers entered the field in 1997 and brings 27 years of experience, with expertise in site selection, market analysis, negotiation skills, and franchise development and procurement. She earned a diploma from a trade school for travel and tourism, graduating at the top of her class. Bowers attributes her success to tenacity and honesty, values integrity, responsibility, and loyalty above all, and serves as chair of her local HOA board.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deborah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to tenacity and honesty. I deal with a lot of franchisees and they know I will give it to them straight whether good news or bad news. I will never let anybody make a bad business decision and I analyze the whole situation to make sure they are making the right decision for themselves.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never settle for the job you have. Always look for advancement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't give up. Never give up. Always look for the woman that can be your best advocate and your best mentor. I came into this industry and it was predominantly men. It was tough being a woman coming. They did not want me. So I made myself irreplaceable that they needed me and demanded the respect.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are that the company is independently owned and they don't see the value an employee brings, it's all about the time put in not the outcome. Also the child care industry is very challenging today because every state has different rules and there's so much public education coming in that are taking over the pre-K and kindergarten in the public school system.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is number one. Responsibility and being held accountable for your actions. Loyalty is important too.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.