Her Story
About Heather
Heather Quinly is an accomplished restaurant operations leader with a unique professional background spanning both healthcare and hospitality. She began her career in the restaurant industry as a server before returning to school during the 2007 recession to become a medical assistant. After several years in the medical field, Heather returned to restaurant management approximately seven years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a career change that allowed her to better support her daughter's health needs. Her diverse experience has shaped a leadership style grounded in adaptability, resilience, and a genuine commitment to serving others.
Today, Heather serves as General Manager for Shipley Do-Nuts in Clearwater, Florida, where she oversees all aspects of store operations. She is responsible for profit and loss performance, labor management, staffing, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team development. Passionate about building strong, engaged teams, Heather leads by example and believes that operational success is achieved through accountability, consistency, and creating an environment where employees feel supported and empowered to perform at their best.
Heather is known for her authentic and empathetic approach to leadership. She values building meaningful relationships with both her staff and customers, believing that trust, accountability, and compassion are essential to a positive workplace culture and exceptional guest experiences. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors through paddle boarding, hiking, and gardening, activities that help her stay active, recharge, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being genuine with both my staff and my customers. I believe authenticity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a positive environment where people feel valued and respected. I lead with honesty, accountability, and empathy, and I strive to treat everyone with the same level of respect and integrity. At the end of the day, I stay true to who I am, and I believe that consistency and genuine leadership are the foundation of long-term success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is not to take correction as criticism. Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable tools for personal and professional growth because it provides opportunities to learn, improve, and become a stronger leader. I've learned that staying open to feedback, listening with humility, and applying what I've learned are essential to continuous development. You can't grow if you're unwilling to listen, learn, and embrace opportunities to improve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never let anyone tell you what you can't achieve. Believe in your abilities, work hard, and don't allow doubt or stereotypes to define your potential. Stay confident, remain open to learning, and persevere through challenges. With determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful career and create opportunities for yourself, regardless of the obstacle's others may place in your path.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the restaurant industry today is the economy and the impact it has on consumer spending. As people become more selective about where they spend their money, it becomes increasingly important to find creative ways to attract and retain customers while continuing to deliver exceptional value and service. This challenge also presents an opportunity to build lasting customer loyalty through outstanding guest experiences, strong community connections, and consistent quality that encourages guests to return.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are accountability, professionalism, and empathy. I believe in taking ownership of my actions, following through on my commitments, and leading by example. At the same time, I strive to build genuine relationships by treating people with kindness, respect, and understanding. Balancing professionalism with a personal, empathetic approach allows me to foster trust, strengthen teams, and create meaningful connections with both employees and customers.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.