Her Story
About Kayla
Kayla Gowell serves as Fleet Manager at Capstone Mechanical, LLC, where she oversees a fleet of approximately 210 vehicles and leads the company's Safety Committee. In this role, she manages vehicle procurement, coordinates vehicle upfits based on technician feedback, implements GPS and fuel card integrations, and works to maintain safety, efficiency, and operational excellence across the fleet.
With nearly six years of fleet management experience, Gowell values both the autonomy of her role and Capstone's collaborative, people-focused culture. She is passionate about creating solutions that support technicians in the field and believes that involving team members in key decisions contributes to greater engagement, safety, and overall success.
Before transitioning into fleet management, Gowell built a successful career in the kitchen and bath industry. She managed the F.W. Webb Bathroom Showroom, helping homeowners, contractors, and industry professionals create functional and attractive spaces. Her introduction to the trades came naturally, having grown up as the daughter of a plumber, which gave her an early appreciation for the skilled trades and the people who make them successful.
After becoming a mother, Gowell sought a career path that offered greater flexibility while allowing her to prioritize her family. She joined Capstone Mechanical in a part-time capacity and later transitioned to a full-time role as her youngest son entered school. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and continue learning ultimately led her into fleet management, where she has become a key contributor to the organization's growth.
Gowell holds an Associate of Science degree in Tourism and Travel Services Management from McIntosh College and credits much of her professional development to the networking and relationship-building skills she cultivated through her early involvement with local chambers of commerce.
Outside of work, she remains actively involved in her community, serving as Secretary of her son's high school's Basketball Boosters organization, where she supports fundraising initiatives and community engagement efforts.
Gowell attributes her success to the strong work ethic instilled by her parents, the unwavering support of her husband and two sons, and the guidance of mentors who encouraged her growth throughout her career. She believes that communication, honesty, family, and integrity are the foundation of both personal and professional success. These values guide her leadership style, shape the relationships she builds, and influence her commitment to making thoughtful decisions that positively impact the people, teams, and communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, my parents raised me to believe that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. My dad was a hardworking business owner, and my mom supported him every step of the way while working just as hard herself. Through their example, they taught me the value of perseverance, dedication, and believing in my abilities.
I am also fortunate to have a very supportive husband and two wonderful boys who stand behind every goal and initiative I pursue. Their encouragement gives me the confidence to take on new challenges, keep growing, and strive to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally.
Capstone has been my biggest cheerleader. I have been fortunate to learn from two incredible mentors at Capstone, Jim McKenna, Owner, and Robert O'Connor, Controller. They have taught me not only about the business side of the company, including operations, budgeting, and profitability, but more importantly, about the value of people, leadership, and building meaningful relationships.
Their guidance has shaped not only my professional growth but also the way I approach supporting and developing others. They have shown me the importance of believing in people, communicating openly, and leading with integrity. Their trust, encouragement, and investment in my development have given me the confidence to take on new challenges and continue growing both personally and professionally.
One of the greatest lessons they have taught me is to surround yourself with people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. I am grateful to work for a company that champions its employees, invests in their success, and empowers them to reach their full potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I was given early on is the value of building and maintaining strong relationships. Successful initiatives require more than internal commitment; they depend on strategic partners who share your vision. Our Fleet success is a direct reflection of the collaboration between our team and our representatives; Stoneham Ford, Blue Collar Customs, and GPS Insight. By working together, we've created a fleet that is safer, more efficient, and better equipped to support our technicians and provide exceptional service to our customers
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is to surround yourself with people who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. The right mentors, leaders, and teammates challenge you, support your growth, and inspire you to reach your full potential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As a company, we're growing rapidly, and one of the biggest challenges I face as Fleet Manager is making sure our technicians receive their vans on time so they can keep out of rental vehicles and perform at their highest level. Rental vehicles often limit our technicians' ability to work at full capacity and can create additional safety challenges. Our first responsibility is to our people. My number one goal is to ensure every technician returns home safely at the end of the day. By keeping employees in properly equipped company vehicles, we provide the safest and most productive environment possible, both on the road and at the jobsite.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and honesty are the values that matter most to me both personally and professionally. As a parent, I work hard to instill those same principles in my boys by teaching them the importance of integrity, accountability, and treating others with respect. I believe strong relationships are built on trust, whether at home or in the workplace. That's one reason I connect so strongly with Captone. The company's culture and values align closely with my own beliefs, making it a place where I feel I can contribute authentically while continue to grow both personally and professionally.
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