Say Hello to Dan!
Optimist, cheerleader, obstacle-remover.
Say hello to Dan Kottenstette, General Manager at Integrated Building Systems. Dan oversees day-to-day operations to make sure systems are working smoothly and efficiently.
Dan joined the team on Halloween of 2022. He spent his first few weeks getting to know every employee, sitting in on team meetings, and even doing some cleanup in the warehouse to gain an understanding of how everyone works together.
“I was drawn to Integrated Building Systems by the team. I wanted to work for a smaller company where I could make connections. This has proven to be true to the culture: the team feels like a family, and we have a drive to succeed both as a company and for our clients,” Dan explained.
Dan Kottenstette, General Manager at Integrated Building Systems
NUMBER ONE CHEERLEADER
Integrated Building Systems is an EOS company – in that model, Dan’s role is the “integrator.” This means he is responsible for identifying, discussing, and solving issues and removing barriers to progression. In other words, no two days are the same for Dan. He could be supporting operations, putting together an appreciation station system, or helping the sales team improve their meetings.
“I think everyone in the company describes their job as ‘it varies.’ It has to do with the industry and client needs, but also because we’re a small business and everyone has a high degree of ‘Desire to Own IT’ in our core values,” Dan said. “No matter what I’m doing each day, I like being the vocal cheerleader wherever I’m needed to promote our Core Focus.”
WORK IMITATES LIFE
Dan was intrigued by the General Manager role because it closely aligns with his personality and life outlook. As the “cheerleader” for the company, it is fitting that his favorite quote is, “optimism is the only quality more associated with success and happiness than any other.”
“The best advice I’ve received is ‘don’t ever stop trying, what you want could be right around the corner,’” Dan shared. This advice helps to guide him in his mission to continuously improve processes at Integrated Building Systems.
FAMILY TIME
Dan’s family includes his wife of 28 years, Jaymie, as well as their four children Jack, Noah, Adair, and Caroline, and their two golden retrievers, Barley and Ringo.
“The person I admire the most is Jaymie. From trials and tribulations of 28 years of marriage, to her starting a career in a totally new field and excelling, to overcoming breast cancer, she is truly an inspiration to me every day,” Dan shared.
Outside of work, Dan’s favorite way to spend the weekend is with his family. That could mean enjoying time at home or getting together to attending sporting events in Columbus.
MORE ABOUT DAN
Hometown: Columbus born and bred! I have now lived in Powell for 22 years.
Fun fact: When I was 18, I spent a month living in Munich, Germany
Type of book to curl up with: Anything Grisham
Vacation to looks like: Anywhere that has a beach and weather the opposite of a Columbus winter
Burger hunt: I am on a quest to find the best burger in town. Let me know where I should try next!
First job: Helen Hutchley’s Ice Cream Shop on Riverside. I loved ice cream and mingling with people coming up from the water.
On the TV: I don’t watch a lot of TV! The last show I watched may have been Lost, if that tells you anything. If I have TV on now, it’s to HGTV or the Food Network.
Sweet treat: Reese’s Cups