Our Women’s History Month celebration continues! We are shouting from the rooftops about the incredible women who make our community a better place to live and work.
Today, we’re featuring Kris Nelson, the Marketing Manager at Motor Works Auto Repair. Kris is a shining example of resilience and leading with a servant’s heart.
Leadership Built on Care
Kris points to Michelle Pape as her biggest champion. Michelle taught her that leadership isn’t just about being effective—it’s about being gentle and leading with genuine care.
This “care-first” mindset guided Kris through her hardest chapter. She made the selfless decision to sell her successful business to be there for her son during a life-threatening time.
From a Home Office to $1M in Sales
Kris is a true entrepreneur. She started her own promotional marketing company from her home while six months pregnant and grew it into a million-dollar business!
Over 16 years, she built a legacy of success. Her journey shows that with grit and vision, you can build something massive right here in Central Minnesota.
St. Cloud: The “Big Small Town”
What does Kris love about St. Cloud? She calls it a “big, small town.” It has the resources of a city but the heart of a close-knit neighborhood.
She’s helped start three local non-profits. She loves how quickly our community rallies together to bring light to issues and create real, lasting change for our neighbors.
How Kris Recharges
After a long day of marketing and community work, Kris heads to the weight room. She fell in love with lifting weights over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back.
For Kris, lifting isn’t just about physical strength—it’s about clearing her head. It keeps her body healthy and her mind sharp so she can keep showing up for her community.
Kris’s Advice: The Power of “No”
Kris has a powerful perspective on boundaries. She believes that saying “no” is actually saying “yes” to your most important goals and priorities.
“Every no is a decision to stay aligned with what matters most,” Kris says. It’s about protecting your energy to focus on the outcomes you truly desire.
Do you know a St. Cloud Area woman we should recognize? Send them this questionnaire.
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