FEATURED WBE___________________________________________ Back To Main Page

Featured WBE Interview
Kathy Cogburn

KC Integrated Systems, Inc.

Tell us a little bit about KC Integrated Systems, Inc.
Hi; I’m Kathy Cogburn, President of KC Integrated Systems, and Inc. My company sells electrical supplies. I have been in business for almost 5 years and have grown every year. I specialize in distribution of industrial electrical supplies and generators. The majority of my sells are to electrical contractors, City, State and Federal Agencies seeking electrical materials.

What made you go into this business?

I sold electrical materials for a National Electrical Distributor for 30 years and retired. After I retired for 3 months I wanted to jump back into the game and decided I would call the shots this time!

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you’ve faced or had to overcome?

The biggest obstacle in my business has been getting manufactures to sell directly to my company. I am not big enough yet and they already have their distributor’s set up in town and don’t want to upset them by added me as a distributor. Or they have requirements that I purchase huge amounts of stock to become a distributor and it is too big of an investment for my small company. The worst mistake I ever made was ordering light fixture incorrectly and the manufacturer would not take them back. It was a $126,000.00 order. Ouch!!! I finally sold them to another customer but it took me 2 years.

What had been your biggest triumph?

Buying my own building. Until now I leased office and warehouse space from another company. Soon I will be moving into a building KC Integrated Systems owns.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

There is nothing more important than your integrity, your health, your family and your friends.

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?

I did not have anyone directly at work to inspire me because I was always a woman in a man’s field. But that was the inspiration! I had to work twice as hard and learn twice as much just so I could out shine the other guys in my field. However, my Dad did inspire me with his honesty, hard work, gift of gab, work ethic and his love of being a top salesman.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?

“Weeds” by Edith Kelley. It is a story about the struggle of being a poor Tobacco Farmer’s wife in rural Kentucky The relentless hard work coupled with yearly babies is also too much for this young women to handle. At first I thought the book was a little depressing but in reflection it gave me much to think about and a lot to be thankful for. I still ponder what I would do in those circumstances.

What is your favorite quote?

“Never, Never, Never Give Up”!!! Winston Churchill.

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?

I hope to get more “distributorships”, more stock and a bigger customer base. My hope is to double my sales by 2011. Along the way I would like to learn more about accounting and bookkeeping, personally my weakest link!

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?

Tremendously! I have written several jobs with Bank of America and Wachovia Bank in Florida and throughout the Southeast. I also like the fact that more and more agencies are relying on WBDC to certify companies. The workshops at the conventions have been the best I have attended. Recently, I attended the Chicago Convention and was moved by Oprah Winfrey’s speech to the women of her rags to riches life.

What do you want to be remembered for?

First, a good Mom, loving wife and Best Grammy ever! Secondly, a hard worker who was honest, had integrity, and also someone who really cared about customers and customer service.

How does someone get in contact with you at KC Integrated Systems, Inc.?

You can call Kathy Cogburn, President 904-696-5775, email me a kathy@kcis.bz or visit my website at www.kcis.bz.