Women in Industry: Misty Flowers, Operations Manager for Riekes Equipment in Kansas City

Misty Flowers has been a steady force at Riekes for 13 years. During that time, she has built a reputation for reliability and follow-through. Two years ago, she stepped up to manage the Service Operations Team.

She is part of a three-person team that oversees the Parts and Service side for our Kansas and Missouri service area. That responsibility carries weight. It affects dispatching, customer satisfaction and service quoting. She approaches it with focus and discipline, always looking for ways to remove friction and improve the experience for both customers and employees.

Under her leadership, processes are tighter, response times are better and all-around communication is improved. She has helped shape a more connected, accountable team that understands the role they play in serving our customers. The result is stronger execution across the board.

Her influence goes beyond her title. Misty is often the driver behind initiatives that keep the Kansas City Team moving forward including onboarding and Human Resources. When something needs to get done, she leans in. When a challenge surfaces, she works to solve the problem. People trust her because she is open and honest. She says what needs to be said and backs it up with action.

As a 2022 graduate of the Riekes Leadership Academy, Misty sharpened the skills that were already evident to those around her. She leads with empathy and sets a high standard without losing sight of the people doing the work. She listens. She coaches. She holds the line when needed. That balance has helped her team grow stronger and more confident.

Misty is also a role model for women in our company. In an industry where leadership roles have often been male dominated, she demonstrates that strong leadership is built on clarity, consistency and care for people. She leads with competence and earns respect through performance.

Her door is always open. Team members know they can bring ideas, concerns or tough questions to her. Customers know they will get a straight answer and our Director Team knows they can rely on her judgment.

And beyond all of that, she is simply a pleasure to work with. She brings steady energy, a positive attitude and a sense of calm to busy days. She makes hard work feel manageable and success feel shared.