Katie Dosenbach, administrative assistant, has been with the company since 2013. Katie is usually the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call our office. Learn more about her below.
1. In your own words, what do you do at Travois? I have jokingly and lovingly been called the “office mom!” In all seriousness, I make sure everyone has what they need in order for each department and our in-office daycare to run efficiently and effectively. I coordinate with our outside vendors, help plan events at the office and assist each department with administrative tasks.
2. What education have you received? I am a proud Kansas Jayhawk! I have a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Kansas.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position? In my former life I did fundraising and event planning for political campaigns and then for nonprofits, both of which were very fast-paced. Those experiences taught me to think on my feet, stay calm during high-pressure situations and deadlines and to help causes in which I believe. I feel my job at Travois utilizes a perfect combination of my past work experiences.
4. What is one thing you would like people to know about you? I have the cutest nieces in the world, Ellie and Abby. My sister-in-law works in the daycare at Travois so I get to see them three times a week, which always makes my day!
5. What did you want to be as a kid? Probably a professional babysitter. I feel like I was always babysitting or reading “The Baby-Sitters Club.”
6. What is your favorite memory from when you were a kid? I grew up the oldest of five (all brothers!) with a “spirited” Irish extended family in a neighborhood with kids everywhere. There was always a reason to get together or something to celebrate; maybe that’s where my love of parties came from!
7. Do you have a hidden talent? It’s not so hidden anymore after two years of Travois Valentine’s Day Bake-Offs, but I make a damn good cheesecake. I used to enter desserts in competition for my brother’s BBQ team, K.C.’s Meat Boss. I became known as “K.C.’s Sweet Boss” after a perfect score one year.
8. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? I don’t currently have a pet, but growing up with all brothers that liked to dig in the dirt meant we had animals — lots of animals. Dogs, rabbits (dogs and rabbits don’t mix…Easter of 1980 still haunts me), gerbils, hamsters, snakes, fish, and a very short stint by a farm cat (we did not live on a farm, so that one didn’t quite work out).
9. What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite local restaurant? I like to do the “small plates” thing, so I prefer places where we order a few things and share. La Bodega on the Boulevard is a favorite for that. You can’t beat the atmosphere in the bar area at Pierpont’s at Union Station for appetizers and drinks. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another favorite, my brother’s food truck in Las Vegas: Captain Cook’s BBQ. Follow him on Twitter (@captaincooksbbq), and if you are ever in Las Vegas, it is a must!
10. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? I like hosting parties, which always turns into a lot of work. I still haven’t learned my lesson on that one.
11. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? I have been involved with the Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee off and on for the past 10 years, and a lot of the same people are involved with Kansas City Irish Fest. Both organizations are dedicated to making this city a better place through promoting history, culture, and volunteerism (and fun!). If you ever find yourself here on St. Patrick’s Day (Parade) or over Labor Day Weekend (Irish Fest), you should go!
12. What is your least favorite chore? I will do laundry all day long. Putting it away, however, is a different story!
13. What kind of music do you like? What is your favorite band? The Grateful Dead is on repeat at our house, thanks to my husband. I grew up listening to my parents music — The Allman Brothers, Van Morrison, The Band — so artists like that are always on my playlists. I also love music from the ‘80s: The Replacements, Talking Heads, Prince, and Bruce Springsteen.
14. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Favorite movie? TV: I have evolved from “Silver Spoons,” “Who’s the Boss,” and the “Facts of Life,” to “Mad Men.” Movie: I have too many. Movies that I will stop what I’m doing to watch the whole thing if they are on TV: “Rushmore,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Before Sunset.” and “Goodfellas.”
15. What is your favorite season? Every spring I think spring is my favorite season, and every fall I think fall is my favorite season. So I guess it’s a tie!