We’re proud to announce that Barkery Owner Delena Stout has been named one of KC’s Most Influential Women by KC Magazine!

According to Susan Fotovich McCabe, ” This year’s Influential Women honorees are not only driven to succeed at their own companies, they’re setting the standard for future generations of female leaders in KC. Diversity is the best word to describe our 2014 class of Influential Women. Representing a wide array of industries, including sales, marketing, law, nonprofit and more, these 31 women all have one thing in common: passion.”

It’s true: Delena Stout had both passion and determination when she began developing her plan for a place many pet lovers have come to love: The Brookside Barkery and Bath.

It all started when, “after working several years in the corporate world, Stout found herself as a displaced worker. She did her homework, participated in the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac New Venture program and began baking dog treats in the basement of a tiny Brookside storefront while sleeping on a cot next to the oven. It makes for fond memories, but building a large, loyal base of customers is what really puts a smile on her face.” That base was extended when a second location was opened in Lee’s Summit.

Not only did Delena achieve her dream goal of a mutli-faceted dog owner destination, she also thrives on the ability to donate to charities that care for and also hold weekly adoptions in both stores. She is also looking forward to opening a third location in Overland Park later this year.

Read more from the KC Magazine article by clicking here.