Shelly Koelper was looking for a new start when she found an opening for finance and management at the Paul Davis Restoration location in Northeast Indiana. She decided to apply to the position as well as two other banking jobs in the area, knowing her future would be best suited in the finance space. While Koelper ended up with job offers from all three positions, Paul Davis Restoration offered her the change and challenge she wanted. By Kelsi Trinidad
Shelly Koelper was looking for a new start when she found an opening for finance and management at the Paul Davis Restoration location in Northeast Indiana.
She decided to apply to the position as well as two other banking jobs in the area, knowing her future would be best suited in the finance space. While Koelper ended up with job offers from all three positions, Paul Davis Restoration offered her the change and challenge she wanted.
Although Koelper had a strong background in finance and business, she was new to the home-restoration industry. Fortunately, she quickly found it rewarding. Being able to help those in crisis gave her job another layer of meaning, making it a natural fit.
Eventually, Koelper was named the location’s CFO, and she then took on the role of general manager. In 2014, Dan Leffers, the franchise’s owner, approached her about possibly becoming a partner. He was looking at his upcoming retirement and felt that Koelper was the right choice to continue the business’s legacy of respecting its employees and customers.
“I mean, these people are like my family, and I too wanted it to just continue the way that it was,” recalled Koelper. “I loved what I did, and I loved the Paul Davis brand. I knew we were rockin’ and rollin’ and growing, and all of that didn’t scare me.”
In 2018, she became a partner and, in 2021, the sole owner of the franchise. Although it was a nontraditional road to ownership, Koelper’s transition was guided not only by Leffers but also by the Paul Davis Restoration corporate team. In her new position, she has maintained the franchise’s relationship with the community, ensuring that it remains a reassuring presence for those facing difficult times. She frequently organizes social events, resulting in a culture of transparency and collaboration, and has built a close-knit team driven by a strong sense of camaraderie.
Since taking the reins, Koelper also has established a robust franchisee network of owners who provide valuable guidance and support.
Kelsi Trinidad