People You Should Know: Mary Sloan
Mary Sloan
Community Relations Director,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
AGE: Just the right age!
JOB DESCRIPTION: As community relations director, I speak to anyone who will listen about Big Brothers Big Sisters and the joys of mentoring. I also do public relations work with the media, write the BBBS newsletter and work on our many other projects.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 42, including college
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Scottsbluff, Neb.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Journalism degree with emphasis on broadcast
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: United Way, Columbia Northwest Rotary, Columbia Quarterback Club, Central Missouri Food Bank volunteer, Score Against Hunger, Columbia Bicycle Club and Hallsville Chamber of Commerce
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Former newspaper reporter and editor, St. Louis, and Lawton, Okla.; former salesperson and sales manager, KFRU Radio; former marketing consultant, Zimmer Radio Group; current independent media planner for several local companies
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: The businesswoman I admire is Cynthia Schreen, sales director for Zimmer Radio Group. Cynthia never seems to have a “down day.” No matter how busy or tough things get, Cynthia is positive, upbeat and steps up to help. She’s been a mainstay in the advertising and media business in Columbia for over 20 years, and, like the Energizer Bunny, she keeps on going and going and going! The two businessmen I admire are Gary Drewing, owner of Joe Machens Automotive, and Mike Teel, owner of Mid City Lumber. They are the two hardest working, savviest and most generous business people I’ve ever met.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I’ve seen the success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program first hand through my husband, who mentored John, a young man from the time he was in middle school, through high school and into the working world, where he has become a valued employee. Because of the friendship and encouragement he received, John, now 26, was never in trouble with the police, never did drugs, graduated from high school and has succeeded despite many odds against him.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR ALIVING, I WOULD: I’ve always wanted to work at a zoo with large, wild animals.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: When I started in broadcast sales at KFRU, I was the first woman in local radio sales. It was truly a man’s world, so I had to work really hard and become a better sales person than the men!
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Right now, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri is on a mission to find 100 Men in 100 Days to mentor 100 more great little boys. Many business people in Columbia are really stepping up to help, and one of the best has been Brock Bukowsky of VA Mortgage Center, where he encouraged 25 of his employees to become “Bigs.”
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: Don’t be afraid to walk up to a stranger, shake their hand and begin a friendly conversation. You can get them interested in anything.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Bicycling, watching Mizzou football and basketball, watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball, traveling and spending time with friends.
FAMILY: Husband, Scott Dressel, a civil engineer and senior project manager with the State of Missouri; two Irish Setters and one cat.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: After all these years, it’s still Memorial Stadium and Mizzou Arena watching the Tigers play, win or lose.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: My close relationships with friends I’ve had since grade school, high school, college and well beyond, which can be the source of many interesting conversations and reunions.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Played with Vice President Dick Cheney when I was a kid.