Lou Gilbert is a Program Director and former Director of North American Marketing at a multi-billion dollar commercial transportation company. Albeit rewarding and prestigious titles bringing constant challenge, most of Lou’s common sense ability to help young people navigate through the business world draws from his experiences while “climbing the ladder.” Never forgetting what it was like to be twenty-something, he has a unique ability to understand and communicate with that age group.
His first job, at 23, was as a warehouse shipping and receiving clerk. Through a series of smart decisions, good impressions and personal hardships, Lou succeeded in sales, training, account management, service engineering, sales engineering, marketing and other posts before being asked to direct a major new product program.
Professionally, Lou has been tasked with new product development, managing a multi-million dollar budget, directing marketing, advertising and event planning agencies, pricing, fleet management, testing, customer interaction, system creation and much more. He also has the opportunity to hire, train and mentor college interns and new employees. Lou’s humble personality and relatable warmth make an effective combination with his “no excuses” approach to work and life.
In his personal time, Lou is an active participant in the School of Technology at the University of Central Missouri where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Power Technology Management. He is a member of the School of Technology Advisory Board, Automotive Technology Advisory Board and a guest speaker and mentor to university juniors and seniors. Also, he enjoys home projects, exercising and spending time with his wife, Jana, and two daughters. They describe him as a chronic “finisher”, tireless encourager, dedicated, consistent, approachable and hilarious…never taking himself too seriously.