Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Sears.
Hi Kathleen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Kathleen, and I am originally from New York. I graduated from St. Lawrence University in 2016 with a B.S in Geology, expecting to build a career in science. After working as an environmental consultant, I realized what I enjoyed most wasn’t the technical work, it was connecting with people and building relationships. That realization led me to become an Americorps VISTA serving DC public schools. I joined John Lewis Elementary, where I began in community outreach and spent the next seven years growing into a classroom teacher. Those years taught me how to lead with empathy, earn trust and adapt to challenges, and build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues. While teaching, I worked part-time on Timber Pizza Co.’s mobile catering team. In June 2023, I decided to pursue a new professional challenge full-time and joined Timber Pizza Co. as Corporate Trainer. In that role, I trained new General Managers, opened three new restaurants, and partnered with new franchisees to ensure successful launches. I discovered that many of the skills that I developed in education, coaching, communication, and creating confidence, capable teams, translated naturally into hospitality leadership. While opening Timber Raleigh, I met my business partner, Mark Barrett, who invited me to join him as an Owner/Operator. I stepped into that role in January 2025. Since then, we’vebeen proud to become part of the Five Points community while expanding the business with the opening of our Downtown Durham location.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing is ever easy. In the restaurant business, there are always unexpected issues to solve. We actually don’t use the words “obstacles” or “challenges” very often. We call them growing pains. When something isn’t working, whether it’s a process, a system or an experience for our guests or staff, we don’t look at it as a setback. We look at it as an opportunity to improve. Every problem teaches us something about how we can operate better, communicate more effectively or support our team in a different way. We adapt so that we can grow. Having a growth mindset is the only way to survive in this industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a co-owner and Regional Manager for Timber Pizza Raleigh-Durham, where I oversee our two restaurants, lead a team of 30 and manage the day-to-day operations across both locations. While the operational side of the business is important, what I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. I’m known for having a people-first approach to leadership. We prioritize our team, our guests and our community because they’re the reason we’ve been able to grow. That mindset comes directly from my years as a teacher. At the beginning of every school year, the first priority wasn’t academics, it was building relationships and creating an environment where people felt supported, valued and excited to show up every day. I’ve carried that philosophy with me here. The part of my job that brings me the most fulfillment is our connection to the community. We’ve partnered with more than five schools across the Raleigh-Durham area by hosting pizza-making classes for students, organizing PTA give-back nights and donating to silent auctions. We’s also donated more than 300 pizzas to local volunteers through organizations including Activate Good, the Center for Active Adults and The Salvation Army.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can collaborate with us by reaching out to Durham@timberpizza.com or Raleigh@timberpizza.com. They can visit us in Five Points or Downtown Durham! Or follow us on instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timberpizza.com/raleigh
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timberpizzaco_raleighdurham?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
