Meet Joseph Kowalsky, the charismatic leader from our US team with a flair for community building and a deep passion for the events industry. From his early aspirations of being an actor to his current role leading the charge for our US Vet Shows, Joe’s journey is anything but conventional. We sat down with him to discuss his career path, the quirks of the veterinary industry, and how he aims to bring people together with a mix of strategy, creativity, and humor.

Joe’s passion for people, community, and growth shines through in every aspect of his work. Whether he’s strategizing with clients, building a stronger team, or fostering connection in the veterinary industry, he’s bringing energy and innovation to everything he touches.

Rachel Kilmartin: Joe, you’ve had quite a colorful journey before joining us. Tell us a bit about your background.

Joe Kowalsky: (Laughs) Oh yeah, it’s been a ride. I’ve always wanted to be an actor - still do, actually. I went to school for theater and was always the comedian. Someday, I’ll audition for those great “chubby Italian guy” roles, but for now, the events world has my heart. Funny enough, my career started far from events. I sold air and ocean freight services right out of school, and let me tell you, I was miserable. But then my first show director gave me a shot, and I fell in love with the events industry.

Rachel: What specifically brought you to CloserStill and the US Vet Shows?

Joe: A little bit of luck and a lot of good timing. Tim Payne, now the operations manager on the US Vet Team, worked with me at a previous job. He spoke so highly of CloserStill’s culture and the opportunity to grow something really meaningful here. It was hard to resist. Plus, the potential of the US Vet brands is enormous, and I wanted to be part of driving that growth.

Rachel: What do you love most about working in the veterinary industry?

Joe: Veterinarians are way crazier than I expected (in the best way!). The level of ongoing education they need is incredible. Also issues with mental health crisis run deep in the industry. But I feel we are making a difference by building moments for connection at our shows. Last year, we hosted a dog agility course where attendees dressed in dog onesies to win free show tickets for life. This year, we had a pickleball court on the show floor. It might seem all for a laugh but what we are trying to do is emphasize the importance of physical and mental wellness. If even one person walks away with that message, we’ve done our job.

Rachel: What’s most fulfilling about your current role?

Joe: I love sitting with clients and workshopping solutions. I love building tailored programs that truly address their challenges. But mostly what I love is seeing our team’s growth and camaraderie - that’s incredibly rewarding. Our “Sales Booth Teams” chat is my favorite; it’s a mix of strategy, memes, and good-natured ribbing. Shout-out to Lauren, Matt, Mike, and Jake for keeping it real!

Rachel: On that note, how do you approach leadership in a fully remote team?

Joe: Visibility and connection are key. We have trackers for progress - personal goals, month-on-month performance, you name it. Clear communication is critical. I also encourage my team to speak up. Decisions are made by people who show up (a quote I stole from the West Wing). I always say, “If you don’t feel comfortable sharing in a meeting, shoot me a message in Teams.” Creating an open environment where everyone feels heard has been a priority.

Rachel: What challenges have you overcome since joining?

Joe: When I started last January, everyone was working on different systems, and communication was all over the place. My first goal was to unify our processes and earn everyone’s trust. After last year’s shows, we flew the whole team to New York for three days of 2024 brand planning. It was the first time something like that had been done, and it’s made a huge difference in our culture and collaboration.

Rachel: Any advice for new starters, especially remote employees?

Joe: Don’t be afraid to speak up. Even if it’s just a quick Teams message to a leader, your voice matters. My mantra is: contribute, collaborate, and always respect the decision-maker,  then, go execute with confidence.

Rachel: Do you have any professional goals for the next year?

Joe: I want to keep growing as a leader and eventually step into an executive role in the events industry. I love strategy, throwing ideas around, and seeing what sticks. Every new industry I’ve worked in has been a blank slate for me, and that’s kept things fresh and exciting.

Rachel: What’s the most fun part of your job?

Joe: The people. They’ve embraced new ideas and brought their own to the table. We’ve built strong relationships, and there’s always room for a laugh or a clever quip.

Rachel: Anything you want everyone to know about the US Vet Show team?

Joe: Don’t poach them - they’re mine! (Laughs) Seriously, though, we’re a talkative group. If you have a crazy idea or need advice, reach out. We’re here to help and always happy to brainstorm. US Team - you guys are fantastic, really know how to make a guy feel at home.