Bookmans Flagstaff has a new fearless leader and her name is Kat! Kathleen Dudine has been with our store for 14 years now. She worked her way up the Bookmans ladder to General Manager. It’s exciting for Bookmans and we are all so proud that we can’t help but share all the “feels”. Sit back and relax because you’re about to be introduced to the true awesomeness that is Kat!

Kathleen Dudine

What do you love most about working for Bookmans?
I know this is the most common answer anybody gives who works for this company, but it’s true. The people are what make working here so special. Both customers and staff are a pleasure to spend the day with. We have such a great crew and it truly feels like a family. I guess I’m supposed to be the mom now, but I prefer being the cool yet responsible aunt. After all of these years I still look forward to spending time with old and new friends at work.

When did you get your start at Bookmans?
I started here 14 years ago, right after I graduated from NAU. My plan was to take some time off before going to graduate school to get my masters in Library Science. It took about a week of working here before I decided this was way more fun than school and I was hooked. I started just like everybody else, as a cashier and worked my way up from there.

How are you adjusting to your new position of store manager?
I love it. It’s a lot of work right now and a little overwhelming, but when my hero, Michael Fritschie, returns next week as Assistant Manager, things will fall into place. That’s the most exciting thing to me about the changes in the Flagstaff store right now. Between the two of us and our current crew, this might be the most exciting place to work in town. I know it will remain a fun and interesting experience for our customers as well.

What are some of your fondest memories from working at Bookmans?
The thing that I am most grateful for is the number of wonderful, lifelong friends I have made working here. There are too many great memories to list, but I hold a special place for our company events and parties. From the 4th of July parades to holiday parties to just hanging out on Thursday happy hour years ago. I also have a soft spot for that time my dog, Bodie kind of peed on Ryan’s leg at the warehouse. I have a feeling Ryan may not feel the same way.

One thing I will never forget is how well we were all taken care of after the roof collapsed in 2010. Every single person was kept on staff and was able to work full time during those long months. We are so lucky to work for a company that understands how crucial its people are to its success. I realize I sound like an apple-polisher, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

What’s your favorite Book and why?
It’s difficult to choose a favorite book, but I can say that my favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut. My favorite book from the past few years is Cheryl Strayed’s Wild. It’s a wonderful, inspirational, true story of a woman who took on a solo trip on the Pacific Crest Trail, totally unprepared for what she would encounter. I’m an avid hiker and find myself happiest when I’m alone in wild, isolated places (with Bodie of course). I wish I had the courage that she had to take on that adventure.

Everyone at Bookmans looks forward to our new adventure with Kat at the helm of Bookmans Flagstaff. Congratulations Kat from everyone at Bookmans Flag and southward.