Meet Kat: A sixth-generation New Braunfelser with an impressive 35-year career in retail, Kat’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep. Her journey began at just 17, working at Jacob Mendlovitz—now Callahan’s—in downtown New Braunfels. Retail is in her blood; her grandmother was a pioneer among female business owners in the area, running a hat shop at what is now Crosswalk Coffee on the plaza.

After graduating from Canyon High School in 1987, Kat attended Austin College, a small liberal arts school in Sherman, Texas. Her studies in Communications and Political Science took her abroad to Europe, and she earned her degree in 1991.

Kat's career rapidly evolved, starting with managing JHarris right after college. In 1992, she joined the team that opened Texas’ first J.Crew at Dallas Northpark and later managed the Galleria location in Houston. Her career took a significant leap in 1994 when she joined Abercrombie & Fitch, then a budding brand with just 10 stores nationwide. As a key player in their rapid expansion, she managed stores across the U.S., served as a District Manager in major cities, and became the Director of Recruiting in Columbus, Ohio.

In 2000, Kat stepped back from corporate retail to focus on family life. She returned to New Braunfels in 2008, working as a paralegal before rediscovering her passion for entrepreneurship. In 2013, she launched Lot 59, followed by The Local in 2018 and Heritage Supply in 2023.

Kat has one daughter, Kate Madison, who recently graduated from Texas State and is making her mark as a graphic artist in Austin.