COMMUNITY
The Legacy of Business
There is no investment more worthwhile than the ones that we make in people .
The life and business of Rose McKeown reflect that truth . At 103 years old , Rose ’ s deepest gratitude is to the people who marked her time as a business owner in Stillwater .
Rose owned McKeown ’ s Showcase , a women ’ s clothing boutique , in Downtown Stillwater for over two decades . When Rose was asked about her favorite thing about being a Stillwater business owner , her reply was immediate ,
“ I enjoyed working and doing the things I had to do to be a businessperson . I had to learn , from start to finish , how to be a good businessperson .”
While reflecting on her career , Rose attributed the success of her business to the help of her family , employees , and community . Rose understood the value of a strong team and built a team that could provide the best shopping experience for customers .
Talking with Rose , her love for her community and serving others shined through everything that she said . People in the Stillwater community who know Rose , either personally or as a customer , consistently rave about the intention and care that Rose brings into her interactions with people . Rose is a friend and example to many , and that leadership translated into her conduct as a businessperson .
Working with a buying office in New York City , Rose shopped with her customers ’ specific needs in mind . Rose knew what was happening in the lives of her customers , and she worked diligently to provide clothing in her store that would help women , in any circumstance , to put their most confident foot forward .
Echoing the theme that customers were her asset , Rose shared these words as advice to current business owners in Stillwater ,
“ I knew that if I wanted to be successful as a female Stillwater business owner in 1966 , I needed the help of my customers , so I always took good care of my customers ,” McKeown said .
“ I never let a woman walk out of my store in a piece of clothing that did not feel ‘ right ’ for her . It was more important to me that women felt beautiful than I make a sale .”
Therein lies the heart of business in Stillwater : People over profit . Rose had a long and successful career in Stillwater but her distinction , decades later , was her commitment to the customers she served .
Rose is an example to Stillwater business owners of today , standing firmly on this simple truth : If you take care of your community , your community will take care of you .
Story by Reagan Mitchell
Rose McKeon , 103-years young , recalls her secrets for business success .
“ I knew that if I wanted to be successful as a female Stillwater business owner in 1966 , I needed the help of my customers …” — ROSE MCKEOWN
15
COMMERCE | 2023 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce