The daughter of Kolache Factory founders, Jerri and John Banks, Dawn Nielsen grew up in the family business. Today, Dawn leads the company as Chief Operating Officer, after working her way up from scrubbing the restaurant’s floors. Dawn spearheads critical strategic planning and company culture initiatives to drive performance across the Kolache Factory system, and leads teams in research and development, human resources, and communications strategy. Dawn received her degree in Business and Art from Houston Baptist University (HBU), graduating Magnum Cum Laude. Dawn also received the HBU award for Excellence in Business and has been named a Top Female Restaurant Executive.
Dawn and her husband, Aaron, are the proud parents of two daughters, Sabrina and Paige. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with family at their Texas ranch in Fulshear and
exploring the outdoors.
