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Native American Pride, Entrepreneurial Vision: Don Kelin’s Leadership as CEO of Caddo Design, Advancing Native American Economic Progress
Join us as we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of Native American and Alaska Native peoples. Together, let's work towards a future where Indigenous voices are heard, honored, and amplified.
Meet Don Kelin, a seasoned entrepreneur. As the President and CEO of Caddo Design, he has positioned the company as a leading provider of office products, furniture, IT, and security solutions. Don's passion for business and community service has led him to numerous accolades, including being named National Indian Business Owner of the Year and Minority Businessperson of the Year. He is a proud member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and remains committed to giving back to his community.
What is your personal and professional story?
I've always been a fighter. Growing up half-Caddo Indian and half-Caucasian, I learned early on how to navigate two worlds. Sports, especially football, instilled in me the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. These lessons have been invaluable as I've built Caddo Design into a national force in the office products industry.
When I started Caddo in 1990, many people thought we were crazy. We were a small, minority-owned business taking on the big-box giants. But we had a vision: to provide top-notch products and services at competitive prices. We leveraged technology, built a strong supply chain, and cultivated relationships with clients across the nation.
Over the years, we've earned the trust of major corporations, tribal nations, and government agencies. We've secured significant contracts, including the prestigious GSA OS4 contract, which allows us to supply office products to federal agencies nationwide.
It's been a challenging journey, but one filled with immense satisfaction. I'm proud of what we've accomplished, and I'm excited about the future of Caddo Design. We're committed to continuing our mission of providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for serving others stems from my upbringing as a Caddo Indian and my experiences as an athlete. My mother instilled in me the importance of giving back to my community, and my time as a football player taught me the value of teamwork and dedication. These experiences have shaped my desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world.
Additionally, my military service further solidified my commitment to service. The discipline, camaraderie, and sense of purpose I gained in the Army have carried over into my professional life. I believe that it is my duty to use my skills and resources to help others, and I am proud to be able to do so through Caddo Design.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
I grew up in Oklahoma. My mother, a full-blooded Caddo Tribal member, made sure I could navigate both the White and Native worlds. I was an All-State Basketball and Football player, earning a football scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. Sports taught me about teamwork, discipline, drive, and the importance of both winning and losing. I have two successful sons in the business world, and I'm incredibly proud of them. But what matters most to me is that they are good people with strong character.
How can GlobalMindedEd help you realize your goals?
GlobalMindEd is closely aligned with my passion for educating and empowering Native youth. Like many minority communities, the Native American community thrives through access to quality education and economic opportunities. The Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce (RMICC) exemplifies this by awarding over $400,000 in scholarships to Native college students and promoting key economic development initiatives.
Supporting economic growth within this community is crucial, while also inspiring the next generation of Native entrepreneurs. Through cultural exchange, leadership development, and networking opportunities, GlobalMindEd can provide the tools needed to empower and mentor young Native leaders, guiding them toward success and creating a lasting, positive impact.
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