The checks come from Toyota, but behind the scenes a set of diligent hands guides the many moving parts like a maestro directing an orchestral symphony.
Sometimes, those hands attend to the clerical tasks that keep the wheels turning; other times, they manage the unforeseen challenges of the fishing industry’s ever-changing landscape.
In every case, the management of Toyota’s hugely impactful Bonus Bucks program rests in a pair of hands that weren’t supposed to be here.
Folks who’ve outpaced the kind of news that changes everything often use the phrase “borrowed time,” but Kendell Mooney prefers “blessed time.”
Hold on to that thought.
Bucks for Bass
A proud Oklahoma native who loves her Sooners, Kendell works as a Senior Account Manager at Dynamic Sponsorships, where she was owner/President Lance Peck’s first employee back in 2006. Her duties range from marketing strategies and PR plans, to consumer engagements and onsite activations for multiple clients.
Primarily focused on managing Toyota’s partnership with B.A.S.S. and other fishing/outdoor entities, Kendell was integral in the 2008 launch and subsequent management of the Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency program, which rewards anglers who own and tow with a Toyota vehicle for their tournament performance.
“It’s been a total joy for me to watch the program grow and expand over the years,” Kendell said. “I think we had 60 participants the first year and now we have thousands of members. I have the honor and opportunity to get to know and talk with anglers all around the country — pro anglers, amateur anglers, women anglers — who are Toyota owners and program participants.
“I feel like contingency and loyalty programs are such a win-win for companies and their customers. I really have loved being a part of starting the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, watching it grow over the years, seeing participants benefit from it, and sending participants Bonus Bucks checks.”
Pablo Picasso is credited with saying: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
Sure, Kendell’s actually giving away Toyota’s money, but what passes through her hands originates in her heart.
“It’s hard to believe that we’re celebrating our 20th year at Dynamic Sponsorships, but I feel like time flies when you love what you do and you’re passionate about it,” she said.
What Drives Her
Noting how she and her team strive to represent their clients with authenticity and passion, Kendell gives heart and soul to the industry she loves. She’s also active in her home church, GUTS, in Skiatook, Okla. where she serves in the Jr. Kids area and women’s prison ministry.
Kendell earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism/P.R. from the University of Oklahoma where she met her husband of 36 years, Terry Mooney. After several years in Tulsa, the couple recently built a home in Skiatook and enjoy visits from their recently-married son Collin, who lives in Chicago.
In family, work and service, Kendell embraces a daily appreciation for a life that was not always assured.
In her early 30s, Kendell was diagnosed with Stage-4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The survival outlook: About 30%.
Not good, but 30 is not zero.
Tim McGraw’s 2004 hit “Live Like You Were Dying,” spoke of a man checking off his buck-listers when faced with a devastating diagnosis.
“…talkin’ ‘bout the options and talking ‘bout sweet time.”
Kendell probably felt some of that. A heartbroken husband she calls her best friend, a son in kindergarten, all the plans you’re suppose to make. No doubt, she faced an unexpected finality that would shake someone of lesser faith to their foundation.
But rather than live like she was dying, Kendell chose to live like she was living.
After nine months of ineffective chemotherapy, she underwent a bone marrow stem cell transplant, then radiation. A little over three years of treatment was a difficult chapter in a book yet unfinished.
That was over 20 years ago.
Today’s Kendell Mooney presents undeniable proof that the will to live, guided by unshakable faith is more powerful than the most insidious disease.
“By the grace of God, I was able to overcome that,” she said of her health crisis. “I’m so grateful we were able to raise our son and that I’m still here.
“I give all the Glory to God. I know who my healer is, I know who my provider is, and I know who blesses us with the gift of each new day. When you go through a battle like that, you start to really appreciate and be more grateful for the little blessings in your life, including waking up each day.”
Insightful Inspiration
Kendell’s appreciation compels her to share encouragement and motivation with others through social media posts like this:
Resilience is a choice. It’s choosing to rise above your circumstances, no matter how difficult, and become the person you’re meant to be.
Her favorite comes from Emily Dickinson: Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.
“I think that encapsulates me and my life in a lot of ways,” she said. “Part of it is that I love the outdoors, so I love references to nature and God’s creation.
“I feel like I was born with an abundance of hope, which I’m really grateful to God for, because I’ve definitely needed it in my life at different times.”
It’s part instinct, part divine inspiration, but Kendell follows topics as they appear in her heart. Kindness, love, understanding others, faith — an internal compass points the way and she follows with the skill sets that arise as naturally as her reassuring smile.
She calls the Bible her favorite resource, but Kendell also draws from quote sites like Brainyquote.com and TheQuoteGarden.com, along with her favorite authors, inspirational speakers, and pastors.
“Social media has become so divisive and negative and I felt in my heart, ‘be a light.’ ‘share some encouragement.’ I felt God telling me to share those talents and abilities He’s blessed me with.
“I’ve always loved writing, I’ve always loved reading and I’ve always loved quotes. I’d rather help to spread some encouragement, some kindness, and some light and love and help people.”
Praise, approval, clout — such things mean nothing to Kendell. However, a random note of appreciation often confirms the real value.
“We all stay very busy, and there have been moments where I wonder, ‘Do people even read this? Do I need to keep doing this, God?’” Kendell said. “As soon as I start having those thoughts, I’ll get a message out of the blue from people saying, ‘I can’t tell you how much those quotes helped me today.”
Honoring Her Biggest Influences
Kendell traces her love for the outdoors to family weekends at Oklahoma lakes like Tenkiller, Broken Bow and Skiatook. Fishing, trail biking and piling into a pop-up camper stacked the priceless memories, but she’s also grateful that her father, Bob, introduced his daughter to the outdoors world’s business side.
Bob owned a film production company in the 1970s and his work with Zebco put many rod-and-reel combos, including the classic Zebco 33 in Kendell’s hands. Her dad also worked with Lowrance and eventually became the company’s Sr. V.P. of Marketing.
“For years I watched my dad plan for ICAST, plan for the Bassmaster Classic, plan marketing and P.R. strategies,” said Kendell, who attended the 1991 Classic in Baltimore with her dad. “I smile about that now, because thinking back, God knew my heart. I’ve always loved the outdoors and I love fishing.
“I remember thinking as a teenager, ‘That’s so cool that he gets to do this stuff. I want to do that stuff too.’ He always encouraged me and let me be a part of watching him edit a film, or getting stuff ready for ICAST or the Classic. I’m really grateful because that instilled in me the belief that I can do that too.”
Kendell also credits her late mother, Fran, for teaching her to value hard work and humility. The first woman to be admitted into Oklahoma State University’s Communications Broadcast School, Fran overcame resistance through persistent performance and, most importantly, she modeled the kind of confident work ethic that deeply impressed her daughter.
“I watched her repeat that pattern many times over her life,” Kendell said. “She worked in advertising and marketing for 20 years, she was the P.R. Director for the Girl Scouts office in Tulsa, the Marketing Director for a jewelry store and then the P.R. Director for a hospital.
“During that time, she was often one of the lone females in the room, but she never looked at it that way. She told me she just wanted to do the work, showcase her talent and abilities and not quit. That was a great example for me that you can do whatever you set your heart and mind to do if you don’t quit.”
The Bottom Line
The common thread woven through Kendell’s life is purpose. Treasuring her parents’ examples and honoring God’s proven providence, she’s all about the authenticity.
Ultimately, Kendell’s objectives are straightforward and her motivation is pure.
“Life is too short not to do what you’re truly passionate about doing,” Kendell said. “My mom and my dad always told me, ‘Do what’s in your heart and don’t worry about a paycheck. Pursue the things that you’re passionate about and those other things will come along.’”
For Kendell Mooney, every day is a step away from a dark time and a step toward continued brightness. Most of all, she knows her life is in His hands.
