Meet Lauren Billings | VP of Operations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Billings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the human side of people. I left the corporate world for a good reason. We get so lost in rules, numbers, budgets, statistics, trends, all the garbage that isn’t life and forget that there’s a human behind everything. And that human is just like you and me. They eat, breathe, sleep- they have their own wants and dreams. I genuinely want to see other people happy and healthy. I believe in hard work, but I also believe work shouldn’t consume your life. You deserve to play. I think how people treat others is a good judge of character. It helps me lead a less stressful life when I avoid characters that treat others as less than. Those people aren’t worth wasting your energy on.

What should our readers know about your business?
My mom and dad started an animatronic dinosaur business. We are the only animatronic dinosaur business based and manufacturing in America! It’s totally something worth being proud about! I can’t take credit for what they started, but I can take credit in sustaining the legacy my late father left behind. My mother is the president, but I am trying my hardest to learn everything she has to offer so I can continue this legacy. Running a business is not easy, nor is it something to take lightly. Running an obscure business and being the only one to do it while being a minority woman in a STEAM field is even more challenging. It takes a lot of grit, late nights, and an endless fountain of love for what you do. This is why it’s important to advocate for your brand and I hope my audience knows that we’re the only ones who manufacture in America. We employ your neighbors, people you may know in your community, someone you might have grown up with- this is a family company. There’s a lot of pride in that. You can help your local economy grow by supporting small businesses. It’s really hard in today’s climate when everything can be done cheaper overseas but I’m here because of my passion and my values.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Firstly, everyone who visits me HAS to get an exclusive tour of my facility and get the behind-the-scenes look at the dinosaurs and everything we’re currently working on. For food, I’d want to go over to Hai Di Lao for Hot Pot dinner. Something really interesting, and you gotta go on a weekend so you can see the changing face dancing man! For drinks and fun, I love going to Cidercade. I’m a big gamer and I LOVE cider so that place is my jam. And if my friends were really hungry, we could go to Delucca’s Pizza for all you can eat gourmet pizza. *chef’s kiss* Sunday Morning, start off with some Top Golf- mimosas and balls. Then head on over to Madness Comics in Plano to pick out a board game to play with my friends. Plus they have a bunch of other awesome gifts and collectables. The store is just so huge and amazing. I’m a big ‘ol nerd so when my friends visit, it’s just food and gaming.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom serves as my mentor. Beyond her role as my boss and our shared work experience spanning over a decade, I’ve gained invaluable insights from her stories and personal journey. My mom is such a tough woman, and I want to be as strong as her. My parents co-founded the family business together, and I definitely don’t want to let them down!

Website: www.thedinosaurcompany.shop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_dinosaur_company/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedinocompany

Image Credits
The Dinosaur Company