Allison Mahalak is a King’s College graduate with a bachelor of science in Accounting. Professionally, she is the CFO of Colours Inc, headquarters in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Other than her daily role at Colours, her current projects are as lead acquisition strategist and overseeing the corporate center growth and development. As the lead on company acquisitions, the company has grown to 32 locations servicing 7 states in Eastern United States. The professional groups she is involved in are Paint, Body and Equipment Panel and PPG Platinum Group. She has most recently sat on a national panel as the United States Regional Acquisition Buyer with her primary focus as two segments of 1) identifying sellers and the requirements and facts about selling and 2) helping those distributors that intend to grow determine what value services can set them apart in the industry.

Additionally, she is also overseeing the ground up building of a 40,000 sq ft. corporate and training center in the Hanover Industrial Park. This expansion to the Colours locations will bring an additional 15 jobs to the Wilkes Barre area. For her community, she currently is in her fifth year of serving on the board of directors for the SPCA of Luzerne County and has served as their treasurer for the last 3 years. Additionally, she is the Chair of the Colours Charitable Giving Group that provides contributions to various causes with the corporate footprint of the 7 states they service. They regularly team up with their corporate vendor, PPG Industries to bring awareness and contribution to the causes that our customers and dealerships support. She currently resides in Dallas with her husband, David and son, David Jr. 

Q: What does being a business or community leader mean to you? 
A: To me, being a business leader is about motivating those around me to meet their goals by making their plan and working that plan. It is important for me to be ever present in my employees' goals and to encourage them. Our industry is constantly evolving with new technology and EPA standards and legislation we face. Adaptability and encouraging my team to be flexible but present in their daily work life and their project committees is what makes Colours a successful company. 

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals in Greater Wilkes-Barre who want to have a positive impact on the community? 
A: My advice to other young professionals in our community is jump in and get involved. Start small with something that enthuses you and go from there. Network with those around you and find a mentor that can guide you.