Background and Personal Life

Don Rooks was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, where his passion for hands-on work began early. As the first in his family to go to college, Don’s educational journey was driven by determination and a commitment to excel. While in high school, he attended a career center for auto mechanics, gaining practical skills that complemented his academic pursuits. While attending Purdue University, Don worked in food service and spent his summers working for USG (United States Gypsum Company). His hard work paid off as he rose to the level of Maintenance Mechanic II during a semester off from school. These experiences provided Don with a strong foundation in both the technical and service industries.

Don moved to Owatonna, Minnesota, 23 years ago for a career opportunity with OTC (SPX Service Solutions / Bosch Automotive Service Solutions). After 15 successful years at OTC, he joined Daikin, which is also located in Owatonna. Over the past 8 years, Don has risen from a manager position to the Corporate Director of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) at Daikin. Owatonna has been home for Don since his move, and it’s where he met and married his wife, Kelly, who has lived in the community for 27 years. Kelly has been a long-standing member of the Owatonna community, working with Federated Insurance for over 27 years. Together, they are raising their two children: Abigail, a student at Owatonna High School, and Donald, who attends Owatonna Middle School.

Education and Professional Experience

Don is deeply committed to serving his community. He has held several leadership positions, including Secretary of the Owatonna Business Incubator, Board Chair for Kids Korner, and current Board Treasurer for the Owatonna Basketball Association (OBA). His dedication extends beyond boardrooms, as he actively volunteers with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, and Feed My Starving Children. Don’s contributions to these initiatives reflect his passion for improving the lives of those in his community and beyond.

Community Involvement and Leadership

Don's educational journey began at Purdue University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) in early 2001. He continued his studies at Purdue University Calumet, obtaining a degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS) in 2006. Committed to lifelong learning, Don pursued and completed his MBA at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2015, and he is currently furthering his education in Architectural Technology at Anoka Technical College. His professional credentials include ASP and CSP certifications from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), a CHMM certification from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM), and a builder's license in the state of Minnesota.

In his career, Don rose through the ranks at SPX / Bosch, moving from a facilities engineer to the Americas Manager for Environment, Health, Safety, Security, Facilities, and Maintenance. His hands-on experience with the Hammon Sanitary District as an intern, combined with his early work experience at USG and his role in food service at Purdue, showcase his diverse skill set and work ethic. At Daikin, Don’s leadership has been recognized as he advanced to the role of Corporate Director of EHS.

Vision for Owatonna

As a candidate for mayor, Don Rooks is focused on planning for the steady growth of Owatonna, ensuring continuous improvement without compromising the community’s charm and safety. He believes that thoughtful development and a strong commitment to maintaining the unique character of the city are essential to its future success. Don is ready to bring his experience, dedication, and love for Owatonna to the role of mayor, working tirelessly to make the city an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.