An entrepreneur from the start, Katie has used her skills to mentor thousands of women in business, all while maintaining firm roots in Westchester as a third-generation resident.
For Katie Lawler Hunt, Westchester isn’t just a hometown—it’s the heart of her life story. It’s where generations of her family have lived, where she discovered her passion for entrepreneurship, and where she and her husband, Patrick, are raising their own children with the same deep connection to community that shaped them. From childhood summers at the local park to mentoring thousands of women in business, Katie’s journey is a testament to the power of place, perseverance and purpose.
A Home That Holds Generations of Memories
Katie’s family history in Westchester stretches back decades. The house she grew up in is not only filled with childhood memories—it’s the same home where her father was raised. Today, Katie’s own children represent the fourth generation of Westchester natives, carrying forward the family’s deep-rooted presence in the neighborhood.
“We’re Westchester people through and through,” she says with a smile. “My husband Patrick and I both grew up here. We first met when we were 11, swimming for Westchester Park & Recreation’s summer team, then reconnected in high school through Youth & Government at the Westchester Family YMCA. It wasn’t until college that we started dating.”
Now, after 25 years together and 14 years of marriage, the Hunts are raising their four kids—Madeline (15), Owen (13), Colin (11), and Lauren (9)—in the same community that shaped their own childhoods. Their days are filled with sports, scouting, and a lively household that thrives on tradition and togetherness.
A Childhood Entrepreneurial Spirit
Katie’s early years were steeped in both community involvement and entrepreneurship. As the eldest of four siblings, she took part in softball, soccer, Girl Scouts, the Westchester Lariats, and the Westchester Family YMCA’s Youth & Government. But what set her apart was her entrepreneurial mindset—an instinct to lead, innovate and build.
Selling Girl Scout cookies wasn’t just a routine—it was an early lesson in business. From a young age, Katie understood the connection between hard work and meaningful impact. As a Girl Scout, she learned that selling cookies was more than meeting sales goals—it was about what the money could achieve.
“The money we made could fund outings, activities or even community service. I realized that hard work could lead to financial resources, and those resources could make a real difference,” Katie reflects.
These early lessons laid the groundwork for her confidence in sales and her ability to channel earnings into positive outcomes.
“I was never intimidated by the sales process,” she says. “Those early days taught me to put myself out there, see what happens, and then leverage the results to create stronger impact and greater good.”
Fundraising for local programs like Westchester Del Rey Little League softball and the Westchester Lariats taught her how to market, negotiate and set ambitious goals.
“I always wanted to help people, make an impact, and create new opportunities,” she says.
It was this desire to lead that inspired Katie to hold leadership positions in school, sports and extracurricular activities—a natural extension of her future career.
Lessons from a Trailblazer
Katie’s first business mentor was her mother, Jean Lawler, a trailblazing attorney who paved the way for women in the legal field. After decades as the managing partner of her law firm, Jean now runs Lawler ADR, a thriving mediation company.
“My mom is hands-down one of the smartest businesswomen I know. She was one of the first women attorneys at her firm and the first woman managing partner. She not only survived in a male-dominated industry—she thrived and created pathways for others to follow,” Katie shares with pride.
Watching her mother’s leadership and resilience had a profound impact.
“I worked at her law firm during summers as a teenager, and I saw firsthand how much respect people had for her. She gives back to the community in so many ways, quietly helping others without seeking recognition,” says Katie. “Her focus on relationships, her ability to leverage opportunities for the greater good—that’s something that’s deeply inspired me.”
Jean’s dedication to building meaningful connections is a legacy that Katie carries forward in both her family and her business.
Building Businesses and Creating impact
Katie’s education further fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she also competed on the waterski team. Later, she pursued MBA degrees in Marketing and Finance from Loyola Marymount University, honing the skills that would allow her to turn her passion for business into a thriving enterprise.
Her first business venture launched in 2008 selling products wholesale. Her current business, Proof to Product, focuses on helping “brands get their products on the shelves of stores, big and small.”
Proof to Product grew out of an observation she noticed that was a common struggle among her peers—many of them were wildly creative but lacked the business knowledge to scale their ventures. Recognizing an opportunity to help, Katie began running workshops in 2011, fostering a community where entrepreneurs could learn the skills needed to thrive.
Over the past 14 years, Proof to Product has empowered more than 30,000 product-based business owners, most of them women. Katie takes pride in the impact of her work.
“Knowing I’ve played a small part in helping people build profitable, sustainable businesses that give them more freedom and flexibility is incredibly inspiring,” she says.
Giving back is central to Katie’s mission. Proof to Product has awarded over $350,000 in scholarships to emerging creative entrepreneurs, helping them transform big dreams into reality. Alumni of the program now see their products in major retailers like Target, Starbucks, and Anthropologie, as well as thousands of independent shops worldwide.
In addition to her consultancy, Katie hosts a podcast of the same name, which is among the top one percent globally ranked podcasts. Since its launch in 2017, the show has garnered more than 1.4 million downloads and celebrated 390 episodes as of April 2025.
“I love having conversations with other women in business and amplifying their messages,” says Katie. “It’s all about collaboration and community. Whether I’m interviewing industry giants or small-business owners making a big impact, I learn so much from their stories, and so does my audience.”
By spotlighting entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes, the podcast creates a shared space for growth and inspiration.
Lifting Up Others Along the Way
While Katie herself has helped countless women succeed, she credits her own mentors and community for inspiring her along the way. One such figure is Rachelle Katz, who was instrumental in Katie’s early development during her MBA studies at Loyola Marymount University.
Rachelle first joined LMU’s Department of Finance in 1976 and later served as Associate Dean and Director of the MBA program from 1994 to 2011. During her time as Director of the MBA program, Katie worked as a graduate student for LMU, impressing Rachelle with her drive and talent.
“I am so proud of who she has become,” Rachelle says. “I have the greatest respect for her in what she has accomplished in business, but also in who she is as a mother.”
Katie draws strength and inspiration from the hardworking, talented women around her—both in her personal life and within the Westchester community. She speaks warmly of their grace, resilience, and ability to balance the demands of family, career and community.
Among them is her sister, Megan Lawler, a partner at LARC architecture firm. Megan’s keen eye for design and her ability to transform spaces, both commercial and residential, never cease to amaze Katie. Another source of admiration is Courtney Paulson, a dedicated real estate agent and fellow WISH mom, who has made her mark in the town with her unwavering support for the neighborhood.
Katie also finds creativity and beauty in the work of Alison White, a local home designer who crafts some of her favorite homes in Westchester, and Amy Garcia, a hairstylist who brings confidence and joy through her artistry. She treasures the storytelling talent of Jenny Teeman, a gifted writer whose words resonate deeply.
“It’s amazing to see other women balancing family, career and community so gracefully,” Katie shares. “It reminds me that we’re all here to support and uplift one another.”
Family, Tradition and the Joy of Connection
Despite her bustling career, family remains at the core of Katie’s life. The Hunts are an active sports family, with their children involved in soccer, volleyball, flag football and scouting. Beyond the fields, they cherish traditions like Sunday night dinners at her parents’ house, a ritual that has endured for generations.
“Every Sunday night, we gather for dinner at my parents’ house,” says Katie. “My sisters, our spouses, and our kids—it’s usually 14 of us, but when my brother’s family is in town, we grow to 17. Sometimes a cousin or family friend drops in. My dad even built a leaf for the dining table to fit more people. The more the merrier.”
Katie’s son Owen has even taken to cooking alongside his grandfather, handling most of the barbecue duties now.
“My grandparents hosted Sunday night dinners in the same house for years,” she reminisces. “Sunday nights are my favorite—they remind me of everything that makes family special.”
`A Life Rooted in Westchester
Katie’s story is one of legacy, leadership and love. Whether she’s mentoring a new business owner, cheering on her kids from the sidelines, or enjoying a night of family laughter around the dinner table, her life remains deeply connected to Westchester—the place that shaped her journey and continues to inspire her every day.
“For me, Westchester isn’t just home,” she says. “It’s a legacy, a launching pad, and above all, a testament to the power of community and connection.” We’re proud to be your friend and work alongside you to strengthen our community and support mental health.
Story by Sylvia Wilson.