diff --git a/install.sh b/install.sh
index cad7e87..675def6 100755
--- a/install.sh
+++ b/install.sh
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ function brethil_dotfiles_setup {
     exec 3>&1 # save stdout
     exec 1>>"$HOME/.zshrc"
     echo -e "\n\n# brethil's dotfiles:"
-    echo "DOTFILES=$DOTFILES"
+    echo "export DOTFILES=$DOTFILES"
     echo "source \$DOTFILES/brethil_dotfile.sh"
     echo -e "# End of brethil's dotfiles\n\n"
     exec 1>&3 # restore stdout