Kevin Kelly

Broker
@properties

One of Kevin Kelly’s core beliefs is the value of a strong work ethic. He vividly recalls his father waking up in the small hours of the morning to fill a guard’s shift when employees failed to show up at their family-owned security firm. “My father’s incredible work ethic instilled high standards in me, and I take every aspect my clients’ experience very seriously,” he says.

Kelly has more than a decade’s worth of experience in real estate. His successes include recognition by Chicago Social magazine as one of the city’s top luxury real estate agents and @properties honors for outstanding achievement. Kelly has experienced multiple market and economic shifts, and the most important lesson he has learned from those changes is the importance of tenacity. “Never give up, regardless how difficult circumstances may seem,” he advises. “Things can change for the better in the blink of an eye, so stay upbeat, positive and professional, no matter what.”

Kelly worked as a financial advisor at a Chicago-based Wall Street firm after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He eventually decided to broaden his interests by combining his financial savvy with his interest in real estate to launch a new career. “Being a Realtor allows me to play a critical role in people’s lives,” he says. “Buying or selling a home can be an exciting yet stressful experience, so I’m happy I can offer people the guidance they need to get through it.”

A good deal of Kelly’s counsel is based on his own realization that slow and steady wins the race, something he reminds himself of frequently. “I wanted to do everything and achieve everything as quickly as I could when I entered real estate, but I’ve learned that taking a thoughtful approach to what I do and how I do it ensures a win-win for my clients and me.” Kelly also knows that even simple gestures go a long way to earn clients’ trust. “Little things like showing up on time, following up with feedback, dressing professionally and being courteous to my fellow agents matter,” he says.

Kelly, who grew up on the South Side, says he’s inspired by the “incredibly talented people” he works with. A member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, Hamburg Athletic Association and De La Salle Institute Real Estate Committee, he spends his free time with family as well as golfing, biking, catching ball games and exploring the city’s neighborhoods. “I believe my real estate knowledge has allowed me to make a difference in others’ lives, including my own neighbors,” says Kelly. “Helping people make informed decisions is what I’m an expert at and I believe it’s allowed me to give back to the industry and my community.”

 

Thanks to AtWater Apartments for letting us use their beautiful location for our photo shoots.