A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Ally Kelley feels right at home in the Middle Keys. But… she’s a little different. She moved to the Keys with a “Plan,” emphasis on the capital P. Although she has a degree in speech pathology from USF, she became a Realtor before she even got here. In a few short years, this 27-year-old has made a big splash.
In what situation have you felt like a “one woman show?” I think that people believe the job is just showing houses, but that’s not true. Yes, you work for a brokerage, but you’re also an independent contractor. You do your own accounting, advertising, branding, and sometimes you’re a psychologist. But you also get to be your own boss, which gives you flexibility.
Who are your role models for leadership? My speech pathologist from my tween years; she was just this amazing woman, so put together. And my mom was a nurse, then in medical device sales. She taught me to work as hard as possible, and not only for myself. Jo Ann Cook taught me everything I know about this job. I was lucky she took me under her wing and taught me about contracts, how to talk to people, how to negotiate.
What do you think is the secret to success and sanity? You get out what you put in. You have to be diligent and hardworking and dedicated. I was fortunate that my first sale kicked me off in the luxury market. And my second big deal came about because I answered the phone, spoke knowledgeably … and was nice. The secret to my sanity is working out in the morning. If I get the hardest part of the day over with, then the rest of the day isn’t going to be easy, but maybe easier by comparison.
While you’re an independent woman, we know it takes a village. Who is in your village? Hands-down it’s my boyfriend, Jordan. He’s my village. And my puppy, Daisy. We also have a girls’ night every two weeks and that support system is really motivating.
What advice would you give to your younger self just starting your journey? Think for yourself and be confident in that. And don’t take any crap.
