Biography
A Raleigh native, Kelly is now part of the Carolinas Commercial Real Estate team with Sun Coast Partners Commercial in Sunset Beach. She started her career in economic development and has worked in project management and business development roles in organizations across North and South Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia. She loved establishing and building relationships with prospects and site selection consultants representing businesses and industries of all shapes and sizes across the US, but after 20 years of long hours and constant travel was eager to plant some roots. The move to commercial real estate was a natural one when she joined forces with her father and business partner, David Stuart, in 2016. Her knowledge of zoning, permitting, and commercial construction, along with the needs of small businesses and the ability to help them navigate the requirements and regulations of different municipalities gave Kelly the competitive edge she needed to grow the already strong portfolio of businesses started by David two decades ago. Kelly was honored as the Realtors Commercial Alliance of Southeast North Carolina Member of the Year for 2019 at the 2nd Annual Cape Fear CREW Awards of Excellence and awarded the Economic and Community Enhancement Award Under $5MM for 2023 at the 6th Annual Cape Fear CREW Awards of Excellence.