Driven by a desire to unite and collaborate with others toward a common goal, to make an impact, and to be part of something larger than herself, Kim Rowell Kelly’s passion for real estate and serving others is undeniable. Kim’s success stems from her passion and dedication to others, her attention to detail, genuine care for her clients’ best interests, and her willingness to go above and beyond for them.

Kim enjoys partnering with her clients to achieve their real estate goals, and she prides herself on being with her clients every step of the way. She is not afraid to roll up her sleeves either—from staging homes to visualizing a home’s potential and executing upon and leading home improvement projects and remodels. “I feel strongly about a home’s first impression and being an expert on my clients’ homes,” she says. 

“When a client cannot visualize the potential in a space, I love to jump in and illustrate what   could be, and then help them see their vision through to reality,” Kim continues. “Seeing a shared idea or vision come to life and to witness my clients enjoying their new custom space is unbelievably fulfilling for me.”

Helping others through a big move and settle into a home is a concept that sits close to Kim’s heart. She made a huge move herself during childhood. In 2001, Kim immigrated to the US from Johannesburg, South Africa, with her parents, brother, and grandmother.

“Our move from South Africa to the USA was a significant and defining moment in my life—

adjusting to a different culture, overcoming a language barrier, and being far from family and friends was difficult,” Kim shares. The experience, however, helped to define her priorities, but her clear guiding value, since a young age, has always been “family first.” Kim’s late grandmother, Ouma, was instrumental in instilling that and other important family values. Her grandmother’s influence, guidance, love, and care left a lasting impact on Kim and can continue to be seen in the ways Kim lives out her life each day. 

Kim grew up in Naperville, IL, and attended the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. After earning her degree in accounting, she joined a large risk and reinsurance firm where she focused on mergers and acquisitions, compliance, and process implementation within accounting and finance. She would transfer many of the skills she gained during these years to her day to day work as a REALTOR®.

Although Kim thoroughly enjoyed her career in corporate accounting, she felt herself searching for something more fulfilling, something where she could really make a difference in other people’s lives. 

“I always had a keen interest in real estate and the industry, and I was looking for an opportunity to collaborate more closely with others, where I could be a part of something bigger and more meaningful, and work one-to-one with others to achieve a common goal,” expresses Kim.

As it did with many, the shake-up of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Kim to reevaluate her goals and what she wanted out of her future. With the encouragement and endless support of her husband, Griffen, and her family, Kim decided to make the move to real estate.

“I felt there was no better time than the present to take the leap of faith to follow my dream and dive into an industry I felt a true passion for,” Kim recalls. “Griffen and my parents had 100 percent faith in me, and they have continued to support me every step of the way. I would not be where I am today without the incredible support, love, and belief of my amazing family. 

A proud member of the Arrow Home Advisors team, Kim notes she is grateful for “their continued support, mentorship, and partnership.” “Learning from and collaborating with such successful agents has provided a strong base for learning and growth that will allow me to serve my clients at the highest caliber,” Kim emphasizes.

Kim views success as having the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop daily. She also says that success is the happiness that comes when you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself, and that she finds that every day in real estate.

“I feel like I am truly making an impact on others’ lives for the better, and I feel so grateful to share important and special life moments with so many dear clients and friends,” she says.

Outside of real estate, Kim enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She loves taking walks around her Lakeview neighborhood with Griffen and their Bernes mountain dog, Wrigley, or snuggling up on the couch with a cozy blanket and their cat, Simba, while indulging in her guilty pleasures of a good rom-com and South African chocolates. 

She’s also a huge advocate for animal welfare and is extremely passionate about reducing the homeless pet population as well as spreading awareness about poaching and habitat destruction in Africa. She volunteers at PAWS Chicago’s “Kitty City,” assisting with socializing adoptable cats and connecting with potential adopters. Although it’s difficult for Kim to be hands-on with wildlife welfare in Africa, she stays connected with various organizations. She and Griffen often choose their travels around wildlife, such as gorilla trekking in Uganda, going on safari in South Africa, and visiting various wildlife sanctuaries.  

As Kim continues to embrace her true calling in real estate, she will continue to use her unique blend of expertise, heartfelt dedication, and drive to create meaningful connections and enrich the lives of people and animals alike, one home and happy client at a time.