Kelly S.
MKE Strategy & Relationship Development Lead
kellys@gardner-builders.com
Hospitality means taking care of people beyond what they're expecting. To meet someone's needs, but go beyond that to surprise them by going a step further.
I am motivated by truly understanding people, both our clients and our team, and helping find solutions that are genuinely in their best interest. My passion for developing commercial environments started right out of college and has continued to grow as I learn what makes each project unique. I enjoy listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding clients toward solutions that align with their goals. Taking a project from a simple sketch all the way through space occupancy is incredibly rewarding, especially knowing I played a part in bringing that vision to life.
Building strong relationships is at the heart of how I work. I try to bring intention and care to every interaction, guided by the principle of “do unto others.” Internally, I am just as passionate about building an excellent team and creating an environment where collaboration, trust, and growth can thrive so we can deliver the best outcomes together.
Outside of work, I stay grounded by spending time with my two spunky little girls, tackling house projects, and finding any excuse to be outdoors or on the golf course. I also have a soft spot for cold brew coffee and a nightly scoop of ice cream, no matter the season. One of my proudest professional moments was being named a 2025 Milwaukee Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award participant.
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