Member Spotlight: Kelly Long, Senior Leasing Associate, The DESCO Group
Q: What drew you to the commercial real estate industry?
After changing my major a handful of times, I became worried I wasn’t going to graduate in four years because I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do, so I just chose a Business Management major. I actually really enjoyed my classes and found myself exploring all different kinds of opportunities and was ultimately offered a real estate position after graduation. I decided to get my license and pursue it and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else! My dream was to work in Washington D.C. or for the government in some capacity, so how I ended up here is still hard for me to answer!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love when I can see my work come to life, and I love the people I get to meet. It’s fun to be a part of the life of a lease - the negotiations, working with other brokers and attorneys, contractors and cities, it’s kind of thrilling to me. The work I’m doing brings jobs to communities and provides value to our centers. It’s a cool feeling to drive past one of my properties and see the signs illuminated of the tenants I brought to that building.
Q: What are a few of your signature professional projects?
I negotiated a deal with Jars at Ladue Crossing, a dessert concept out of Chicago by chef Fabio Viviani. It will be their first St. Louis location.
O’Fallon Centre off Highway K had four spaces that had been vacant for 5+ years. I took the center over in 2021, and it is now 100% leased.
I oversee the leasing responsibilities of over 1.1M SF of retail shopping centers.
Q: When did you join CREW and what was your first event?
I initially went to a handful of CREW events in 2018, but officially joined in 2021 when I could devote more time to the organization. I believe my first event was speed networking!
Q: What aspect of CREW membership has been the most beneficial to you?
The networking and relationships I have made. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by inspirational, hardworking, and successful women has given me the motivation to push myself harder to see what kinds of things I can accomplish and try to follow in the footsteps of those I respect and admire. I am so lucky to have made the connections I have. It creates so many opportunities to develop my leadership and professional skills.
Q: What other associations or activities are you involved with?
Missouri Growth Association – Chair of the Emerging Leaders Council
ICSC – Government Relations Chair for the Greater Plains Marketplace
Co-Chair for CREW YP Committee
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have been playing the drums since 2003. I surprised my husband at our wedding reception and played a song with the band!
