Her Story
About Kelli
Kelli Smalls serves as Senior Maintenance Supervisor at RangeWater Real Estate in Atlanta, Georgia, where she oversees service operations for a primary multifamily property in the Buckhead area. In her role, she manages a team of eight while also supporting additional properties through corrective action planning, staffing support, inspections, and technical training. Smalls has established herself as a trusted leader within the organization, combining hands-on expertise with a strong commitment to operational excellence, resident satisfaction, and team development.
Smalls began her career in the multifamily maintenance industry after participating in the Construction Ready program, which helped her transition from self-employment into the construction and skilled trades field. Driven by a desire to grow within construction and development, she quickly advanced in her first property role, earning a promotion to supervisor within nine months while overseeing renovations and daily maintenance operations. Her professional credentials include ETA certification, Certified Pool Operator (CPO), OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications, blueprint reading, power tool certifications, forklift operation, and appliance repair. She also continues to expand her expertise through ongoing pursuit of her IIRC certification and education in Applied Sciences and HVAC at Gwinnett Technical College.
Throughout her career, Smalls has been passionate about mentorship, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. She credits mentors Lee Stevens and Allison Turner for playing an instrumental role in her professional growth and now dedicates her time to developing future industry leaders. She has helped three team members advance into supervisory positions, supported technicians in earning certifications, and guided college interns as they begin their careers. As the only woman in her role within RangeWater’s Georgia market, Smalls takes pride in leading a challenging multi-million-dollar A-plus class property while breaking barriers in the industry. She remains actively involved with organizations such as IREM and Construction Ready, participating in networking events, hiring fairs, and advocacy efforts to encourage more individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in the trades.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelli
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continuous learning, strong mentorship, and a commitment to growth. I entered the field through the Construction Ready program, where I gained valuable foundational skills that led to my first opportunity in maintenance. Through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take on new challenges, I was promoted to a supervisor role within nine months. One of my most significant professional achievements has been overseeing a multi-million-dollar A-plus class property, where I have developed the ability to meet the expectations of high-end clientele while maintaining exceptional service standards. I am grateful for the guidance of mentors such as Lee Stevens and Allison Turner, whose support and leadership have greatly influenced my career development. I also believe in giving back by mentoring others, and I take pride in helping team members advance into supervisory roles and supporting new technicians as they pursue certifications and professional growth.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to approach every opportunity with dedication, purpose, and the mindset that each experience can help shape their future. Stay focused, work hard, and commit to continuous learning, as knowledge and growth are key to long-term success. There are many different paths to reaching the same goal, so do not feel pressured to follow the exact route others have taken. Be open to creating your own journey, embracing new challenges, and finding opportunities that align with your strengths and aspirations. I also encourage young women to seek out mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insight as they navigate their careers.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are continuous growth, community involvement, and giving back to others. I believe in building meaningful connections, staying engaged with industry organizations, and continuously expanding my knowledge. I am actively involved in IREM meetings and look forward to becoming a member within the next six months as part of my commitment to professional development. I also value mentorship and creating opportunities for others, which aligns with my involvement with Construction Ready, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching skilled trades to high school students and empowering women to pursue careers in the industry. Through my work and community involvement, I strive to support others, inspire growth, and make a positive impact.
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