Kelly K. Schafer

I'm currently a District General Manager at TK Elevator, based in West Palm Beach, Florida, a role I stepped into in September 2025. I've been with the company for over a decade now—starting in 2016 as a Service and Repair Sales representative in Miami, then moving up to Key Account Manager, then Sales Manager in Fort Lauderdale (where I oversaw service, repair, and modernization growth for five years), and now leading an entire district.

TK Elevator has been the foundation of my career in the vertical transportation industry. Every role has taught me something new: sales, account management, team leadership, and the operational complexity of keeping elevators running safely and reliably across a region.

Before TK Elevator, I had the opportunity to work as a Lead Intern for Senator Robert Bradley, where I assisted with appropriation requests from three counties, coordinated committee meetings, and met directly with lobbyists. That experience gave me an early understanding of government, advocacy, and how to get things done in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Around the same time, I worked as a Student Fundraiser at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, where I raised over $7,000 for Florida State University by connecting with alumni and securing pledges and donations.

Earlier roles included Sales Associate at Victoria's Secret (customer service and retail merchandising) and Shift Supervisor at Aramark, where I managed the register, closed the safe at the end of the night, compiled weekly inventory, and processed shipments.

I hold a degree from Florida State University, where my time in fundraising, government internships, and leadership roles shaped my work ethic and my ability to build relationships across every level of an organization.

I started in customer service and retail. I learned the ropes of government and fundraising. And for the last ten years, I've built a career in elevator sales and management—moving from rep to manager to district leader. I'm proof that showing up, learning every role, and staying ready for the next opportunity pays off.