Kelly Tompkins

I attribute much of my success to the example set by my parents, who were both self-employed. My father grew up on a farm in the Catskills and later became a painting contractor, eventually buying and flipping houses. After completing their last home project, they returned to the Catskills, where he launched his own farm, following in the footsteps of his parents.

Although I was young at the time and initially frustrated about moving from Florida to New York, witnessing their resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit profoundly shaped my own approach to challenges and opportunities.

Growth is uncomfortable. Doing the same thing every day is the definition of insanity! So, it's best to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to recognize that you are stepping into a world full of opportunity, and the only person who can truly hold you back is yourself. Take ownership of your goals, your growth, and your decisions.

Holding yourself accountable is one of the most powerful habits you can develop—it builds confidence, resilience, and credibility. When you take responsibility for your path, you position yourself not only to succeed, but to lead.

Community. Everybody thinks they must struggle alone and in silence. We are not designed to be alone (at least not consistently). An occasional day of being inward is healthy, but community is what lifts us up and carries us onward. Find your community—or if you can’t find it, create it!

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life center around connection and balance. Family is a top priority, and I make it a point to spend quality time with them through activities like camping, hiking, and running.

I also value health, well-being, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences, which help me bring energy, focus, and perspective to everything I do professionally.