Member Spotlight | Kelly Hardy
Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 9, 2025 / Subscribe 0
At Coltrane, Kelly serves as the Partnership Development Director, leading marketing, new business development, and strategic planning efforts. She joined the company in September 2023 to build these areas from the ground up, working closely with our owner and leadership team and supporting our new business development team with best practices and guidance.
Coltrane is a complete design/build electrical integrator with a unified team across AV, engineering, security, electrical, and structured cabling. Our culture — "Disrupt the Standard. Exceed Expectations." — drives us to challenge industry norms and deliver leading-edge technology with a personal, people-first approach. Kelly loves the opportunity to help shape Coltrane’s future while staying true to the spirit of innovation and client commitment that defines who we are.
What first piqued your interest in this organization and made you want to be a member?
When I took on this role, I knew I would be building Coltrane’s marketing and business development efforts without a traditional marketing background. I sought out SMPS St. Louis because I wanted to learn from the best—professionals who live and breathe marketing and business development in the AEC industry. I was drawn to the idea of being part of a community that could provide mentorship, education, and real-world best practices as I built these areas for Coltrane.
Would you recommend joining the chapter to others in the AEC industry? Have you found it beneficial?
Absolutely, yes.
Joining SMPS St. Louis has been one of the best professional decisions I’ve made. Last year, I participated in the mentorship program. I had the incredible opportunity to be mentored by Courtney Dickerson (and Joey too) with Horner & Shifrin, who was a perfect match for me. I also attended several phenomenal educational sessions, including a program on AI in the AEC industry, which really opened my eyes to new possibilities. The 8-on-8 roundtables introduced me to owners and industry leaders, and the business development roundtable gave me the chance to learn directly from peers who were willing to share their experiences. SMPS has made a meaningful difference not just in my skill set, but also in the relationships I've built.
How did you start in the AEC industry, and what led you to this industry?
I started in the AEC industry after graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design — Go Dawgs! I began my
career at Arcturis, where I had the opportunity to work across interior design, facilities management, and strategic planning.
What drew me to the industry — and what keeps me here — is a mix of my love for the built environment and my passion for people. I’m energized by the creativity and
evolution of physical spaces but more so by the relationships I build. I love meeting people, learning about their challenges, and helping create solutions that truly make a difference.
What is the best career advice you've ever received?
This is an incredibly hard question to answer because I’ve been honored to have many amazing and profound mentors and leaders throughout my career. However, the best advice I ever received came from my father when I was young. He taught me that no matter the task — big or small — when the work is done, your name is what remains on it. That simple but powerful lesson has stayed with me throughout my career. Whether working on a project, a relationship, or a new initiative, I always try to leave behind something I can be proud of.
What is your all-time favorite thing to do in St. Louis? And why?
This is such a hard question to answer because St. Louis has so much to offer!
Watching the Cardinals play at Busch Stadium, visiting all of the attractions offered in Forest Park, and seeing a show at The Fabulous Fox Theatre are all longtime favorites. Lately, though, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my hunt for the perfect bookstore. It’s been so much fun exploring different neighborhoods, discovering new spots, and finding hidden gems all over the city.
What would you do with a year off?
If money were no object, I would love to travel the world — exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. But if I remain a bit more grounded, I would spend the year writing my memoir. It would serve as a way to reflect, capturing the stories and lessons that have shaped my life so far, and hopefully assist others along the way. My goal would be to share an honest, relatable collection of experiences — full of hard-earned lessons, genuine moments of growth, and plenty of awkward, real-life Kelly moments sprinkled in.
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