Westborough Small Biz Profile: Gary Kelley, Realtor

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Most of Gary Kelley's professional life was spent running large corporate data centers for companies such as Staples and Fidelity Investments. The process disciplines, he said, helped him learn how to help people "make the right move."

Kelley, a Westborough resident, says he does that now as a real estate agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty in Marlborough.

When did you open/launch? In 2008 as a developer, and since 2015 as a realtor.

What made you decide to open this type of business? And why this location? I like helping people, and while running a data center for a company helps a lot of people, it lacks a certain personal touch. So transitioning to something like real estate was a natural. And having lived in the ‘Boroughs nearly 25 years it was a natural! I also blogged for the Patch as the Westborough Restaurant Guy.

What do you like best about it? There is nothing like helping someone achieve their dream: A first-time homebuyer inevitably squeals (in joy) when their offer is accepted; A downsizer has a sigh of relief when their big house sells. It’s great to sharing their excitement. And it’s really exciting when they ask for help again for their next transaction.

Biggest struggle? Inventory is low for first time buyers and downsizers. Everyone must be agile to succeed.

What do you see for the future? For my business expansion is a logical next step. I don’t want to lose my client touch, and want to leverage my systems background to put together a team.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business? Regulations. There is so much paperwork in real estate, you have to be organized. And towns have different processes and standards (for final water/sewer and smokes.) I don’t want to advocate a return to the climate before the “great recession,” and would hope we could streamline and rationalize regulations.

Name another local business you’d send customers to: Ken Wood Plumbing – In my experience he comes once, and that’s what I want in a plumber.

Know a small business in Westborough that deserves the spotlight? Tell us about that, or any other news and tips, at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

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