Chairman/CEO
Following a highly acclaimed management career spanning 35-years in the consumer and business-to-business marketing, advertising, and public relations of luxury hotels and resorts, Jim brings a wealth of results-driven expertise to the Resorts of the Northwoods. A passionate and relentless perfectionist, Jim has a proven track record in building and positioning hospitality brands for such companies as Regent Hotels, Ritz-Carlton worldwide, Mandarin Oriental, and The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa, where he created and marketed “value-added” transient sales packages that resulted in an increase of 330% in his first year at the marketing helm. Jim is particularly adept at creating compelling product positioning and marketing messages across all media platforms, including broadcast, internet, global positioning systems, print journals and collateral as well as developing feature story pitches and enthusiastically embracing public and community relations.
Prior to joining RNW, he served as CMO at The Bankhurst Group, and Corporate Director of Marketing and Promotions at Regent Hotels, Resorts & Cruises – the Americas. During his tenure, Jim was responsible for the successful rebirth of the Regent Hotel brand by creating an integrated campaign combining public relations, promotions, brand marketing, e-marketing, advertising, sales collateral, and sales management programs. Kelley started his career in 1976 at Hospitality Inns (later Harley Hotels) in Cleveland, as the Northern Division Sales Director supervising 14 properties. It was during this period he honed his skills and reputation as a “hands on” leader and communicator, guiding his team to consistently deliver the group’s top occupancy, average rate, and profit returns. Following this success and a stint at Americana Hotels in Chicago, Jim joined Harsch Investment in 1984, where he was rapidly promoted to Corporate Director of Marketing / Director of Sales and Marketing. His many achievements in turning the company around through intensified sales, marketing and promotions included redevelopment/ positioning of the famed Claremont Resort & Spa by doubling the average rate at the Claremont and raising occupancy from 65% to 83% annually. Kelley won a Gold Adrian Bell Award, out of 1,400 entries worldwide, for the Claremont Brochure, Collateral and Advertising Campaign.
He by now gained an in-depth knowledge and individual approach to sales, marketing and public relations and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim opened the doors of Kelley Marketing in 1992. By providing exceptional service, innovative strategic planning, and delivering higher dollar volumes for its clients, word of mouth recommendations rapidly lead to an impressive client roster, including such companies as Mandarin Oriental Hotels (San Francisco & Honolulu), Pan Pacific Hotels (North America), Westwood Marquis (Los Angeles), The Resort at Squaw Creek (CA), Creative Leisure International (Petaluma, CA), and HVC Partners – Madeira del Presidio Real Estate Development.