Here to stay
Jan. 12—Longtime Great Bend businessman Kevin Keller stands deeply rooted in the Golden Belt. From his upbringing on a northern Stafford County farm near Seward to an over a three-decade career as a real estate broker, he said this area remains an important part of himself.
When asked what keeps him here, he said it was the people.
"In my role, I get the unique opportunity to work with so many different members of our community daily and am always astonished by how hardworking, down to earth, and friendly they are," he said. "I also am lucky to work with an amazing team of agents and support staff who make it fun to come to work. As a kid I always admired my father and grandfather's efforts as business owners to promote and advance our community and truly enjoy working to do the same."
Keller was born at St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend and grew up on the family farm, attending Radium Grade School. The family moved into Great Bend when he was in junior high, so he attended Harrison Junior High and Great Bend High School before receiving a Bachelor's of Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.
Keller and his wife Lori have planted their family here as well. They have one son Grant and one daughter Alyssa.
"I've always had an interest in returning to the area and continuing the family business that my father, Norman, started in 1968," he said.
And for the last 36 years, he has worked as a real estate broker, insurance agent and co-owner (alongside his brother Jeff) of Keller Real Estate and Insurance Agency.
"One of my proudest career moments was when we were awarded the 2018 Chamber Business of the Year," he said. "I am proud to have spent the last 34 years of my career alongside my brother. They recently welcomed Keller's son Grant to their office as an Insurance Agent in 2022.
And so, the legacy continues.
Community involvement
Keller takes is role in this community to heart. It might be easier to ask Keller what he hasn't been involved with over the years.
Currently, the list includes:
—Family Crisis Center Board of Directors (1.5 years)
—American Plains Coop Board of Directors five years)
—Farmers Bank and Trust Board of Directors (13 years)
—Cedar Park Place Board of Directors (11 years)
—Central Kansas Development, Inc Board of Directors (four years)
—Economic Development Entrepreneurship Committee
—Great Bend Optimist Club member
The list of former involvements includes:
—President of Great Bend Board of Realtors
—Vice President of Great Bend Board of Realtors
—President of Great Plains Board of Realtors MLS
—Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (two terms)
—Amber Meadows Architectural Review Committee
—USD 428 Foundation Board
—Panther Booster Club
—Great Bend Middle School Site Council
—Great Bend High School Site Council
—President of the Fort Hays Alumni Association, Great Bend Chapter
—President of Great Bend Downtown Development, Inc.
—Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors
His church community is also important to him.
"My family and I are proud supporters of Prince of Peace Parish in Great Bend," he said. "We attend mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church."
In addition, after teaching Unified School District 428's Riley Elementary School for close to 20 years, his wife is now a second-grade teacher at Holy Family School. He formerly served on the Church Finance Committee.
But, it is not all work for Keller. "In my free time I enjoy working on the family farm, water skiing, snow skiing, hunting, bowling, attending sporting and other events, and spending time with family and friends."
Community Connections is a regular feature of the Great Bend Tribune, showcasing people who live in the Golden Belt. We welcome readers to submit names of individuals who are active in the community that they would like to see featured in a future story. Send suggestions to news@gbtribune.com and explain their "community connections."
