Kelby Shope

Market Leader

Kelby joined Kimmel & Associates in 2018, focusing on general construction and concrete in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. In 2022, he transitioned to serving the renewables market nationwide.

Kelby enjoys problem-solving and uncovering the needs and desires of both companies and candidates to find strong partnerships. When working with him, his clients find that he builds strong relationships both personally and professionally.

He and his wife, Ashton, have two children: daughter Finley and son John-Wesley.

We sat down with Kelby and asked him the following:

• What do you like most about working at Kimmel & Associates?
  Collaboration. We all share the same vision and dedication to the mission and vision of our founder: to improve lives and take care of people to the best of our ability.
• What is one thing you learned early in your career that has made you successful?
  If you’re not succeeding fast enough, you’re probably not failing fast enough, and you can’t have one without the other.
• What is your greatest strength in your role?
  Unwavering commitment to complete and total transparency.
• What can clients and candidates expect from you?
  Dedication to helping all parties concerned make sound, informed, and careful decisions.
• What makes you different from other recruiters in your industry?
  Two things: 1) The ability to listen. Recruiters have a reputation for being able to talk your ear off, but more important is for them to be good listeners. 2) The ability to ask the right questions. It has been said that the wise person doesn’t give the right answers, they pose the right questions – I agree 100%.
• Describe the most rewarding experience of your career.
  I worked with a candidate for nearly 6 months before we found the right opportunity for his particular career trajectory. We were in the final stages of the onboarding process when we discovered that our founder, Joe Kimmel, had placed his father 25-30 years earlier. Kimmel’s commitment to building lasting relationships continues nearly 3 decades later and has a generational impact – very rewarding experience.
• Do you have a favorite quote?
  “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” It reminds me of the key to healthy relationships.
• Personal interests?
  I love anything outside: golfing, kayaking, hiking, skiing, etc. I also have a deep appreciation for all sports, and I’m a self-proclaimed foodie who eats not only out of hunger but also as a hobby.