Meet Kelly Clark: Director on the Board and Public Relations Committee Chair

05.04.2026

By Heather Sauer

At Aspire North REALTORS®, strong leadership is rooted in experience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. Kelly Clark, a Director on the Board and Chair of the Public Relations Committee, brings all three, and more to the table.

A Career Built on Purpose and Change

Kelly currently serves as an Associate Broker at The Mitten Group, bringing nine years of real estate experience to his role. His journey into the industry wasn’t conventional. After 25 years in education, primarily teaching Spanish, Kelly made a bold shift to pursue a long-held dream: owning a waterfront home on Old Mission Peninsula.

That decision reflects a mindset he still carries today, intentional growth, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks to create the life you want.

A Creative Voice: Published Author & Advocate

In addition to his work in real estate, Kelly is also a published children’s book author. His book, Sandy the Stone, is available through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and locally at Horizon Books.

What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is the impact behind it, 50% of proceeds are donated to the Freshwater Foundation of Michigan, supporting efforts to protect and preserve the Great Lakes.

This initiative reflects Kelly’s deep connection to Northern Michigan and his commitment to giving back in creative and lasting ways.

A Dedicated Voice at the Table

Kelly has been involved with Aspire North REALTORS® for the entirety of his real estate career. His motivation to serve on the Board is refreshingly candid:

“If you're not at the table, you may find yourself on the menu.”

As PR Committee Chair, Kelly is especially passionate about maximizing the association’s resources to create meaningful impact. One of his standout ideas is a voluntary closing donation initiative, where buyers, sellers, agents, and title companies can contribute small amounts ($20, $50, or $100) to causes supporting:

Housing
Veterans
Environmental efforts

Inspired by community-driven giving models, Kelly sees this as a scalable way to turn everyday transactions into powerful contributions.

Perspective Rooted in Learning and Leadership

Kelly brings a unique balance of humility and insight to the board. While he acknowledges having less experience than some of his peers, he views that as a strength:

He actively listens and learns from fellow board members
He leverages his liberal arts background from Hope College
He applies leadership principles from his Master’s in Administration and Community Leadership from Central Michigan University

This combination allows him to contribute thoughtful, well-rounded ideas while continuing to grow alongside his peers.

Industry Insights: Innovation & Affordability

Kelly is closely watching two major trends shaping real estate today:

The growing role of AI in lead generation, data analysis, and marketing
Ongoing affordability challenges for buyers

His perspective reflects both optimism for innovation and awareness of the very real challenges facing today’s market.

Life Beyond Real Estate

Outside of work, Kelly prioritizes family and wellness:

Regular family game nights
Daily sauna and cold plunge routines
Winter activities like hockey and skiing

And when it comes to Northern Michigan favorites, he says it’s hard to beat:

His back deck overlooking East Bay
Or a trip out to Power Island

A Fun Family Legacy

Kelly’s connection to the community runs deep, especially through the National Cherry Festival. His family has built quite a legacy:

Kelly won the 2-man beach volleyball tournament (1991)
Took home the title in the Spam Carving Competition (1996)
His daughter was a back-to-back bubble blowing champion
The family even won the pet contest two years in a row

Today, they continue the tradition by volunteering together at the festival.

Commitment to Community Impact

Kelly believes strongly in the role Aspire North REALTORS® plays in the community:

Educating the public on the value REALTORS® bring while showcasing the positive contributions agents make every day.

His long-term vision is ambitious and inspiring:

If every brokerage touching the Great Lakes donated just $20 per transaction, it could generate over $15 million annually for impactful causes.

That’s the kind of collective momentum Kelly hopes to help build during his time on the board.

Fun Facts

Kelly loves both coffee and tea.
Kelly is an early bird, sunrises on East Bay are worth it.
Kelly loves the beach over the mountains (anywhere with water!)
His favoriate book is Atlas Shrugged
His favoriate podcast is BiggerPockets

Words of Advice for New Agents

Kelly keeps it simple, and meaningful:

“Most new agents think this industry is about buying and selling homes, but it's really about people.”

Inspired by Great Leadership

Professionally, Kelly draws inspiration from mentors and colleagues including Alan Jeffries, Jennifer Blain, Sam Flamont, Chris Linsell, and the leadership team at his brokerage, individuals who continue to shape his growth and perspective.

Kelly Clark embodies what Aspire North REALTORS® stands for: leadership, service, and a forward-thinking approach to both real estate and community impact. His passion for connection, innovation, and giving back ensures he’s not just at the table, but helping shape what comes next.

Heather Sauer

Heather Sauer is the Human Resource Manager for Aspire North Realtors, bringing a strong background in human resources, leadership, and business strategy. She began her career in retail management while earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, later transitioning into human resources at Target, where she served as an Executive Team Leader of Human Resources. During this time, she earned her MBA from the Northwood University DeVos Graduate School.

After relocating to Traverse City, Michigan, Heather continued her HR career with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), managing more than 30 client accounts and partnering closely with leadership teams on employee relations, compliance, and organizational development. In the fall of 2023, she expanded her professional experience into business development and entrepreneurship.

In addition to her role at Aspire North Realtors, Heather is also an independent travel agent, helping individuals, families, and groups plan seamless, memorable travel experiences. Her passion for service, organization, and relationship-building carries through both her HR and travel work.