Member Spotlight: Kelsi Sterett

An Unexpected Path

If you were to ask Kelsi Sterett 10 years ago where she saw herself today, she would humbly admit that owning seven businesses and raising two (soon to be three!) children was not on her vision board. Kelsi’s journey to starting Dauntless Contracting is one filled with inspiration, taking chances, and, most importantly, community.

That sense of community has become a defining part of Kelsi’s career, both through the culture she has built at Dauntless and the relationships she has formed through CREW Tampa Bay.

Taking the Leap

Kelsi’s path into commercial real estate began with a simple question from a friend: “How do you feel about a career change?” She took a leap and never looked back.

She fondly remembers her early days in the field, showing up on site in her pink boots, asking questions, and learning the construction industry from the ground up. One of her biggest lessons, however, wasn’t about construction at all. It was about character, a value that would later become the foundation of Dauntless and its mission: Building character back into construction.

Kelsi founded Dauntless in 2022 alongside her husband, Terrance, and has since grown the company through a willingness to take on new challenges, keep learning, and build strong relationships along the way. That focus on relationships ultimately led Kelsi to CREW Tampa Bay, a community that would become an important part of both her own growth and the growth of Dauntless.

Finding Her CREW-mmunity

Kelsi’s connection to CREW Tampa Bay began when she was still out in the field, learning the industry and looking to build a professional network beyond her immediate team. She attended her first CREW event as a business owner in 2023 and quickly found more than a networking organization. She found a community of women willing to share their experiences, make introductions, support one another, and help each other grow.

It didn’t take long for Kelsi to become more involved. She stepped into a leadership role as Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, where she now focuses on new member recruitment and engagement. After joining in search of community herself, she now serves as one of the welcoming faces helping new members find their own place within the organization.

The impact of those relationships has extended well beyond CREW events. Kelsi shared that 80% of Dauntless Contracting’s business last year came from connections made through CREW, demonstrating the tangible impact that genuine relationship-building can have on a growing business.

Shortly after the completion of Kelsi's interview for this Member Spotlight, she was announced as a finalist for the Member Rising Star Excellence Award for the 14th annual event being held in November!

Life Beyond the Office

Outside of work and CREW involvement, Kelsi proudly embraces her “mom era,” prioritizing quality time with her children. Living in an aviation community means family time can look a little different, whether they’re flying over to Dairy Queen (yes, actually flying!) or enjoying a relaxing weekend retreat. For Kelsi, it’s all about making memories together.

Leading with Confidence

Kelsi’s advice to younger women entering the industry is to “use their unique position” by asking questions, staying curious, and learning from the specialists around them.

She also carries with her a simple piece of advice from her mother: “own it.” Whether taking on a new opportunity, navigating a challenge, or stepping into unfamiliar territory, she encourages those around her to approach it with confidence.

Kelsi’s career may not have followed the path she originally imagined, but her willingness to take chances, stay curious, and embrace new opportunities ultimately led her to become a multi-business owner. Along the way, she learned that success is rarely built alone. It is shaped by the people who challenge you, support you, open doors, and celebrate your wins alongside you.

For Kelsi, CREW Tampa Bay has become an important part of that journey. Now, through her leadership and involvement, she is helping create that same sense of connection and opportunity for the next generation of women in commercial real estate.