Kristen Keltz

Fabulous People: Kristen Keltz

Kristen Keltz is the CEO of Spinach Bus Venture Group, which was formed to preserve and promote Skagit Valley. The group currently owns and operates Skagit Acres, Tulip Town, Fairhaven Mill and Skagit Landing Restaurant and Catering. Learn about Kristen Keltz…

Hometown: Oak Harbor, Washington 

First job: Housekeeping at a local hotel in Oak Harbor and training horses for a family friend.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: There is no better way to spend my free time than watching my daughter and son-in-law rodeo and compete. My husband, Donnie, and I are also very active in our community, and we enjoy volunteering for service projects and attending community events. I enjoy watching Donnie coach basketball; he is the assistant coach for the Mount Vernon Christian Girls Basketball team, who are the 2022 State Champions! 

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Not to sound cliché, but my two daughters are by far my biggest accomplishments in my life. Family is so important to me, and I am beyond proud of the young ladies they have become. They both have graduated from college and excel in the careers they are in (my oldest is a Skagit County Deputy at the Skagit County Community Justice Center, and my youngest is our Brand Manager for Spinach Bus Venture Group).

The biggest obstacle you overcame: As a survivor of child abuse, I think this has certainly been the biggest obstacle I could have ever overcome. I had to decide at a young age to remain a victim or choose to move on and not let this brief chapter define my story.

Someone who inspires you and why: My mom, husband and kids. They all inspire me in different ways at different points in my life. My mom was a single mom raising two daughters entirely on her own while working full-time. She taught us a strong work ethic and a toughness that my sister and I use daily. My husband because he is the rock of our family. He is the most humble and genuine person you will meet, gives of his time, and is always the voice of reason. My girls inspire me to be a better person every day because of the women they are; they are kind and think of others, and are so hard working.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Seek out any and every opportunity to learn and grow as a leader and surround yourself with people that will encourage you to do the same and will offer their expertise and experience. I would also add that you must also be willing to take the time to give back to those in your community and to help raise up and support the next generation of business leaders.

Favorite quote: I have a couple; however, this one has always resonated with me and is one I feel I have been able to do throughout my life and career. “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I think it would surprise many people that I am actually pretty shy and reserved. I have had to speak in public and in groups my entire career.

What makes someone fabulous: Kindness and genuine caring about others.

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