In 2019, the Kelly family enters its 71st year serving Flint-area clients. Through three generations, from Ray Kelly to R.J. Kelly, III to David Kelly, the family has continued its client-first focus and always sought to maintain a high standard of service.
Raymond J. Kelly, Jr., started in the financial securities business in 1950 with Goodbody & Co. in downtown Flint. There, he began meeting with clients until starting the first branch of Roney & Co. in Flint in 1956. Ray not only sought to serve his clients, but also served as branch manager of the Roney & Co. office from 1956-1974.
In 1969, Raymond J. Kelly, III, joined his father at Roney & Co. as a financial advisor. As both continued to growth their respective practices, both Ray & R.J. became partners with Roney & Co., with RJ serving on the Board of Directors from 1988 through the firm’s eventual sale to Raymond James in 1998.
RJ and Ray also served as co-branch managers of the Flint branch with Ray from 1974 through 1988, before RJ handled managerial duties by himself until 2006. He also added a second stint as manager from 2012 through 2015, while also earning recognition for his own growing practice as a President’s Council* member twelve times over a thirteen year period.
In February of 2011, David Kelly joined Raymond James to work with his father, RJ, having previously worked as a financial advisor for four years in Chicago. From 2011 through early 2017, as the branch moved to its current Grand Blanc location, RJ and Dave worked together with their clients, with Dave earning Chairman’s Council* recognition in 2014 and President’s Council recognition* in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. He followed another family tradition in April of 2019 by becoming the branch manager of the Grand Blanc office, just as
Ray & R.J had previously done.
Following 47 years with Roney & Co. & Raymond James, RJ retired in January of 2017 to spend more time writing, reading, and travelling with his wife, Kathleen, to see their five children and eight grandchildren.
Given the longstanding tradition, Dave Kelly remains committed to continuing the longstanding legacy of his father and grandfather. The principles and standards set forth by the example of Ray and R.J. continue to guide Dave’s practice each day. Though the decades, news cycles, and even investment opportunities may have changed, the ideals which the Kelly family has served many in the Flint-area have not. They look forward to continuing to serve their clients for many years to come.
*Membership is based mainly on assets under management, education, credentials and fiscal year production. Requalification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisor's future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.
