Chris Kelly

Since joining ResortBrokers in 2019, Chris has established himself as a highly regarded motel and caravan park specialist in NSW’s Central West, having sold over 30 accommodation assets with a combined value exceeding $76 million.

His notable recent sales include Henry Parkes Motor Inn, Forbes Caravan & Cabins, Motel Riverina (Leeton), Colonial Motor Inn (West Wyalong) and Blue Gum Motel (Dubbo).

Based in Bathurst, Chris’ sales territory covers roughly two thirds of NSW, one of the largest patches in ResortBrokers’ national network. Starting in the Blue Mountains, Chris travels as far up as Bourke in the north, over to Broken Hill in the west, as far south as Yass, and covering major regional towns such as Griffith, Lithgow and Dubbo.

Chris grew up in Sydney and has lived in Central West with his family for over a decade. He says being from the area is a big help in his role as a local broker.

“Because I’m virtually a local, I can relate to people from the area,” he says. “With my previous work and now with ResortBrokers there are very few operators in the region I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting.”

Chris joined ResortBrokers with a wealth of experience as a finance broker and small business owner. After completing his Bachelor of Business, he spent six years as an equipment finance broker with Moody Kiddell.

“From my experience as a finance broker the thing that can stop a sale is your third-party associates, meaning your finance broker, your solicitor and your accountant,” says Chris. “So, you have to line up your associates and make sure you use the right people in our industry to make the sales process smooth on all fronts. That’s the most important thing.”

After running the northern NSW office for Moody Kiddell, Chris moved into real estate in Newcastle. He has also held senior roles in the hospitality industry, managing licensed venues in Sydney and Newcastle.

“My extended family currently own licensed venues across the Central West and Blue Mountains, so I have a natural interest and good grasp of the dynamics of the hospitality market,” says Chris.

For five years prior to joining ResortBrokers, Chris owned and operated Crack Willow Farm, a pasture-raised pig farm. He managed all aspects of the business from farm work to business development and sales, as well as speaking at industry events. Crack Willow Farm’s first-rate quality was recognised by a Delicious magazine Produce Award.

“One of the great things I took out of running my own business was the importance of networking and building strong relationships with people,” says Chris. “This is the core of any business and it’s my main priority as I travel around and meet operators in the region.”

“As a former small business owner, I know how to communicate effectively with other small business owners. The experiences I’ve had in my own businesses have taught me motivation and discipline and I’m genuinely motivated to help clients across rural and regional NSW.”

“I’m in a fortunate position where I can put all my business knowledge and experience together and help people in the accommodation industry achieve their goals and dreams.”