2022 40 Under 40 Spotlight: Kelly Townsend Cook, 2006

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Then: Sales executive, Bluegreen Vacations
Now: Group sales presenter, Bluegreen Vacations

Kelly Townsend Cook (formerly Rostic) has been the voice of companies for the past 16 years, from Youngblood Auto to TAMKO Building Products to O’Reilly Automotive. Meanwhile, she’s also worked in vacation ownership sales. As of late, her public speaking skills have been utilized in group presentations for Bluegreen Vacations, a joint venture with Bass Pro Shops.

During her tenure at the resort owner/operator, Cook, 52, rose the ranks in frontline sales and moved to her current role of leading presentations to groups of 10 families on the benefits of vacation ownership on Table Rock Lake. The group sells for the Wilderness Club at Big Cedar Lodge, Paradise Point and The Cliffs at Long Creek.

“I love my job. It’s low stress,” she says.

Before joining Bluegreen, Cook became known in Springfield as a news anchor for the CBS and Fox TV affiliates.

“I’m really glad I got out of television news when I did,” she says, noting she and her husband, Ken Cook, also work in real estate through their KC Squared Real Estate LLC.

Best advice to young professionals? You can’t steal second if you keep your foot on first. Don’t ever be afraid to try something new.