"Give me the name and I'll call them." 

It is a simple phrase, but it captures Kelly Heed's approach to relationships, mentorship and giving back. Throughout his career, he has built connections by helping others move forward. 

For more than 20 years, Kelly has helped open doors for JA British Columbia (JABC). Through his relationships and generosity, he has introduced JABC to new supporters, encouraged business leaders to get involved and helped expand Work Readiness programs, including Skilled Trades experiences that help young people explore rewarding careers. 

A respected business leader and community champion, Kelly spent more than five decades in the real estate industry, including serving as Vice Chairman of Colliers International. Throughout his career, he has been known for his leadership in business, as well as his commitment to mentoring others and giving back. 

His involvement with JA began through the Business Laureates of British Columbia (BLBC) Hall of Fame. After being approached by longtime business leader Jim Shepherd, Kelly joined the group of leaders who helped bring the vision for the Hall of Fame to life. Since its inception, the BLBC Hall of Fame has celebrated business excellence while raising funds to support JA programs across B.C. 

Over the years, Kelly's involvement has grown beyond the event itself. Through his leadership, generosity and willingness to connect others, he has helped strengthen JABC's reach and impact, allowing more young people to discover pathways that fit their interests and strengths. 

The power of showing up 

After decades in business, Kelly believes the most meaningful relationships are built through genuine conversations. 

"Everything has gotten so virtual today," says Kelly. "I think everybody should be trained to be face to face with people." 

For Kelly, relationships require time, effort and a willingness to make the first move. Whether encouraging a company to get involved or starting a new conversation, he believes progress often begins with someone willing to ask.  

"They can only say no," says Kelly. 

The mentors who shaped his journey 

Kelly's commitment to mentorship and community involvement was shaped by leaders who took the time to share their knowledge and guidance. 

Throughout his career, Vancouver entrepreneur and philanthropist Joe Segal was one of those people.

Kelly still remembers Joe's advice: "Giving is good for business." Joe also reminded him that even if you don't have the money to give, you always have the time.

That philosophy stayed with Kelly. Helping others, he says, has been one of the biggest drivers of both business and lifelong friendships. 

Those experiences reinforced Kelly's belief that mentorship matters and why he values the role volunteers and business leaders play in helping students see possibilities they may not have considered. 

More than one path to success 

Kelly believes strongly in helping young people understand that there is more than one route to a rewarding career. 

While university is the right choice for many students, he believes skilled trades and hands-on careers offer tremendous potential and deserve greater recognition. 

"You can do both," says Kelly. "You can get your education, you can learn a trade." 

For Kelly, the important thing is finding the path that fits a person's interests, strengths and goals. 

When Kelly was hiring, he often looked at the last page of a résumé before the first. He wanted to know: Did they play sports? Take on leadership roles? Volunteer in their community? Those experiences told him as much about a person as their qualifications. 

That belief is one reason Kelly has been a strong supporter of JABC's Work Readiness programs, including Skilled Trades experiences. His generosity helps young people discover career pathways they may never have considered, connect with industry professionals and explore rewarding, in-demand careers. 

Passing it on 

When Kelly reflects on his career and community involvement, one lesson stands out: people create opportunities for people. 

Throughout his life, he has benefited from mentors who shared their time and guidance. Today, he continues that same tradition by using his own experience and relationships to help others. 

His approach is straightforward: make the connection, share what you know and help someone take the next step. 

For more than 20 years, Kelly has done exactly that for JABC, sharing his experience, relationships and generosity to help young people discover new possibilities and open doors for them to walk through. 

“We are incredibly grateful for Kelly’s long-standing commitment to JA British Columbia. Through his leadership, relationships and generous philanthropic support, he has helped advance our mission and expand our reach and impact on young people across B.C. We are fortunate to have him as a champion of JA.”   — Delreen Motiwalla, President and CEO, JABC

Photo:
Left to right: Shelina Esmail, 2026 BLBC Hall of Fame Gala Co-Chair; Sylvia Heed; Kelly Heed; and Delreen Motiwalla, President and CEO, JABC