Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, Patricia “Patti” Baer Kelsey, president of Alexander Blueline, Inc., in Ballston Spa, New York, has led her business since its inception in 1986. She began her career as a paralegal and executive secretary at a local law firm and has grown into a prominent figure in accident investigation and reconstruction. Equipped with specialized tools and knowledge from her home state of Texas, Ms. Kelsey quickly gained a stellar reputation for her expertise. Her clients soon requested additional services, such as printing drawings, prompting her to expand her capabilities. A friend in New York suggested she start a business there, as the area lacked extensive format copying services. Ms. Kelsey contacted vendors, arranged equipment delivery, and rented a location. Within a week of moving to New York, she opened her business, which thrives to this day.
At Alexander Blueline, Inc., Ms. Kelsey is entrenched in all aspects of the company from finance to production. She credits her success to listening to clients’ needs and helping to solve their problems. Her client-focused approach has allowed her to expand the range of services her company offers, adapting to meet diverse requirements over time. Her ability to ask the right questions and tailor solutions to clients has been instrumental in the company’s growth. Ms. Kelsey’s early career in the legal field equipped her with invaluable skills in meticulous attention to detail and client service, which she carried over into her business. Her willingness to learn new skills through reading, watching videos, or being shown directly has enabled her to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve her offerings.
Ms. Kelsey finds daily motivation in her passion for her work and the satisfaction of being self-employed. She sees her position not just as a livelihood but as a way to genuinely help people, giving her a unique sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on her career, she expresses gratitude for the friendships and significant relationships that have emerged through her profession in addition to her business supporting her financially and enriching her life with meaningful connections and experiences. Known for taking on challenging and unconventional projects that others may avoid, Ms. Kelsey has earned a reputation for tackling unique tasks with enthusiasm and skill, making her a go-to resource for clients seeking innovative solutions.
Ms. Kelsey believes in approaching everyone with warmth and attentiveness. She listens authentically and treats everyone equally, particularly in an environment where dismissiveness is commonplace. Looking back on her journey, she acknowledges the hurdles she faced as one of the few women in her field at the outset. Despite initial skepticism based on how she was treated due to her youth and speaking with a Southern accent, Ms. Kelsey powered through by immersing herself in her work and dismissing negativity, a decision she believes was pivotal to her success. She hopes to ultimately be remembered as a person and a business owner who embodies faith and kindness and makes a positive difference, no matter how small, in others’ lives. Ms. Kelsey values the prospect of someday leaving a legacy that reflects her commitment to being a caring and impactful presence at work and in her community.
Receiving constructive feedback has significantly boosted Ms. Kelsey’s confidence since the beginning of her career. Initially shy, today she feels assured of her abilities, thanks to honest advice from others she respects and her willingness to continually improve. As a result, she fosters a supportive environment and builds strong relationships with clients, emphasizing genuine care, even during mere transactional interactions. Ms. Kelsey takes pride in assisting new customers by offering customized advice that matches their budgets, aiming to provide valuable support beyond mere sales transactions.
Dedicated to her community, Ms. Kelsey is active in the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Comprehensive Study Committee of Milton, New York, and the Open Space Committee of Milton, New York. Further, she supports the Gateway House of Peace and donates to local organizations and churches. In her leisure time, Ms. Kelsey enjoys playing the upright bass, bluegrass and country music, traveling, photography, bike riding, outdoor activities, reading, writing, attending concerts and movies, and socializing.
Moving forward, Ms. Kelsey aims to streamline her work to be more efficient by updating equipment and offering additional services as capacity allows. As the business expands, which she projects and hopes, she will consider hiring more staff. Operating in a growing area, she strives to stay current on the latest trends while continuing to serve her clients’ and community’s needs.