Kelly Rostic

Rostic, a sales executive for Bluegreen Corp. in Ridgedale, sells vacation ownerships to individuals at Wilderness Club at Big Cedar.

Rostic left her job as the 10 p.m. news anchor at KDEB-KOLR-TV, the local CBS affiliate, after five years with the station. Though it was a leap of faith, it proved to be a smart one for Rostic.

In her first year as a sales executive, Rostic made more than $850,000 in sales and ranked third on a staff of 45.

“Many of the skills I learned as a journalist have served me well in the transition into a sales career,” she said.

Rostic said she is blessed to have a rewarding career and one that now provides her the time to focus on the most important aspect of her life: husband Gary, and children Daryn, Alayna and Sam.

“I often joke that instead of putting viewers to bed every night, I now put my children to bed every night,” she said. I had to make a choice: Continue working nights, long hours and holidays, or spend more time at home, watching my children grow up and nurturing my marriage.”

Rostic also works as a media spokesperson for Youngblood Chrysler/Nissan/Kia of Springfield and does corporate video work for several local clients, including O’Reilly Auto Parts and H2O Plus in Ozark.

Rostic has served as host for Springfield Business Journal’s annual Most Influential Women luncheon, moderater of the Ozark PTA’s school board candidates forum and plans to emcee a fashion show benefit.

She also served on the advisory panel for Southwest Missouri’s National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, has acted as spokesperson for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society Light the Night event and helped with the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon.

Born: 1970

If you were faced with a difficult business decision, from whom would you seek advice, and why? Rudy Giuliani for his leadership. Donald Trump because he doesn’t mince words or let emotion get in the way of making a decision.

What book do you currently have open? My checkbook.

Where do you see yourself professionally in five years? Retired! But if that doesn’t work out, I’d like to be a professional speaker.