Get to Know Seth Kelsey '99

After OES, Seth Kelsey '99 competed at three Olympics in the sport of fencing. After his athletic career, he and his wife Paige started buying and renovating homes for vacation rentals. They own and operate four vacation rental properties in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Seth has been an officer in the Air Force since 2003, and he is currently serving as the Director of Equal Opportunity for the 446th Air Wing.

What elements of your experience at OES did you take into your career/projects?

Calling teachers by their first names always implied collaboration to me. In renovating 7 homes you need to work with lots of people and solve novel problems. I found that the best solutions came from collaboration: working together, listening, and asking questions. 

How would you say OES helped you get to where you are?

The academic rigor at OES could not have prepared me better for thriving in college and beyond. I always felt prepared to undertake difficult work in learning anything new. In reflection, being surrounded by other students and teachers who wanted to excel was a blessing. The same has held true in sports, business, and the military. 

What's your favorite part about doing what you do?

I have found that there is nothing as sweet as team success. I clearly remember the joy of winning team world championships in 2012. Knowing the hard work everyone on the team and the coach had put in, and seeing it come to fruition, was special. Providing a great vacation rental also requires a team effort from maintenance and cleaning, to meeting guest requests. When all of those notes are played well, I see glowing reviews about how our place played a special part in the guests' lives. As the Director of Equal Opportunity, I take pride in knowing that my team provides an outlet for those in difficult circumstances. Everyone deserves a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. I like being part of a team where everyone can reach their true potential.