NWA Women in Business: Kelli Stueve
Residence: Springdale
Education: B.S., mathematics with computer science minor, 2003, Morningside College; MBA, emphasis in finance, 2012, University of Colorado Denver
Professional background: Stueve has more than 20 years of experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, and her career has centered on helping growing franchise and multi-unit businesses achieve their full potential through strong financial leadership and operational excellence. She developed a passion for building scalable systems, mentoring teams and turning financial data into actionable business strategy. She enjoys partnering with people across all levels of an organization to solve complex challenges, support growth and deliver lasting results.
What was your dream job as a kid, and why? My earliest dream was to be an artist; I loved to paint. As an adolescent, after attending a summer STEM program and after my dad told me I should marry a doctor, I told him I should just be one, and I set my sights on being a pathologist.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? It’s always found me. I got my first W2-paying job when I was 16 at a pretzel shop in the mall. Six months in I was offered a management position at a new location 90 miles from my hometown. I had to decline as I opted to finish high school. I think this is when I first knew I was good in this industry. I got my first office job with a Wendy’s franchisee at age 18, the summer after graduating high school. I ended up doing payables and payroll for six restaurants for four years throughout my undergraduate education. After I finished college, I wasn’t sure what to do with a degree in math. I decided to go to law school, and it didn’t take me long to figure out I did not want to pursue that. I quit law school and found a job with a Sonic Drive-In franchise group. I guess you could say the rest is history.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Stealing words from 7 Brew’s inspiring CEO, John Davidson, “People do what you do — not what you say.” And, “I’m here to work for you. I’m just not here to do your work.”
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? It can be easier said than done, but find the courage and confidence to let others hear your voice. Speak up. Be honest, authentic and curious. Work hard. Don’t put yourself in a box. People notice and respect that.
How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I decompress by laughing with my husband, Jeff, and connecting with our animals, 2-year-old golden retriever Newton, and 1-year-old rescue cat siblings, Zeus and Persephone. I love to cook, I play the piano poorly, and there’s almost always music playing in our home.
Who are the key types of people (mentors, sponsors, peers) you keep in your inner circle to help you stay grounded and sharp? I am drawn to people who lead with authenticity. I appreciate individuals who are self-aware, humble and comfortable being themselves. I admire people who push boundaries and stay informed. Kind people remind me that success is not just about results — it’s also about how we treat others along the way.
Can you share a time you took a significant career risk? What did you weigh before making that move? I’ve taken a few. Each time involved major relocations, and I had to weigh giving up the comfort and stability I knew in that moment with the opportunity for growth and bigger rewards that would not necessarily come easily. I ultimately made the decisions to make the moves based on an inner drive to challenge and push myself out of my comfort zone. Each time I’ve made the decision I’ve felt I was at a plateau, and that making the decision to make the move would push me to keep growing.
My most recent move brought me to NWA 4.5 years ago, and I made the decision to come here after spending just one day immersed in the culture of the 7 Brew stands and offices. Having spent my entire career in this industry, I knew almost instantly what a unique and special opportunity this was.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently? It’s a little cheesy, but I recently enjoyed “We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida. It’s a feel-good reminder of the positive and therapeutic effects animals can have on us.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? Making others better makes me better. I’ll always be doing that in some capacity. And one day, when the time is right, I’ll attend culinary school.