Well, my half birthday with Kevin’s, that is! I have soooo enjoyed working at Kevin’s for the past 6 months. And as I was talking with Kevin and Kathleen about how much I have learned about their business since I started with them, it occurred to me that this is something to BLOG about!
Spring and summer are just around the corner. What are the “must haves” for men to feel comfortable and show their sense of style and fun? Injecting personality into the summer wardrobe is easier than ever if you follow our lead! Kevin’s Catalog has been dressing men for 40 years, our style is classic, but always fashion forward in the latest colors, products and designs. Check out our entire collection at http://www.kevinscatalog.com and for a catalog delivered by mail call us at 800-953-8467.
T’was the night before Christmas
And all through the store,
Kevin’s staff was busy stocking the shelves once more.
The Barbour’s, Beretta’s and Purdey’s were hung,
close to Holland and Holland, the clothing and guns.
Kevin’s Finest was hanging and folded just right,
when everyone headed home Christmas Eve night.
As they locked the front door there arose a great clatter,
the staff called Kevin and Kathleen to see what was the matter.
Away to the store, The Kelly’s drove in a flash,
unlocked the front door and ran in with a dash;
the street lights on Broad gave a warm luminous glow
as they shone like midday on objects below.
And what to their wondering eyes should appear
but a whited bearded old gent, without his reindeer.
A jolly old man all dressed in Red,
they realized it was Santa which made them quite glad.
More focused than lasers, his eyes how the flew,
around the shop twinkling, he knew what to do.
“Shirts, belts, boots and bowties “he cried, “shotguns and more,
My whole list is filled from this wonderful store!”
With frenzy much like the warehouse sale crowd,
Santa moved with great speed as he moved through each aisle.
Around each corner, and up to the top of each wall,
he filled his great bag and it grew very tall.
And then with a twinkle Santa began laughing with joy;
he had found all of the presents for his good girls and boys.
As we wondered and pondered on what he would do next,
he came down the steps and slowed down for short little rest.
He was dressed all in fur, but started trying on clothes,
the red coat was for Christmas, only for show.
First he tried on our shirts, then some pants, now a coat,
he knew what he liked but he never did gloat,
A happy glance in the mirror confirmed he looked fine,
He kept trying on clothes until it was time.
He admired our shotguns and tried out a few,
then looked at our muck boots and knew they would do.
St. Nick looked through the ties, admiring all,
and then checked out the camo and several duck calls.
He loved the Clic Readers, in our sunglasses he rocked,
and he turned around laughing then spied our wool socks,
It was cold in the North Pole, he loved how they felt
warm feet were a priority especially for elves.
He had a broad face and little round belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly
He noticed us watching and with a wink of his eye
Let us know the time had come for him to fly,
He spoke not a word and went back to his work
He closed up his bag, and then turned with a jerk.
Opening the front door he gave a great whistle,
And a sleigh with eight reindeer arrived for his dismissal.
He sprang to the sleigh and away they all flew
With a quiet, quick cadence, they knew what to do.
But we heard him exclaim as they flew out of sight
“Thank you to the Kelly’s; I had lots of fun,
everyone wanted Kevin’s this year , so my work is now done.
On to deliver these great gifts of yours,
Merry Christmas to all, especially those who love the outdoors!”
By Didi Hoffman
Her soft southern drawl pulls you gently in as you talk to Kathleen Kelly. Tall and slim with a big smile, she is kind, polite and always sees the good around her. Co-owner of Kevin’s Fine Outdoor Gear & Apparel and Kevin’s Catalog, Kathleen never seems hurried or too busy to take a moment to talk to you. Her family hails from Rome, GA but she grew up in Pensacola, Florida with family ties to Alabama as well. Kathleen grew up hunting on the Quail Plantations of Florida, Georgia and Alabama and ran barefoot on the beaches and bay of Pensacola. She smiles when she talks about how fun it was always being outdoors and being surrounded by strong southern women who always seemed to fill her home with delicious food and friends. Dogs, food, family and southern traditions still move Kathleen and are the foundation of Kevin’s success. For over 40 years the family owned business has become family to many generations of southern hunters and outdoor men and women.
Fourth generation southern, Kathleen received a degree in political science with a minor in history and communications from Florida State University. She still talks to her Kappa Delta sisters today and will talk football with the best of them – like all true southern women she is every bit as well versed as her male counterparts! When planning personal or professional events, game day schedules are always considered! Kevin is also a FSU alum but their son is now a War Eagle, and their daughter is looking at a number of SEC colleges which only expands their love of college football.
When asked about her southern heritage and the traditions she finds most important, Kathleen reminisces about enjoying a casual coastal lifestyle, hunting and food, family, friends and of course their many dogs. Memories as a young girl are filled with stories of the beach and the hunt, large suppers, beautiful china, elegant table settings with incredible food, sharing recipes and laughter at the table of her family and friends. The thought and details put into every event dominate her experiences, yet she laughs a soft laugh when saying the dogs still ruled the house and the nicest outfits were accessorized with dog hair!
It’s no wonder that she designs many of the different clothing lines, and selects with loving care the home goods found at Kevin’s. She grew up in the field and knows what the true outdoor person loves, how they wear it and how the fabrics and construction must perform. Quality is king to Kathleen, she expects it for herself and especially for her customers – many who shop worldwide with Kevin’s. Her background after college was in marketing for the new Florida Lottery and Ernst & Young as a consultant. Lessons learned very early were if the customer isn’t happy then she has not done her job –and every day, this is the questions she asks of her staff, is Kevin’s giving their customers a great shopping experience?
So much of the southern lifestyle Kathleen grew up with and lives every day is about entertaining. It’s about home, family, friends and gathering together. The cookbooks sold at Kevin’s have been tested by Kathleen, she cooks and entertains often. She knows the best recipes! The bridal registry is a favorite for southern brides (and grooms too with their extensive hunting and fishing departments) ; where else will you find such a beautiful selection for your home?
Kathleen Kelly, co-owner of Kevin’s is the quintessential southern woman. Kevin’s is a reflection of her deep rooted southern lifestyle, her gracious love of entertaining and her love of creating gathering places for friends and family. Stop by, she will spend the time to get to know you without rushing or worry, because it’s all about you. It’s not surprising that people fly in from everywhere (even across the ocean) to shop at Kevin’s!
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