Kelly’s professional career began in 1977 and he opened his first commercial furniture shop in Berea in 1978. Kelly’s formal training began at the University of Cincinnati’s Ohio College of Applied Science and he continued his education in the Industrial Arts program at Berea College where he was mentored by instructor and wood turner Rude Osolnik. Kelly is the author of The Tablesaw Book, is featured in two Fine Woodworking Videos, and has contributed numerous articles to Fine Woodworking magazine, Wood magazine, American Woodworker, Popular Woodworking, Woodworkers Journal, Custom Woodworking Business magazine, and the Time/Life woodworking book series.