Michael Kelley’s Quiet Impact on Vero Beach
- Vero Minute
- May 19
- 2 min read
Michael Kelley isn’t one to draw attention to himself, but his presence in the community is hard to miss. As the owner of both our popular Chick-fil-A restaurants here in town and the founder of Vero Classical School, his work quietly touches us all.
Serving Vero Beach, Building Community
When Michael and his family moved to town in 2013, they weren’t just opening a business—they were settling in for the long haul. Since then, his two Chick-fil-A locations have become more than just places to grab a meal. He’s made it a point to connect with local schools, host spirit nights, support nonprofits, and offer scholarships to his employees.
His approach to leadership—grounded in patience, encouragement, and care—has shaped a workplace where employees feel supported and guests are welcomed with more than just good service.
A Turtle's Quiet Tribute
Michael’s community work is also shaped by gratitude. After the passing of Carl Herndon—a familiar face in both the Chick-fil-A family and the local community—Michael partnered with the Mental Health Association to dedicate a turtle statue in Carl’s honor.
Placed outside the new drive-thru-only location on US-1, it serves as a quiet tribute to someone who made a lasting impact. Vero Beach’s iconic six-foot painted turtles are a celebrated part of the community’s landscape, thanks to the Mental Health Association in Indian River County (MHA). Two decades ago, the MHA commissioned over 50 fiberglass turtles to be uniquely painted by local artists. Today, many of these original turtles can still be found throughout Vero Beach, serving as colorful landmarks that not only beautify the area but also serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of supporting mental health and the power of art to bring people together for a cause.
A Vision and Long-term Investment in Education
Michael and his wife, Jamison, are also the force behind Vero Classical School, a growing educational effort that opened less than two years ago. Focused on classical Christian education, the school has quickly outgrown its original space. They’re now working on a $25 million campaign to build a permanent home on 53 acres, with the goal of eventually serving over 1,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Recently the Vero Classical School received a $1 million anonymous grant from The Indian River Community Foundation.
Michael’s story is a reminder that building a better community doesn’t always come from big gestures. Often, it’s the day-to-day work that makes the biggest difference. Through business, education, and quiet leadership, he’s helping to shape a Vero Beach that reflects community, service, and long-term vision.
If you would like to learn more about Vero Classical School or schedule a tour, please call Allison Cloughley at (772) 633-2524 or visit www.veroclassicalschool.org
