From Small-Town Roots to Real Estate Dreams: Meet Montana's Top Broker

In the heart of Montana, where communities are measured not just in numbers but in the strength of their connections, a fifth-generation Montanan continues to make her mark with a blend of deep-rooted values and decades of expertise.

Growing up in Montana, where her family's roots stretch back five generations and every neighbor knew her family's story, Kelly Bishop developed an unshakeable appreciation for the personal touches that make Montana special. "Montana is about legacy for me," she reflects, adding with a smile, "the land, the people, and the way of life that gets passed down through generations."

After building a remarkable 25-year career in both real estate and insurance, Kelly found herself drawn to something bigger: creating a brokerage that truly understood Montana living. Starting her insurance career at just 18 on her birthday, she's spent decades working with everyone from top architects like Frank Cikan on Dennis Quaid's Paradise Valley home to major corporate clients throughout the state.

Her results speak for themselves: she's successfully guided over 250 agents as a broker and recruited more than 100 agents in a single year for major brokerages. From coordinating complex farm and ranch transactions to providing comprehensive insurance coverage through Montana Legacy Insurance, Kelly's expertise delivers exceptional outcomes. Her dual-market knowledge spanning Nevada and Montana, combined with decades of relationship-building and market insight, sets the standard for professional excellence.

Founding Rustic Elegance Montana Living was the natural evolution of her vision. "I wanted to create a practice that honored Montana's way of life," she explains. "I knew that Montana deserved a brokerage built on integrity, deep local knowledge, and genuine understanding of our communities." As co-founder of Rustic Elegance Magazine, she continues to celebrate and share the Montana lifestyle.

When she's not helping clients navigate complex real estate and insurance needs, you might find her in Livingston with her husband Jesse B. Lucero, enjoying the community that has been home to her family for over a century. These local connections speak to her genuine love of Montana and its people.

Looking at her legacy, her goals are clear: "I want people to know they're working with someone who doesn't just sell Montana—I am Montana." With five generations of family history, over 25 years of professional expertise, and an unwavering commitment to client success, she's built more than a business—she's created a Montana institution.

For Montana home buyers and sellers seeking a broker who understands both the soul of Montana living and the complexities of modern real estate and insurance, Kelly Bishop brings unmatched expertise backed by generational local knowledge.

Kelly Bishop (Kelly Bonnell)Broker | Rustic Elegance Montana Living | Montana Legacy InsuranceCo-Founder, Rustic Elegance Magazine