RALEIGH, NC, April 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kathryn Waters Kiel has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Kiel has established a distinguished 25-year career in business management and entrepreneurship. For the past 21 years, she has been running a development, graphic design, and marketing firm. As the owner of Top Shelf Designs, LLC since 2005, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a stable and successful business. Her leadership encompasses running the entire company, managing payroll and sales, ensuring client satisfaction, and supporting the designers and her business partner in development and programming. Ms. Kiel's daily involvement includes communicating with her team, conducting sales activities, securing new clients, and overseeing all aspects of client relationships.

Under her guidance, Top Shelf Designs, LLC has achieved remarkable milestones. She is particularly proud of sustaining 21 years of dedication to the company, a testament to her resilience and work ethic. The enduring relationships she has cultivated with her team and clients stand as her most notable achievement. Employees remain with the company far longer than industry norms, with one partner contributing for 16 years. The firm boasts a 98 percent client-retention rate, and Ms. Kiel maintains ongoing connections with former employees who have launched their own design businesses, often collaborating with them as freelancers. Many retired or relocated clients continue to recommend Top Shelf Designs or say that working with the company was one of their best decisions. This sense of camaraderie, trust, and family-like connection—beyond the company's strong design and website work—remains the accomplishment she values most.

Ms. Kiel's expertise in website design and development, as well as graphic design and marketing, has been recognized through features such as an appearance in USA TODAY for Top Shelf Designs, LLC. She is also a member of the Association Executives of North Carolina, reflecting her commitment to professional growth and industry engagement.

Before founding Top Shelf Designs, LLC, Ms. Kiel served as senior vice president at Intersolutions Inc from 2003 to 2004. In this capacity, she honed her leadership skills and deepened her understanding of business operations within the property management sector. From 2001 to 2003, she worked in human resources at Archstone Smith, where she developed foundational skills in personnel management and organizational development.

Ms. Kiel's academic background has played a significant role in her professional achievements. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, equipping her with advanced knowledge in business strategy and management that directly informs her approach to leading Top Shelf Designs, LLC. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, graduating in 2000. Her educational experiences have provided the analytical framework and strategic insight necessary for sustained success in a competitive industry.

She attributes much of her success to the strength and dedication of her team at Top Shelf Designs, LLC. Ms. Kiel highlights her business partner, Gregg, for his leadership in development and artificial intelligence initiatives and commends the designers for their consistent commitment to clients. Regular board meetings foster open communication while monthly brainstorming sessions generate innovative ideas, including artificial intelligence research that has evolved into a major initiative for the company. This collaborative environment forms the foundation of all she has achieved.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Kiel is actively involved in civic organizations. She serves on the executive committee, gala committee, and marketing committee, and sits on the Board of Trustees of the Me Fine organization. She has volunteered countless hours at the Montessori School of Raleigh, the Special Olympics, and Tennis Abilities programs. She demonstrates a commitment to community engagement.

Born in Chesapeake, Ms. Kiel enjoys playing tennis, spending time with her children, and attending church regularly.

Looking ahead, Ms. Kiel aims to expand Top Shelf Designs by increasing sales and developing proprietary artificial intelligence modules to position it as a fully integrated digital agency. She envisions leveraging artificial intelligence to maintain a competitive edge within an evolving industry.

Ms. Kiel's career reflects not only technical expertise but also an enduring dedication to fostering meaningful relationships within her company and community, a legacy marked by stability, innovation, and trust.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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