08/16/2025
Women in Business 2025: Kelly Ruhlin & Kim McElman
Harbour & Home Real Estate Where Visionary Women Are Redefining the Luxury Real Estate Landscape, HILTON HEAD ISLAND: 2 Greenwood Drive, C2 · (843) 800-2932, HarbourHHI.com
As leading agents at Harbour & Home Real Estate, two powerhouse women, Kim McElman and Kelly Ruhlin, are charting a different course at this boutique firm headquartered on Hilton Head Island. They are proving that independence, innovation, and elevated service are the standards in luxury real estate.
At the helm of this transformation is Maureen Richards, Marketing Director, who brings decades of experience and a sharp understanding of branding and luxury positioning.
Harbour & Home Real Estate was born from the belief that agents don’t need a corporate label to lead in today’s market; they do need strong leadership, targeted marketing, white-glove support, and a brand that truly resonates with their clientele. With a curated approach and a deep understanding of the Lowcountry lifestyle, this firm is attracting discerning buyers and sellers from across the country and empowering top agents to build their own brand identities under a trusted umbrella.
“Everything we do is intentional,” Richards said. “From our luxury aesthetic and marketing tools to the way we connect with relocation clients, second-home buyers, and investors, it’s all designed to deliver results at the highest level.”
Both McElman and Ruhlin exemplify what Harbour & Home stands for: savvy, service-driven professionals who believe in high standards. They have cultivated loyal followings by focusing on what matters most: authentic connections, local market intelligence, and delivering a seamless client experience.
“To give my clients the highest level of service and support, I need to be in a place where the focus is truly on them,” McElman said. “At Harbour & Home Real Estate, there’s a refreshing spirit of collaboration and a culture where everyone, from clients, agents, and staff, has a voice. That kind of environment creates an energy that’s not only professional, but genuinely uplifting and successful for all involved.”
“By stepping away from a franchise, we now have the freedom to focus our energy and resources where they matter most, directly on our clients,” Ruhlin said. “We’re making intentional decisions about how and where to invest, ensuring every dollar supports our local market and enhances the service we provide. It’s all about delivering a higher level of care and expertise, with purpose.”
As the Lowcountry continues to evolve and attract buyers seeking both luxury and lifestyle, Harbour & Home Real Estate is right where it belongs … leading the way.
