Kelson Elam

Kelson Elam grew up around politics. His mother, Maxine, was the President of the Texas Federation of Republican Women. The family moved from Abilene to Austin in 1966 where his father, Dick Elam, served as Senator John Tower’s statewide campaign manager. Then his Dad taught political campaign journalism at University of Texas, Austin. Kelson attended the University of Texas in Austin in the late 70’s. In the summers he taught sailing at Chandlers Landing Yacht Club in Rockwall “There were two places to eat, the yacht club and the 76 truck stop on Hwy 205” remembers Elam. “About the only thing in Heath was Cullen’s Bait and Grocery”. After graduation, Kelson moved to Rockwall and opened a sail manufacturing business in downtown Dallas. Elam sold that business in 1990. Then, Kelson started Genesta, his current company that designs and implements wireless data collection systems for warehousing and manufacturing. Elam consults with companies on how to improve their processes and bottom line. His list of clients, served over the past 25 years, include Mary Kay, Pepsico, Hillshire, Volvo, QT and a good portion of the grocery wholesalers in North America. His company built an office on Interstate 30 in Rockwall in 2000. Kelson has served on the board of directors for Rockwall Helping Hands, as Commodore of Rush Creek Yacht Club and as the U.S. President of the J/22 International Sailing Association. unnamed Elam and his wife Brenda were married in Rockwall. Their daughter Lindsey attended Rockwall High School. Lindsey and granddaughter Jade are residents of Heath as well as his sister, brother in law and father. “Heath is my final resting place” says Kelson Elam. “I want to make sure it stays as good for my granddaughter as Heath has been for me”.