Navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship can be daunting, but for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, the road can be even more complex. Myles Kelly, a longtime Philadelphia resident and business owner, understands this journey firsthand. Having recently completed JPMorgan Chase’s Coaching for Impact program — an initiative aimed at closing the racial wealth gap by offering business development support — Kelly reflects on his experience, growth, and what’s next for his company.
Kelly’s story begins in Philadelphia, where he was born and raised.
“I grew up in the western suburbs and later moved downtown, which was always my ambition,” he said.
Now residing in Rittenhouse Square with his partner of 33 years — an architect at Jacobs Engineering — Kelly has built a life deeply rooted in the city.
His career path took him through roles at Jefferson Hospital and the University City Science Center before he met the late Jonathan Lax, the original founder of The Marketing Audit, which Kelly now runs. Lax was a visionary LGBTQ+ leader and entrepreneur who had built a business centered around market research and strategic consulting.
Kelly wasn’t initially the owner of the company, but he eventually took on the responsibility after Lax’s passing.
“Jonathan was a serial entrepreneur,” he explains. “He started with a simple business model — asking companies a set of structured questions about their marketing strategies and providing actionable insights.”
When Kelly joined the company, it was incorporated as an S Corporation, and he quickly became involved in both sales and project management. After Lax’s unexpected passing, Kelly made the difficult decision to take a mortgage out to purchase the company outright.
“My biggest concern was whether employees and clients would stay,” he admits. “But I worked hard to reassure them, and thankfully, we continued to grow.”
For Kelly, being an openly LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has been both a challenge and a source of strength.
“Keeping the company intact after Jonathan passed was the biggest challenge of my life,” he recalls. “But I’ve always been out in business and have been fortunate to feel comfortable doing so.”
Despite the progress made in LGBTQ+ representation, Kelly notes that it’s still critical for queer business owners to be visible.
“With LGBTQ+ programs being diluted or erased, younger professionals need role models to look up to,” he said. “Representation is more important than ever.”
He has actively supported the LGBTQ+ business community by being involved with the Independence Business Alliance (IBA) since 2009 and becoming a certified LGBT Business Enterprise in 2011.
One of Kelly’s biggest opportunities for growth came when he joined JPMorgan Chase’s Coaching for Impact program. The four-month initiative, which included weekly coaching sessions, was designed to empower diverse small business owners by providing networking, financial education and technical assistance. Kelly describes the program as transformative.
“My mentor, Nathan, helped me refocus on business growth after a slow start to the year,” he said. “Because of that, I secured a five-year master services agreement with a large health care company and two international projects.”
One key takeaway from the program was the importance of a capability statement — a concise document that summarizes a company’s expertise, client list and key contact information.
“It’s a game-changer,” Kelly says. “It allows potential clients to quickly understand what you offer without overwhelming them with information.”
Kelly emphasizes the importance of financial stability for any entrepreneur.
“Access to capital is crucial,” he states.
His company primarily banks with PNC, utilizing lines of credit to expand operations, attend conferences, and hire employees. He also leverages a Chase business credit card to manage expenses.
“Through the Coaching for Impact program, I was able to refine my approach to financial forecasting and ensure we have the resources needed for growth,” Kelly said.
Kelly attributes much of his success to his network and partnerships.
“Collaboration is key,” he emphasizes. “We work with competitors in a cooperative way — what I call ‘co-opetition.’”
He has also engaged in strategic partnerships, such as developing a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) assessment service in collaboration with a Philadelphia-based tourism agency.
“We’ve already conducted two successful projects with Visit Pittsburgh,” he said.
Beyond business, Kelly is an active participant in networking groups such as Out Professionals, Our Night Out, and the IBA’s monthly events.
“These events help build relationships and lead to new opportunities,” he says.
So, what’s next for Myles Kelly?
“The selling never stops,” he laughs. With his business continuing to grow and new opportunities on the horizon, Kelly remains committed to both his personal and professional mission — strengthening LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship and fostering collaboration within Philadelphia’s business community.
As he continues attending industry events and growing his network, one thing remains certain: Kelly is determined to uplift fellow LGBTQ+ business owners and inspire the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.