From Cashier to Store Manager: How Kelli Smith Leads Sam’s Club Katy with Dedication and Community Focus
Sam’s Club has been a staple in the Katy community since its opening in 2002, providing bulk savings and quality products to businesses and families alike. At the helm of the store’s operations is Kelli Smith, who has been with the company for nearly 15 years, working her way from cashier to store manager in May 2023. With a background in the service industry, Smith has dedicated her career to ensuring that Sam’s Club members receive an exceptional shopping experience.
“Sam’s Club has given me the opportunity to grow within the company,” Smith shared. “I’ve had incredible mentors along the way who pushed me to be better at each role I’ve taken on. Now, as store manager, I want to ensure that every member feels valued and has a seamless shopping experience.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Founded in 1983, Sam’s Club was originally established to support small businesses by offering bulk purchasing options. Today, the company operates nearly 600 locations across the United States and in several other countries. The Katy location at 20424 Katy Freeway was strategically opened to support the area’s rapid growth and has since expanded its offerings to cater to a diverse customer base.
Members at Sam’s Club can choose between two membership tiers, with the Plus membership offering exclusive benefits such as early shopping hours, cash-back rewards, and complimentary curbside pickup, delivery, and shipping. Additionally, the company provides a Mastercard that offers 5% cash back on gas and additional rewards for in-store purchases. For local businesses and schools, Sam’s Club offers discounted memberships and business solutions, helping organizations save on everyday essentials.
“I want our members to know that we’re more than just a warehouse club,” Smith emphasized. “We offer a variety of products, from name-brand clothing and electronics to optical, pharmacy, tire and battery services, and even a hearing center. Our app makes shopping even easier with features like Scan & Go, allowing members to pay on their phone and skip the checkout lines.”
Kelli Smith, right, the store manager for Sam's Club in Katy. (Source: Kelli Smith/Sam's Club)Beyond retail, Sam’s Club remains committed to community engagement. The company sets aside a budget each month to support local organizations, and through Walmart’s grant programs, non-profits can apply for funding. Sam’s Club and Walmart also contribute to the Houston Food Bank multiple times per week, providing essential resources to those in need.
Smith, a long-time Katy resident, has a deep personal connection to the community. Originally from Bay City, Texas, she moved to the Katy area in 1994, witnessing its transformation from a small town into a thriving city. Outside of work, she enjoys saltwater fishing, gardening, journaling, and caring for her herd of New Zealand and American rabbits. She also supports a special needs camp in Gonzales, Texas, operated by the Elks Lodge, which provides free experiences for children through its sweetheart program.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
In an effort to further integrate with the local business community, Sam’s Club in Katy recently joined the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. To celebrate this milestone, the store hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 5, 2025, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening community ties and supporting local businesses.
Adrienne Davitz, Vice President of Membership and Community Relations for the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed her enthusiasm for the store’s increased involvement. “Sam’s Club has been a vital part of the Katy community for over two decades, and we are thrilled to see them take an even more active role.”
With a dedicated team, some of whom have been with the store since its opening, Sam’s Club in Katy continues to evolve and grow. Employees like Rhina in the optical department, who has been with the company since day one, exemplify the store’s strong work ethic and customer-first approach. Smith acknowledges the importance of teamwork in maintaining high service standards, noting that many associates have been with the company for over 20 years.
Team members at the Sam's Club in Katy celebrating their ribbon cutting ceremony with the “Our employees are the heart of our club,” Smith stated. “We work together to ensure that our members have the best experience possible, whether they’re shopping in-store, using our curbside pickup, or taking advantage of our digital tools. It’s about making their lives easier and delivering quality service every day.”
As Sam’s Club Katy embarks on this new chapter of community engagement and service excellence, Smith and her team remain dedicated to upholding the company’s mission of providing quality products, exceptional savings, and a strong connection to the local community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
