Stephen Kelly attended John Jay College, graduating in 1972 with a degree in criminal justice, and paddled for the Inwood Canoe Club. Kelly was US Champion in K-1 1,000 metres in 1974-75. Kelly was competition manager for canoeing at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He entered the fitness world, designing training systems and equipment, and working as a fitness manager at Lehman Brothers and for American Express. In 1998 he founded Bob Block Fitness Equipment where he has since served as CEO and co-owner. Kelly has also been associate executive director for USA Canoe and Kayaking.