What if your first real job was owning the business?

At 18, Shelby McFarland gave up a full-ride scholarship to co-own a window tint and sign shop. She earned respect from employees twice her age, learned hard lessons about hiring friends, left a failed partnership, and started over with nothing.

That restart became The Marketing Broker. Today, she serves startups, small businesses, and Fortune 500s with one philosophy: authenticity beats experience, and heart-led marketing wins.

In this conversation, we unpack: → Earning respect as a young business owner → Building culture through radical transparency → The BOSS framework and 3 C's of leadership → How motherhood sharpened her leadership → Real advice for first-time founders

This is leadership forged in the trenches.

Connect with Shelby:
themktgbroker.com
@themktgbroker
Get her book: "Market Like a Boss" at shelbysmarketingbook.com

CONNECT WITH SHELBY:
Website: themktgbroker.com
Instagram: @themktgbroker & @bossbabe_shelby
Book: shelbysmarketingbook.com
Email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE PODCAST: Consulting from the Couch is a podcast about leaders, what makes them tick, and the challenges they face. Hosted by Steve Goodson, featuring genuine conversations with exceptional leaders.

Website: blcconsultingllc.com
Email: [email protected]

Brought to you by BLC Consulting, LLC.

KEYWORDS/TAGS 

Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Marketing, Authentic Leadership, Young Entrepreneurs, Business Ownership, Startup Advice, Heart-Led Marketing, Company Culture, Work-Life Integration, Women in Business, First-Time Founders, Business Strategy, Servant Leadership, Transparency, Credibility, Confidence, Consistency, BOSS Mindset, Marketing Agency, Fortune 500, Startups, Steve Goodson, Shelby McFarland, Consulting from the Couch, BLC Consulting

What does purpose-led leadership look like when the service territory where you are the electric provider stretches farther than your population? In this episode of Consulting from the Couch, we sit down with Roanoke Electric Cooperative CEO Marshall Cherry to explore how a hometown leader is redefining what’s possible for rural North Carolina.

From his early days in member services to a 32-year journey into the CEO chair, Marshall shares the mentors, crises, and tough calls that shaped a leadership philosophy built on transparency, listening, and measurable results. We dive into the co-op’s modern member engagement model—why “seven-by-seven” communication works, where AI supports service without replacing the human touch, and how face-to-face member meetings rebuild trust in communities that have felt overlooked.

You’ll also hear the inside story of Roanoke’s grid modernization efforts, advanced metering investments, targeted energy-efficiency upgrades, and the bold decision to build a fiber backbone and launch their own broadband company. The result? Local service that outperforms national companies and creates the foundation for workforce development, telehealth, education, and small business growth.

Looking ahead, Marshall’s Connect 2030 strategy outlines a roadmap for “gig-connected communities” ready for mid-scale load growth, job creation, and long-term regional vitality. 

Whether you care about cooperative leadership, rural innovation, or the future of energy and broadband, this conversation delivers the practical insight and hope that local action still matters.

If you enjoy the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who cares about community, leadership, or the future of rural development.

Some communities grow because a big investor arrives. Others, like Jacksonville, North Carolina, and Onslow County, grow because small decisions, rooted in service, continue to accumulate. 

In this episode of Consulting from the Couch, banking/finance veteran and community builder Scott Riggs joins us to unpack how microloans, partnerships, and servant leadership are powering new jobs and stronger neighborhoods across Onslow County.

We explore the Community Business Loan Fund, a gap-financing model that helps small owners who aren’t “bank-ready” turn good ideas into payroll. Riggs also takes us behind the scenes of Project Frontier, the coalition effort that brought Amazon’s last-mile facility to the community—a blueprint for how readiness and relationships beat luck every time.

From honoring mentors to launching Capital Connections, Scott shares a grounded vision for what real community growth looks like: quality of life, balanced work, and opportunity that lasts.

Run Time: 36 minutes

Capital Connections
Scott Riggs, Founder
https://rsriggsassociates.com/
(910) 340-2306
[email protected]

What if a football camp could change the culture of an entire community?

That question drives this conversation in this episode of Consulting from the Couch. We sit down for a fantastic interview with Ken Lovell, Director and Minister with Coastal NC Fellowship of Christian Athletes, whose mission is to bring everything together in Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes.

Ken shares his journey from the Marine Corps to ministry, unpacking how purpose—not position—has guided his leadership across four counties. He walks us through the growth of FCA’s Eastern NC Team Football Camp, the power of student-led huddles, and how discipleship—not just inspiration—creates lasting transformation.

From the “sandpaper” principle of accountability to the ripple effects of the FCA’s reach in Okinawa, this episode demonstrates how faith, leadership, and teamwork can transform communities.

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or leader, you’ll find practical wisdom on how to engage, equip, and empower the next generation through purpose.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and join the movement at BLCConsultingLLC.com.

Electricity is just the excuse—the real story is people, community, and servant leadership. In this episode of Consulting from the Couch, Josh McGhee from Touchstone Energy unpacks how the cooperative business model prioritizes its members, why servant leadership outperforms top-down control, and how co-ops strike a balance between scale and hometown heart. 

From Amazon-style “mass personalization” to leadership that responds instead of reacts, we'll explore practical strategies for keeping tech human, building trust through simplicity, and turning community knowledge into a true competitive edge.

Run Time: 34 minutes

What does leadership look like when every decision you make affects people you'll see at the grocery store tomorrow? Schumata Brown, Town Manager of Maysville, North Carolina, knows this reality intimately. As a native son who chose to stay and serve his hometown, Brown brings a unique perspective to leadership that's equal parts practical wisdom and heartfelt commitment.

In this episode, Brown shares real-world stories about building trust, modeling integrity, and embracing visibility in leadership roles. We dig into the balance between community traditions and new growth, and how leaders can foster a culture of belonging while driving progress.

Whether you're leading a local organization, a school, a church, or a small business, this conversation offers valuable insights on building trust, embracing adaptability, and creating a legacy that extends well beyond your tenure.

In this episode, Chellie Phillips—speaker, coach, author, and creator of the Successfully Ever After framework—dives into a powerful truth: the culture a leader models is the culture they create. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience, she shows how intentional leadership builds human-centered workplaces where employees feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Chellie introduces her V.A.L.U.E. Culture Formula from her book Culture Secrets—a values-and vision-driven approach built on accountability, authentic leadership, recognition of uniqueness, and active engagement. She explains how leaders can use these principles to align teams with purpose, strengthen ownership, and foster connection across organizations.

With her signature Southern charm, Chellie also reveals how personal branding plays a critical role in culture-building. Leaders who model clarity, confidence, and vulnerability create magnetic workplaces where employees thrive, retention soars, and performance outpaces competitors. By the end, listeners will see that culture begins with leadership—but it’s the people at the heart of every team who carry it forward.

To learn more about Chellie Phillips, visit her on the web

In this episode, we sit down with Brock Goss, a commercial real estate professional with over a decade of experience helping investors, businesses, and property owners achieve success. A former enlisted U.S. Marine, Brock brings a leadership style forged in the military—disciplined, mission-focused, and people-centered and has successfully translated those principles into the world of business.

Brock shares leadership lessons learned in the Marine Corps—from leading under pressure to building trust in high-stakes environments—and how those same skills apply on Main Street. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, his story bridges the gap between military precision and civilian entrepreneurship, offering practical takeaways and inspiration for anyone looking to lead with clarity, resilience, and integrity.

Guest
Brock Goss
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
(910) 915-6652
[email protected]

This episode brought to you by:
Vibrant Culture...your commercial lending expert

In this episode of Consulting from the Couch, we sit down with Nicole Greer, a dynamic leadership coach, speaker, and founder of Vibrant Culture, to explore what it truly means to lead with intention, energy, and authenticity.

Nicole shares her journey into leadership development and how leaders can bring vibrancy to their teams and organizations. From real-world anecdotes to actionable takeaways, Nicole offers insight into navigating challenges, fostering accountability, and building cultures where people can thrive.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation will leave you with tools and inspiration to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Key Topics Covered:

• Nicole’s personal leadership journey and founding Vibrant Coaching
• The power of vision, values, and voice in leadership
• How to create vibrant organizational cultures
• The importance of self-awareness and personal development
• Strategies for building accountability and sustaining motivation
• Practical tips for leaders facing burnout or resistance

Guest
Nicole Greer
Vibrant Culture
(704) 502-4953
www.vibrantculture.com
LinkedIn - Vibrant Culture

This episode brought to you by:
Capital Connections...your commercial lending expert