What happens when life hands you a completely different path than the one you planned and instead of fighting it, you decide to lean in, level up, and bet on yourself anyway?

In this episode, host Shelby Clement sits down with former high school friend and now seasoned outside sales rep Russell Pellichino for a brutally honest, unexpectedly hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the long, messy road to building a fulfilling life and career.

Russell’s story is anything but linear.

He opens up about the years he felt stuck, the months he was unemployed sending out application after application, the detour into juvenile probation work that shook him to his core, and the one conversation at a family gathering that changed the entire trajectory of his life.

You will hear how Russell:

• Transitioned from college athlete → unemployed graduate → juvenile probation officer → thriving oil & gas sales rep
• Navigated the mental load of being “overqualified but underexperienced,” yet still overlooked
• Broke into a highly technical, intimidating industry with zero background
• Made a bold leap—ending a relationship, quitting his job, and moving in with his mentor to learn the field from the ground up
• Developed a sales approach rooted in service, integrity, and actually giving a damn
• Showed up consistently for clients in high-pressure environments where valves failing mean millions lost
• Balances fatherhood, marriage, and career while raising three boys under six
• Built a personal list called “Rules from Dad” with the values, lessons, and mindset he hopes to pass down
• Approaches growth, risk-taking, and building a life you enjoy, before time slips away

This episode goes beyond career talk.

It’s a conversation about resilience, identity, character, humility, fatherhood, and the reality of choosing a life you’re proud of, even when the road there looks nothing like what you imagined.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, someone in a career transition, or just someone craving a real, grounded story about grit and growth, this episode is going to hit home.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

What does it really take to go from small-town roots to financial freedom and build a life you actually love along the way?

In this episode, Shelby sits down with Cullen Hughes, financial advisor, husband, and dad of two, to talk about what it means to grow up, take risks, and create a career that truly matters. From high school dreams to managing portfolios at Merrill Lynch, Cullen shares his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the advice he wishes more people heard sooner about money, confidence, and balance.

They dive into everything from when to actually hire a financial advisor (even if you think you’re “not ready”) to how parents can set their kids up for success with simple tools like 529s, Roth IRAs, and smart saving habits that actually work in real life.

You’ll hear about:

• Cullen’s path from high school to Merrill Lynch
• When and why to hire a financial advisor
• How to invest for your kids’ future (and your own)
• The importance of self-care, confidence, and trusting your gut
• The reality of balancing business, marriage, and parenthood
• And yes… that infamous fantasy football bet that ended with a dress 😂

This episode is packed with honest conversations, real-life stories, and takeaways you can actually use whether you’re growing a business, raising a family, or just figuring out your next big move.

Listen now to hear how Cullen turned small-town beginnings into a life built on purpose, planning, and passion and how you can do the same.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

What does it really take to lead a decades-old family business, inspire hundreds of employees, and still stay true to your values?

In this episode, Louisiana native and marketing strategist Shelby Clement sits down with her longtime friend Ryan Downing, CEO of Ross Downing Auto Group, for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about leadership, growth, and legacy. Ryan shares what it’s like stepping into a business that’s been in his family for over 52 years, the weight of responsibility, the lessons learned, and the courage it takes to evolve without losing what made the company special in the first place.

Together, Shelby and Ryan dive deep into the emotional side of entrepreneurship from feeling behind and dealing with imposter syndrome to making tough people decisions and balancing family life with the demands of leadership. Ryan opens up about why core values are the foundation of his company’s success, how loyalty can be both a blessing and a challenge, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your vision.

This conversation isn’t just about business, it’s about building something that lasts, leading with integrity, and growing with purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader, or small-town dreamer with big goals, this episode will remind you that success isn’t built overnight it’s built with grit, growth, and heart.

Tune in now to learn how to lead with purpose, create a culture rooted in values, and build a brand and legacy that stands the test of time.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

What if the key to growing your business wasn’t doing more but slowing down enough to actually listen to yourself?

In this powerful and honest episode of the Dam Good Marketing Podcast, host Shelby Clement sits down with Jillian Clothier, a life-first business coach for mama entrepreneurs, to unpack what it really means to build a business that aligns with your life instead of consuming it.

Jillian opens up about her journey from 15 years in corporate restaurant franchising to running multiple businesses, motherhood, burnout, and eventually awakening to a truth she could no longer ignore. Together, Shelby and Jillian dig into the deep, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship as mothers, wives, and ambitious women trying to do it all.

They explore how easy it is to chase external validation, overwork ourselves into the ground, and confuse busyness with purpose. But they also talk about what happens when you finally pause, peel back the layers, and start making decisions from the inside out.

This conversation isn’t about finding the “perfect balance.” It’s about learning to honor the season you’re in, trust your timeline, and redefine what success truly looks like when your life, not your hustle, leads the way.

What You will Learn:

• Why doing the inner work matters more than any strategy when you’re trying to scale your business
• The real difference between balance and alignment and how to know when you’ve found it
• How to silence comparison, stop chasing someone else’s timeline, and start trusting your own
• Practical ways to reconnect with yourself daily especially when life feels chaotic
• The mindset shift that turns overwhelm into grounded confidence

About the guest: 

Jillian Clothier is a coach and mentor for high-achieving women who want it all: the business, the marriage, the motherhood, and the legacy all working together in alignment. 

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillian.clothier.coaching/

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a business that lasts—one rooted in family, community, and a whole lot of grit?

In this episode, host Shelby Clement sits down with Russell Ribando, part of the family behind Ribando’s Electric Supply, a Louisiana business that’s been keeping the lights on literally since 1978. What started as a small warehouse on the West Bank has grown into a trusted, multi-generational company built on loyalty, hard work, and a deep commitment to serving customers like family.

This conversation goes beyond the surface of running a business. It’s an honest look at the heart, sacrifice, and stubborn dedication it takes to build something that stands the test of time. Russell opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship—from the early days of working alongside family to the challenges of hiring, scaling, and preparing the next generation to lead.

They talk about the changing landscape of small business, what customer service really means today, and how staying true to your values can still be a winning growth strategy even in an industry dominated by big corporations. You’ll hear stories of resilience, lessons learned from tough seasons, and the passion that continues to drive this Louisiana legacy forward.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to balance business, family, and personal growth (without burning out)
• The real challenges of hiring, training, and leading a small but mighty team
• Why genuine customer service still beats fancy marketing every time
• How to scale and stay profitable without losing your small-town values
• Why legacy businesses matter now more than ever and what they can teach us about longevity

This episode is more than just a story about one business, it's a powerful reminder that success isn’t built overnight or measured by followers and numbers. It’s built through people, persistence, and purpose. It’s about showing up, day after day, for your customers, your community, and your family.

Whether you’re growing a startup, leading a family business, or dreaming about your next big move, this episode will inspire you to keep going and to build something that truly lasts.

Listen now for an honest, heartfelt conversation about hard work, heritage, and the kind of success that never goes out of style.

If this episode gave you the guts to take the next bold step, follow, rate, and review the show. Share it with a founder who needs the nudge.

What if the setbacks you’re facing right now are actually setting the stage for your biggest breakthrough?

In this episode, Shelby sits down with Tori Bolt, co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, to pull back the curtain on what looks like an overnight success but was actually a decade of grit, growth, and relentless belief. From losing it all and starting over to pre-selling $1 million in reservations before owning the land, Tori shares the raw truth about building a brand rooted in authenticity, community, and purpose.

You’ll hear how she and her husband, Seth, turned obstacles into opportunity, navigated failure with resilience, and proved that transparency and storytelling are the ultimate marketing edge. This episode dives deep into what it means to build in public, trust your mission when everything’s uncertain, and show up even when it’s messy.

Tori also opens up about how mentorship transformed their business, the mindset behind selling before building, and why Instagram has become the most powerful platform for destination marketing and connection. It’s equal parts strategy and soul perfect for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and small-town go-getters with big-ass goals.The Marketing Strategy Behind Bolt Farm Treehouse

• How failure became the foundation for a multimillion-dollar comeback
• The mindset and marketing behind $1M in pre-sales
• Why vulnerability builds stronger brands than perfection ever could
• How to pick mentors and rooms that actually move your business forward
• The secret to using Instagram as the new search engine for your brand

Resources & Links

• Bolt Farm Treehouse Workshop: https://explore.boltfarmtreehouse.com/str-workshops 
• Instagram: @boltfarmtreehouse | @toribolt
• Shelby Clement: https://shelbyclement.com| IG: @itsshelbyclement

If this episode gave you the guts to take the next bold step, follow, rate, and review the show. Share it with a founder who needs the nudge.

Do you feel like you are posting on social media with no real results? Or maybe you have convinced yourself that unless you have 10K+ followers, you’re not “credible” enough to land clients. If that sounds familiar, this episode is going to shift the way you see your business, your brand, and your audience.

I am breaking down why the slow game is actually the winning game, why chasing vanity metrics is keeping you broke, and how to finally understand the difference between marketing and sales so you can stop spinning your wheels and start closing clients.

If you have ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to throw in the towel on content creation, this conversation will remind you that consistency matters more than perfection. I share real examples, the mindset shifts that transformed her own business, and practical steps you can take today to market with confidence and clarity.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• The #1 mistake small business owners make with social media (and how to avoid it)
• Why organic growth feels slow at first but builds lasting credibility and brand trust
• How to reframe your audience size — even 100 or 500 followers is a big deal
• The exact mindset shift you need to confidently invest in your growth
• Why traditional advertising (billboards, print, etc.) won’t keep you relevant in today’s world
• How to separate marketing (visibility + brand awareness) from sales (closing deals) so you can finally see results

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Tickets for Damn Good Marketing Live (Nov 6, Louisiana) → https://www.shelbyclement.com/dgml-2025

Use code “ILOVESHELBY” for $201 off your ticket

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

 What happens when you grow up surrounded by the restaurant hustle, promise yourself you will never join the family business, and then find yourself running it anyway? That’s the story of Joe Wong, second-generation restaurateur and co-owner of The Boston and Cate Street Seafood Station in Louisiana.

Joe’s journey is one of unexpected turns from earning a degree in sports management to stepping into his family’s restaurant legacy. Along the way, he discovered the challenges of leadership, the pressure of keeping a business alive in a fast-changing world, and the pride that comes from carrying on something bigger than yourself.

In this conversation, Shelby reunites with her high school crew and sits down with Joe for a reunion-style episode that mixes humor, nostalgia, and unfiltered business wisdom. The laughs are plenty, but so are the lessons.

Here’s what you will discover in this episode:

-The unvarnished truth about growing up in a family restaurant

-How a career path in sports shifted into managing a seafood empire

-The behind-the-scenes struggles (yes, including the infamous rice cooker punch on Valentine’s Day)

-Why small-town businesses thrive when they embrace community support

-The lessons Joe wants to pass on to his soon-to-arrive baby about work ethic and entrepreneurship

-Why patience, resilience, and a thick skin are non-negotiables in business

This is more than a restaurant story, it’s a conversation about entrepreneurship, legacy, family, and what it really takes to grow something that lasts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, small-town dreamer, or someone who just loves hearing real stories about business, this episode will leave you inspired and entertained.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

Life and business have a way of testing us, and sometimes those tests reveal what we have been avoiding all along the inner work. In this heartfelt episode of the Damn Good Marketing Podcast, Shelby opens up about her journey of navigating fear, faith, and purpose while building a brand that goes beyond marketing and truly matters.

She shares vulnerable reflections from the Good People Gathering, a powerful event that reminded her of the importance of community, connection, and leaning into God’s timing. From battling the fear of judgment to rediscovering Scripture, Shelby takes listeners behind the curtain of what it really looks like to build a business that’s both successful and deeply rooted in values.

Here is what you will hear in this episode:

• Why inner work is essential no matter how much success you’ve achieved
• The biggest struggles women face when showing up authentically online
• Shelby’s personal breakthroughs and lessons from the Good People Gathering
• What Scripture reveals about staying grounded when the world feels heavy
• How to release fear of opinions and confidently step into your God-given calling

This is more than just a marketing conversation, it’s an invitation to slow down, get real with yourself, and step into the legacy you’re meant to create. 

Whether you are just starting out or scaling to new levels, the truths in this episode will remind you that your purpose is far greater than any opinion.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)

In this special bathtub edition episode, Vice President of Marketing at Fussell Group Insurance Advisors (FGIA), shares how she transformed the marketing strategy for one of the largest health and life insurance agencies in Louisiana.

What started as answering phones at 19 has grown into leading a multi-million dollar marketing budget, expanding into new states, and recruiting agents through innovative campaigns. We talk about the bold experiments, the surprising channels that actually convert, and the personal journey of balancing leadership, motherhood, and building a family legacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How FGIA grew to 3M+ social media impressions in just one year
• The “Google Ads shutoff test” and what happened when they pulled the plug
• Why plain, simple postcards are still one of the highest ROI channels
• How unique phone numbers make attribution possible across every ad and campaign
• Recruiting 15 new licensed agents in one year with organic content + SMS
• The importance of industry events like AEP Kickoff and Medicare Mastermind
• The human side of leadership: balancing grief, faith, motherhood, and career growth

If you have ever wondered whether marketing works in so-called “boring” industries, this episode proves it does.

Connect with Shelby Clement:

Website: https://shelbyclement.com

Follow on Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbydclement

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shelby-dimiceli-clement-a9497049

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsshelbyclement

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsshelbyclement/

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend and leave a review, it means the world to me :)