5 minute read
From Adversity to Achievement
The Resilience and Tenacity Driving Chelsey Shelton's Success at Cambria
In business, where success frequently relies on strategy and innovation, achieving such success necessitates additional intangible qualities. It is here that Chelsey Shelton, Orlando Market Representative, embodies resilience and tenacity, both pivotal traits that have propelled her to success in both her professional endeavors and personal life.
As a Market Rep, Shelton’s presence is like a breath of fresh air, her vibrant energy and passion for people set her apart from the crowd. But behind her bubbly demeanor is a story of grit and determination, a journey from adversity to achievement that inspires many who know her.
Raised in what can be a tumultuous environment of foster care and adoption, her childhood could have broken her or shattered her spirit beyond repair. Yet, it was precisely these obstacles that fueled her drive, instilling in her a hunger for success; each hurdle she faced, each obstacle she overcame only fueled her further and propelled her into each day.
Shelton’s childhood in North Carolina was marred by a mother and father with deep addictions and the inability to do any real parenting of her, her younger brother, and her older half-brother. This led to many days of hunger, isolation, Child Protective Services (CPS) visits, and despair. Something her younger brother has yet to recover from fully and her half-brother sadly succumbed to suicide. As a result and after many years of being tossed around between relatives and friends with little to no real upbringing, Shelton and her brother never really experienced a sense of belonging or had a family to call their own. She was bounced from North Carolina to Florida where her aunt and uncle lived, back to her parents, to her grandmother, and to friends of relatives, never really laying a foundation. In Shelton’s words, it was during those days she was just surviving. She spent most of her youth being moved from house to house and at times treated as a personal maid to those who claimed to want to protect her. There were life lessons along the way though most of them harsh.
Despite the challenges of growing up without the support of a traditional family structure, Shelton refused to let those circumstances define her. Instead, she instinctively leveraged those trials to shape her character. Shelton was driven and ultimately was able to attend college on her own, determining her own destiny and with the occasional visits from her aunt and uncle. There were rough times, but along that journey she realized she didn’t want the same fate as her parents. Establishing meaningful connections, dedicating herself to hard work, and persistently pursuing a life of significance became her guiding principles.
As Shelton navigated life on her own, a serendipitous encounter with the Houchen family during her collegiate years paved her way to Cambria, establishing a solid foundation through cherished relationships—a true testament to the power of connections that has ultimately led to her present-day success.
Starting at Best Buy under the guidance of the wife of Cambria Regional Vice President of Sales Brad Houchen, Shelton’s career began humbly working in a variety of positions at the well-known electronics retailer. Through her unwavering work ethic and relentless determination, she quickly rose through the ranks, earning increased responsibility and recognition along the way. When an opportunity at Cambria presented itself, Shelton seized it, eager to advance into a new chapter of growth and opportunity. Even at the onset of her career at Cambria she helped rally her colleagues to organize relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, showcasing her leadership and compassion in the face of adversity. “Shelton doesn’t focus on what is behind her, she focuses on what is in front of her,” said Houchen. “She doesn’t take no for an answer, she sticks to it, and finds ways to overcome objections.”
Perhaps Shelton’s greatest strength lays in her empathy, her ability to connect with others on a deeper level. Shelton has a tendency to focus on the needs of those around her, and through her experiences at Cambria, she has begun to realize the depth of her own capabilities, gaining confidence with each new challenge. That has been evident in her interactions with Cambria business partners. “She is relentless in sharing the values of partnership and finding ways to meet and overcome objections with success,” said District Manager Chris McCloy.
As a two-time President’s Circle recipient, Shelton’s accomplishments speak volumes about her commitment to excellence. Her entrepreneurial mindset and unwavering dedication to her craft set her apart as a leader in her field. To this day, Shelton’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and tenacity in life and it has helped steer her in her career. Through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she has carved out a path to success, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
