WOMEN IN THE FENCING INDUSTRY Pursuing Endless Possibilities SHELBY KELLAND
Product Quality Manager, LiftMaster
She fell hard and she fell fast – hook, line and sinker. Since the day almost nine years ago, at the impressionable age of 20, she started work at LiftMaster, Shelby Kelland has never stopped feeling the love for her job, which has now become her career. Kelland quickly moved from technical support to training, a role that suits her personality perfectly. She is currently the product quality manager in the field operations department for gate operators. “This just means I help investigate potential product quality issues across the product line throughout North America. My department owns the voice of customer with our company, tying the connection between the customer to marketing, engineering, new product development, sales, tech support and more, and also pushing for changes with the product when applicable.” Kelland says she knew coming into the industry the possibilities would be endless if she worked hard, observed, and networked. “That’s exactly what I did and it hasn’t steered me wrong, and I’d recommend this to anyone entering this industry, more so for a female – dive into the subject matter, speak to it intelligently and carry yourself well. Everything else will fall into place. In the words of Stephen King, ‘Everything’s Eventual.” As the result of following her own guidelines, along with the best advice she every received, which is, “Make sure you know your sh*t, kid,” Kelland is now a product expert, an electrical expert, an industry safety expert, and an industry trainer. She also has three industry certifications. 50
JULY 2022 | FENCE NEWS USA
Along the way, she has found that being a young female in a maledominated industry gives you a tough time with first impressions. “If I had a penny for every time I ‘reminded someone of their granddaughter.’ However, I’ve found that if you carry yourself well and can speak intelligently about the subject matter, you’ll succeed. At times I’ve had to ask for 10 minutes, ‘Give me 10 minutes and I won’t disappoint.’ I haven’t disappointed yet.” Kelland also advises women in the industry to get out there and interact with all of the different aspects and positions within the industry. “This helps me with my day job, but it mostly provides a network, perspective and comradery you can’t get elsewhere. And that is priceless.” Kelland is proud to be an industry trainer for two different associations, the American Fence Association (AFA) and the North American Fence Contractors Association (NAFCA), of which she is also an executive board member. “I’m excited to see what unknowns the future holds for me, my company and the industry,” says Kelland. “I am blessed to have built my career with an incredible organization I have full trust in. I know only great things are to come.” Kelland says the accomplishment she is most proud of has nothing to do with her career, it’s her two amazing daughters, ages 4 and 6. “They keep me on my toes. I’m also a hobby baker who makes custom sugar cookies. We live in Tucson, Arizona, and are avid hikers who love everything nature has to offer, such as camping, fishing and exploring. My two worlds – work and home – keep me busy, but I enjoy the challenge and for what it’s worth, I think I balance it with grace.”
