We recently connected with Neema K. Shad, M.S. and have shared our conversation below.

Neema K. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Oh boy — buckle up, because this one’s a ride.

So, before The Remarkable Agency was even a twinkle in my eye, I was working in the tech/AI/marketing space. You know, where everyone’s obsessed with algorithms and perfect systems. But then something happened that changed my life.

I started working at a health and human services agency supporting adults with disabilities. One of my first clients wanted to land a job, so we got to work — building a resume, practicing interview skills, figuring out where he wanted to work. A few weeks later, he landed his first job ever. The look on his face? Pure ecstasy. And that moment… that was it. That’s when I knew I couldn’t go back to just optimizing business processes for other companies. I had to do this full time.

Even though my background wasn’t in social work, I knew that if I led with heart, learned fast, and wasn’t afraid to fail hard (and I mean fail fast and fail forward kind of failing), I’d figure it out. People are so scared of failure, but honestly? The only time you actually fail is when you give up. Until then, it’s just research.

It took over a year to get vendored through the San Diego Regional Center. And let me tell you — that year felt like building a rocket with duct tape and sheer willpower. I wasn’t making any money, but I was building the foundation of something I deeply believed in. Every policy, every form, every staff training — I treated it like it mattered, because it did.

And here’s the thing — I didn’t just want to create another agency. I wanted to create something remarkable. I’m obsessed with this idea from Seth Godin — the “Purple Cow.” He says, imagine you are driving down a country road and you see a bunch of cows. Ho-hum, right? But now imagine you’re driving down a country road and you see a purple cow. You’re pulling over, taking selfies, texting your group chat. Why? Because it’s remarkable — worth making a remark about.

At TRA, we’re the purple cow. We’re not here to just exist in the system — we’re here to change it. We go above and beyond, we actually deliver on our promises, and we do it all while keeping things human, fun, and deeply personal.

Also, fun fact — I started my first nonprofit in high school. We built shelters for families experiencing homelessness in South Africa. So yeah, helping people build better lives has always been in my DNA.

From tech to advocacy to agency owner — this has been anything but a straight path. But I wouldn’t change a thing. Because what we’ve built? It’s not just a business. It’s remarkable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Oh hey, I’m so glad you asked — because if there’s one thing I love talking about, it’s building a business that doesn’t just exist… it matters.

I’m the founder of The Remarkable Agency (TRA) — a people-first organization based in San Diego that provides personalized support to adults with developmental disabilities. Our mission? To help our clients live independently, confidently, and with as much joy and dignity as possible.

What does that actually look like? We teach real-world skills like cooking, budgeting, navigating transportation, applying for jobs, and even how to be your own best advocate. We’re basically the ultimate support crew for folks who want to take control of their lives, but just need the right team beside them.

Now, how did I end up in this world? Plot twist: I didn’t start in social services. I actually came from the tech and marketing world. You know — AI tools, digital campaigns, the works. But I’ve always been passionate about people. I’m one of those weirdos who loves building systems and making genuine human connections. So when I saw an opportunity to blend those two things and actually help people thrive in real life (not just in spreadsheets), I jumped in.

What sets TRA apart? Oh, where do I begin? For starters — we’re not your cookie-cutter agency with copy-paste promises. We are loud and proud about being remarkable — not in a buzzwordy way, but in a worth-making-a-remark-about kind of way. We care deeply. We show up early. We stay late. We celebrate every win, no matter how small. And we never treat people like checkboxes on a form.

I also created this agency to be just as empowering for our Success Partners (support staff) as it is for our clients. We hire rockstars with heart, we train them like pros, and we pour into their growth — because happy, inspired staff create amazing experiences for the people we serve.

What I’m most proud of? Honestly, it’s the ripple effect. When someone we support lands their first apartment, cooks their first meal on their own, or stands up for themselves in a way they never have before — it’s magic. That confidence spreads into every corner of their life. And that is when you know this work is changing more than lives — it’s changing legacies.

So here’s what I want people to know about TRA: we’re not here to be “good enough.” We’re here to be unforgettable. To disrupt the industry by doing everything with heart, grit, and purpose. To keep raising the bar. And to make sure that every person we support feels seen, respected, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

And if you’re someone who believes in that kind of mission? Well… you just might be remarkable, too.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly? It’s been pretty simple — we actually do what we say we’re going to do.

I know, revolutionary, right?

But seriously — in this industry, every agency promises the same things: personalized care, independence, support, etc. But when it comes down to it, a lot of folks don’t follow through. At TRA, we’re obsessed with overdelivering. If we say we’re going to show up — we show up early, with snacks, a backup plan, and probably a spreadsheet just in case.

That level of care — being genuine, transparent, and deeply invested in our clients — is what’s set us apart. We listen to people. We don’t treat clients like a checklist or a case number. We treat them like humans, with dreams, quirks, goals, and hilarious hot takes on life. And because we actually care, we build real trust.

And here’s the magic: when people feel supported, heard, and empowered — they talk about it. Most of our growth has come from word of mouth. Our current clients have referred us to their friends, their family members, and even former support staff who now want to work with us. That’s how I know we’re doing something right.

At the end of the day, growth hasn’t come from flashy marketing or gimmicks. It’s come from being real, doing the work, and delivering results that actually matter in people’s lives.

Because if you do remarkable work, people will make a remark about it. That’s the whole philosophy — and it works.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At TRA, we don’t just work with our clients — we build real relationships with them. That’s been our not-so-secret secret from day one.

We go way beyond the whole “office hours” thing. I make myself available to our clients 24/7, 365. Yep — even at 3 A.M. on a Thursday. If someone needs support, guidance, or just someone to talk to, I want them to feel like they can reach out. We’re not running a “get back to you during business hours” operation. We’re running a we’ve-got-you-no-matter-what kind of business.

But it’s not just about availability — it’s about connection. If a client tells me they’re into a specific video game, and later I’m out shopping and spot a cool collectible or a magazine cover with that game on it, you better believe I’m snapping a pic and sending it their way. Not because it’s “strategy,” but because I genuinely care. I remember the little things. I celebrate the wins. I check in because I want to, not because I have to.

Those small, authentic moments go a long way. They build trust. They show people that we’re not just here to check boxes or fill out forms — we’re here to be part of their lives in a meaningful way.

That’s how you build brand loyalty: not by asking for it, but by earning it — one thoughtful moment at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theremarkableagencyinc.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-remarkable-agency-inc/

Image Credits

fourlanephoto