Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shane Mcaleer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shane, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I’ve come to believe, through observing successful individuals, that consistency is crucial for long-term achievement. The ability to show up even when you’re not feeling motivated can significantly steer you in the right direction. Everyone experiences periods of low drive and motivation, but it’s dedication that ultimately determines whether you succeed or falter.

I’ve seen many people around me start ambitious and goal-oriented projects, only to see their enthusiasm wane when results don’t materialize quickly. Whether it’s after weeks or months, the drive often dwindles, and they give up. I constantly remind myself to persist, even when progress isn’t visible at the end of the day. The real challenge is to return and continue working, regardless of immediate outcomes.

Success is unique to each of us, and while it’s difficult to measure, I trust that I’ll recognize it when I achieve it. For now, I focus on showing up and putting in the effort, even when it’s tough.

Shane, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised by a single mother who did her best to support my sister and me despite facing financial hardships. At 19, I joined the military, seeking a fresh start and a way to escape the emptiness of my early years. Nearly two decades later, I’m still serving and plan to retire in the fall of 2026, with plans to move back to Ohio to raise my family. My wife of 17 years and I have two young sons: Cameron, who is 3, and Carson, who is 1.

From a young age, I’ve had a deep passion for creation and art, a love that has been with me through childhood and high school. During my extensive deployments and time away from home, however, my art took a back seat. It wasn’t until I finally settled down and started my family—during the COVID-19 pandemic, no less—that I found myself with time to explore art once again. This period of idleness, while challenging for my mental health, offered me an opportunity to reconnect with my creative side and process the intense experiences I had faced during a decade of special forces operations.

Art became a lifeline, allowing me to express myself and heal from both my difficult upbringing and my demanding career. This renewed passion has evolved into a small business endeavor as I look toward retirement and aim to provide my children with the opportunities I wished I had. My boys are my motivation, and I am dedicated to creating a better future for them. Art has liberated me from years of struggle, and I continue to work on it every day, finding solace and fulfillment in each piece I create.

Any advice for managing a team?

Drawing from my military experience, I’ve found that transparency and a collaborative, horizontal approach are key to building an effective team. It’s essential to challenge team members with meaningful tasks while being available to support them. This not only fosters a sense of ownership but also reassures them that they are supported, which strengthens their sense of belonging.

There’s a quote that resonates with me: “If you look at a person as they are, they will remain as they are, or perhaps deteriorate. But if you see them as they could be, they will grow into what they should be.” Inclusion is crucial for team success—people need to feel included and have a sense of purpose. As a leader, your role is to provide these opportunities and help your team members realize their potential

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a painter is experiencing the raw, genuine reactions to my work, especially in person at art fairs or events where my pieces are on display. Some of the most memorable moments have been when my paintings evoke strong emotions in viewers, which feels incredibly profound to me. While I certainly value the feedback I receive on social media, there’s something uniquely special about when someone takes the time to personally express their true feelings about my art. These spontaneous, heartfelt responses are rare and deeply meaningful, making them all the more memorable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://macpackdeisgn.com
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