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

Shenel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the most significant risks in my life was relocating from Houston, TX to San Antonio, TX after graduating college to begin my career in the construction industry. My degrees were in Marketing & Finance and my background was in retail and hospitality.

There were many doubts running through my mind. Was it worth it to end my long-term relationship? Was it worth it to leave my friends? Did I have the talent to make it in the construction industry? Isn’t it “a man’s world” as they say? What if I don’t make friends? What if I hate my job and don’t have the money to move back to Houston?

Despite all the negative thoughts that overtook my mind, I realized that I was walking through a door of new opportunities. I would have a consistent schedule, see my family during the holidays, and make enough money to enjoy life. When I finally moved to San Antonio in August 2015, I was excited and nervous. When I started my career in the construction industry, I quickly realized how little I knew. I had no idea what a blueprint or a spec sheet was and I quickly felt that I made a huge mistake. Luckily, I had the courage to ask people who knew more than me what I needed to learn to be successful at my job. Six years later, I went from knowing nothing about the construction industry to helping train inside and outside sales representatives.

After six years with the company, I felt it was time to learn something new. I began my career at another construction company as a Project Manager in November 2021. This was a huge leap for me. A year later, I am still learning more and getting better every day.

One of the risks I took while starting my new job was also taking on the role of Vice President of my local women in construction non-profit chapter. It was only my 3rd year with the organization and I did not know if I was ready for such a huge responsibility. Again, those negative thoughts overtook my mind. Am I too young? Am I good enough? Am I ready to be a leader? Shouldn’t someone better do it? What will people say? I don’t want to upset anyone. Should I wait until I’m 50 like I planned on doing? Can I simultaneously begin a new job AND run a non-profit? If I am successful, will my success prevent me from finding a romantic partner? Will I be perceived as “intimidating”? Am I taking on too much? What if I’m a terrible leader?

I took on the role because other people saw the potential in me that I did not see in myself. I noticed that life often gave me opportunities when I really wanted to stay in my comfort zone. The universe, God, source whatever you want to call it often forces me to do something knowing I am ready even when I think I’m not. I generally do not like risk or going into the unknown. I have learned that it’s in calculated risk that I’ve been able to achieve the most reward.

In March 2022, I was nominated to be the President of my women in construction chapter and was inducted as chapter President on October 2022. This was a result of demonstrating my leadership and placing my members in positions where we could thrive as a Chapter. My vision allowed us to win regional and national awards. The presidential nomination was a momentous occasion for me since Asians (both men and women) comprise only 2% of the construction industry. October is also Filipino American History Month and to be inducted as President during October meant a lot to me. It meant that I would be part of the tradition and history of a chapter that existed for 64 years. Achieving my childhood dream of being the President of a non-profit before the age of 60 changed how I perceived time and what I can achieve.

The risks I have taken since 2015, and continue to take every day, allow me to share my story with people around the world. I speak to many students virtually about my career in the construction industry and most of them have never met a woman in the construction industry nor know of the opportunities in the industry.

I have used my knowledge in the construction industry, being a leader for a non-profit, and other knowledge acquired through my Save Sell Shenel platform to provide business consulting services and public speaking engagements.

Risk is scary AND it is SO worth it. I highly recommend everyone get out of their comfort zone so they can experience their true potential.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I created my Save Sell Shenel platform in 2018 when my sister was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. She and I would talk for hours about ways to save and make money. She recommended that I share my knowledge via social media because she did not know how long she would be alive and even if I helped one person, it would be worth it.

I created my platform to help my audience find ways to save and make money. Over the years, I eventually focused on consulting. Having a diverse background in construction, marketing, non-profit, reselling, public speaking, and more I now cater my consulting services to the short and long-term goals of my clients. I also use my Save Sell Shenel platform to promote small businesses and amplify stories that should be shared.

Most of my Save Sell Shenel content on Instagram is motivational and helps inspire my audience by taking them along on my journey. Unlike many pages that are focused on an “Instagramable” or “perfect” or “#goals”
world, I share my vulnerability and my ability to overcome adversity. After my sister passed away in 2019, I had to heal from a divorce in 2020, start over financially, learn to be a leader of a non-profit while starting a new job, and I am now navigating the dating scene through #shenelseatpraylovetour.

I am proud of how my platform has evolved. I get messages every day from people I’ve helped around the world. Whether it’s by giving them small business ideas or encouraging them to go after their dreams or having them follow my journey of perseverance.

I want potential followers or clients to know that I want you to be the best version of yourself. Sometimes the advice I give is tough love but the results are worth it. Feel free to contact me to find out how you can save and sell or better yourself one day at a time.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Being a leader of a non-profit organization with 64 women during the pandemic was difficult for me. I was only 33 and did not know how I could bridge the generational gap and still provide services to all members. I read a lot of books and articles on how to be a better leader and implemented them. The information I used resulted in my chapter winning regional and national awards. We were able to increase our membership from 20 members to 64 during uncertain times.

Here are some of the things I learned when managing a team:

1) Get to know your team. Try to learn each member’s weaknesses and strengths.
2) Not everyone processes information the same way. Ask them if written or verbal communication is the best way to communicate. Ask how much “think time” is required for them to properly digest and process the information that is relayed.
3) Calendar reminders are a must! We have busy lives and adding a meeting to the calendar prevents miscommunication and double booking.
4) Check in with your team. Are they still invested in the goal? Where are they struggling? What can you do to help?
5) Learning conflict resolution is essential to a successful team. As much as we would like to say “it’s not personal, it’s business”, that phrase can be dismissive and does not address the root cause of a problem. Schedule a time to address an issue and develop a plan of action for success.
6) Acknowledge the success of your team. If someone has a great idea, give them credit.

Here are some tips for maintaining high morale:
1) Know your people. Are they struggling? What can you do to help?
2) Schedule teambuilding exercises.
3) Use positive words to motivate and encourage your team. No one wants to feel like the work they do is useless. Everyone plays a vital role in your success.
4) As a leader, be mindful of your energy and how you carry yourself. Your team will feed off of you. Despite difficult situations, ask yourself and your team “what is this teaching us and how can we get better?” Stay positive with a calm demeanor as much as possible.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I grew my social media presence through diversification. I started with Instagram then moved to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and I created my podcast. I tell people not to do everything at once. It creates burnout and a lack of focus. I recommend selecting one or two platforms that you think your target audience uses and growing there. Once you are comfortable with the platform, you can start posting on other platforms. I have a video on my YouTube channel on “Marketing Your Personal Brand or Business on a Budget.”

When it comes to one platform, make sure you are using the features that are provided so that the algorithm favors your content. Do not limit growing your audience to only social media. Meet people in real life and have them follow you. Invite your friends and family to follow you and share your content.

Do not chase things that are quick and easy. Stay true to your brand whether it’s your personal brand or your business. You are here for longevity and not a moment in time.

Contact Info:

• Website: savesellshenel.com
• Instagram: @savesellshenel
• Facebook: @savesellshenel
• Twitter: @savesellshenel
• Youtube: @savesellshenel

Image Credits
Mary C. Haskin Photography