Since the age of 12, Ryan Shell has been an entrepreneur. Going door to door painting mailboxes was his first endeavor — an experience that helped him quickly become interested in marketing and human psychology as related to business.
While he’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, Ryan’s career has been quite the adventure. He kicked things off by becoming one of the youngest Top 40 DJ’s in the top 50 markets.
After a six year run and lots of fun, he decided it was time to move on from his childhood dream job and transitioned to public relations and marketing.
This career change allowed him to get a variety of experience at places such as a camp for kids with chronic illnesses to financial institutions to marketing and public relations agencies. Working for various organizations and brands provided great experience, but he always felt like something was missing and that nothing was ever challenging enough.
Looking for something more, he created The Home T in 2012 with a $1,200 investment. It’s a lifestyle apparel brand that helps people show off their state pride, stylishly. The company started as a side job, but the brand became very popular thanks to it’s commitment to quality, comfort and dedication to raising money for multiple sclerosis research. To date the company has raised more than $250,000 for multiple sclerosis research.
In March of 2014 he quit his day job and decided to run The Home T full time.
Ryan did not go to Harvard, but he, according to CNBC.com, did something much more difficult. He successfully pitched himself and his company (The Home T) and aired on Season Six of ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. He received three offers on the show and turned them all down.
“You are a brilliant marketer. And an even better salesperson.” – Kevin O’Leary, Shark Tank
In addition to running his busy company, Ryan serves on the board of the Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
On the Web:
Facebook: /ryanshell
Twitter: @ryanshell
LinkedIn: in/ryancshell