What do you wish you knew ten years ago in your career?

I wish I would have learned sooner in my life how to overcome fear and self-doubt. I am not saying that I am always self-assured or never worry about something, but I find it easier now to be intentional and keep my thoughts focused on positive, life-enhancing ideas, images, and memories. I have a little gratitude ritual I do when I wake up, which helps me stay the course.

What were my original plans, and how did they change?

As a small child, I loved playing school and declared at a young age that I was going to be a teacher. I never changed my mind and graduated with a degree in elementary education and special education. Later, I added a master’s degree in educational administration and was an elementary vice-principal and principal. I loved my career in education; however, our family’s construction business was growing, and the demand created an opportunity for me to step into the business. I like change. I never taught the same grade level for more than four years and shifted between regular ed and special ed throughout my career. I get restless when things become routine so, while I loved teaching, the challenge of moving into our business full time was a new challenge and has opened up new possibilities.

What is one piece of advice I wish I could pass along to my younger self?

I love learning and am especially interested and passionate about wellness and our relationship with food. Our food system is devolving and is controlled by our government which in turn is manipulated by big industry leaving consumers with confusing or inaccurate information about our food and what it is doing to us. I love learning new information and discovering new resources available that enhance wellness and living healthy. While it is never too late to take care of yourself, I wish I had this knowledge when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. I would advise my younger self to eat whole foods and take wellness and nutrition seriously. I would have also been a better role model regarding nutrition as a parent. 

“The secret of living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure.”

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A Coeur d’ Alene native, Shelley’s first career in education spanned 22 years as an elementary teacher and administrator in Lakeland and Coeur d’ Alene public schools. She joined forces with the Rosenberger Construction team formally in 2004 and serves as the office manager and a project coordinator. Shelley is a horse enthusiast and rides competitive reining horses.