Shelley Lusas is Director of Marketing for Hubbard-Hall, where she joined in 2017 as a Marketing Manager.
Lusas has shifted the company’s marketing efforts from a traditional approach to a more modern, digital, and fully integrated approach that prioritizes Hubbard-Hall’s strategic product lines.
Lusas’ prior marketing experience includes communications, event management, marketing operations, and digital analytics in fields such as higher education, SAAS, publishing, and health insurance.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
Honestly, it was on a whim. My career has varied in different marketing roles and industries over the years. I saw a posting for a Marketing Manager position at Hubbard-Hall, and the rest is history.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
There are a few things, but what stands out most is seeing the different ways in which Hubbard-Hall’s chemistry touches our everyday lives. This is followed closely by the fact that I am always learning something new – I am a big believer in lifelong education.
Who is your hero?
In general, it is without a doubt first responders and our military – without these selfless men and women, our great nation would not be what it is. On a personal level, as cliché as it is, I would say my parents. They taught me the value of hard work and traditions.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I am a beach person, so anywhere that the sun is shining and I can put my toes in the sand.
What is your biggest fear?
I hate this question; who wants to talk about their biggest fear? Dying alone.
What is your favorite family vacation?
I don’t have one because here lies the beauty of traditions: each summer, my family would travel to Virginia Beach and the Amish Country. And I have continued that tradition by making an annual “Girls Trip” with my daughter, Addison, to Ogunquit in Maine. All of these trips quilt together memories for a lifetime.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
Over the past few years, I have been involved in a few leadership programs with Hubbard-Hall and the Greater Waterbury (CT) Chamber of Commerce, which has you take some very introspective studies. One of the things that I am working on is my ability to listen first or “seek first to understand” before having a reaction to someone’s behavior/statements.
What really makes you angry?
There are two things that make me angry: 1. Technology; yes, we all need it for our day-to-day lives, but I think it robs society, especially children, of learning to have interpersonal communication skills; and 2. People who do not respect another person’s time – always be on-time.
What motivates you to work hard?
This is the easiest answer – my daughter. Every day she motivates me to be the best version of myself. I want to be a positive role model for her and show her how to be a well-rounded person.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite thing about my career is that I can be creative and strategic and, most importantly, stay true to my inner nerd and analyze data.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Big assumption here, but I’m going out on a limb and saying that most marketers would answer this question the same way – not being able to draw a straight line from your marketing activities to customer behavior.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Personally, it is watching my daughter grow and learn every day – her intelligence, wit, and kindness amaze me every day. Professionally, it is being part of multiple boards that focus on education and the development of tomorrow’s future leaders.
What is your favorite book?
You can’t ask a book nerd this question. But right now, Addison and I are reading the Gospel According to Coco Chanel. When I worked for a book publisher, we published this book, and I picked this for two reasons – our dog’s name is Coco, and my daughter fancies herself to be a fashionista – so why not learn from/about one of the best.
What makes you laugh the most?
What makes me laugh the most is the little, unexpected moments. Something that catches you off guard – those are the best laughs. And if I had to point to a show that constantly had me in hysterics, it would definitely be Schitt’s Creek.
What was the last movie you went to?
I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie, but the last movie we did movie night for at home was Sing 2. Movies nights are a big deal – we go all-in with popcorn, chocolate (obviously), ice cream, pillow fights, and pajamas.
What did you want to be when you were small?
A couple of things: a political reporter or a teacher. But I also thought about selling flip-flops on the beach.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Wake up with a great cup of coffee and sit by the water, play in the ocean, read a book in the sand and then have a really nice dinner as the sun sets.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Anyone who really knows me would say that my favorite “sport” is shopping. I do, however, like to watch football in the fall.
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
I would say drive a car, although when I get motivated enough, I do like to go for a bike ride – it is relaxing.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
You would never catch me singing at Karaoke night; however my daughter and I have these epic dance parties and use her “fancy” microphone to belt out some 1980s and 1990s music – she needs to know the “classics.”
What would be your last meal?
My last meal would be 100% mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes.
Who is your favorite author?
My favorite author is Maya Angelou – who I had the pleasure of meeting while I was in college.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
Most people do not realize this, but “Shelley” is my nickname, and my name is “Michelle.” There are only a handful of people who actually call me Michelle.
Do you like or dislike surprises?
I am not one for surprises; I like to have a plan as I’m a control freak.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
In my house, we get into some serious game nights.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
I don’t know how to answer that. I would love to win the lottery, but I think winning the lottery would allow me to work at my perfect job – selling flip-flops on the beach and doing volunteering work for schools and dog rescues. I just don’t see a day of my life where I am not involved in something.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
100% my daughter; she is my world.
