Shelly Hirschinger’s career at TVF has revolved around service, expertise, and incomparable responsiveness. After some 19 years in textiles, one of TVF’s most well-known senior sales consultants is retiring. Known for her attention to detail, dedication to customers, and itinerate world travels, Shelly leaves a legacy at TVF of expertise… and competitiveness.
Shelly’s TVF career began with a chance reunion with Classic & Vinyl Program Director Bob Burns while shopping. That conversation with her high school classmate (coupled with an opening on the TVF sales team) led to her career shift from real estate to textile sales. Shelly took it from there and became an award winner, a mentor, and a valued connector to customers and fellow employee-owners.
Competitiveness in many forms – from games in the office to sales team awards – are one of Shelly’s hallmarks. “It’s so funny because I get so many people saying ‘God, I can’t believe how competitive you are!’” she jokes, “and I’m like: do you want a salesperson that’s not competitive? And they’re like: ‘oh, no, we don’t.’ And I’m like: okay then.”
Shelly’s advice to her teammates includes a call to take a wider view… especially during challenging times. “Sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down in the everyday details,” she says, “but if you wait it out, things tend to always work themselves out. Look at the big picture. Try to keep an even head.” She adds that it’s important to help anyone you can with knowledge and experiences “because that’s only going to come back to you as a good thing.”
“I’ll definitely miss the people (customers and coworkers), the fun, and the camaraderie. But as much as I want everyone to remember me for my competitive spirit and my work ethic,” Shelly says, “I want them to remember me for my silliness, humor, and just that I’m a decent person, you know? And that I do care about everyone.”
Her travels throughout the world with her husband, Chuck, are legendary. In fact, more travel post-retirement is on their itinerary, including a full family trip to Germany with her children and their significant others before a voyage throughout the Mediterranean later in the year.
Thank you, Shelly Hirschinger, for over 19 years of dedication to TVF!
