Inspiring Conversations with Shelby Gonzales

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Gonzales.

Shelby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a little bit of a nerd. Ever since I was first introduced to a computer as a youngster, I have been in love with technology. Without a doubt, I knew I wanted to work with computers in some capacity. After high school, I started college and my first job at Pizza Hut as a server. After 8 months of being miserable there and gaining a very specific, lifelong resentment towards salad bars, I decided I’d rather deliver pizza at the shiny new Dominoes down the street. At that time, my mom and dad had been split up for a few years and I had to live with my mom. We never got along well so I had to move out on my own with no real plan.

While at Domino’s, I climbed my way up to eventually being a general manager. I did have to quit school along the way to make time for my job so I could support myself. Five years flew by and I began to wonder if I was doomed to do this forever. My dad eventually moved in with me and saw me in physical and emotional distress from working so much, coming home complaining every night. He offered to take on most of the bills so I could go back to school and work a low-stress part-time job and focus on my future. So I did.

After leaving Domino’s, I worked for GoDaddy as a support rep. I was so excited to work with computers! Turns out, it was just a sales job and I ended up hating that more than anything I think I’ve ever done. However, this opened my eyes to the world of websites, and the need for web developers with a heart, an eye for design, and the tech skills to make it all work together. This lead me to start the first iteration of my company, Jumpin’ Fred Flash, in 2017.

That short time at GoDaddy also helped open the door for me to other jobs in the tech field at help desks, while I figured out more about websites and how to run my little business. I felt like I was gaining my footing and at least finally heading in the right direction.

I graduated from Glendale Community College with my Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming and Systems Analysis in 2020 (only took me ten years off), and I landed my first full-time job as a web developer just months after.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back now, I want to say I had it pretty good and things have been easy for me. But, like damn near every road in Phoenix, there were some potholes.

I have struggled with depression my whole life. Every day I woke up and went through the day like it was a chore, going through long periods of time and having no interest in anything. Felt like I was on autopilot flying through an endless storm. Nothing seemed to help and if it did, it was only very briefly. I thought this was just how I was and there was no fixing it.

Someone very close to me took his own life in 2018 and it was very difficult to deal with. But it also made me realize that these thoughts that come and go could very well be more serious than I knew. A couple of years later, I decided to seek help, and it changed my life. I wake up now grateful for each day and eager for opportunities. I’ve been able to focus on my career and my relationships with those close to me, and, without the Big Sad lingering and distracting me.

Then my dad died. That destroyed me, and I am still trying to process it two years later. He was the reason I am where I am now (and also why I’m so cool, honestly). He showed me the importance of working hard but also not letting life pass you by. Take care of business, then kick back and enjoy the rewards. I aspire to have the same amount of fulfillment and great memories from the life that he had. I’m here for a good time, not a long time!

No matter what challenges or obstacles are thrown at me, I know I will make it through. Pops called me “El Gato” because I always seem to land on my feet. I know he would be so proud of me now.

As you know, we’re big fans of Channel 37 Online. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
WEBSITES. WEBSITES. WEBSITES. I make the hell out of websites. My portfolio ranges from dentist’s offices to breweries and bands. My absolute favorite clients to work with are breweries. The Arizona craft beer community is near and dear to me. The most fun and genuine people you’ll meet are beer people. I am so happy that I found a way to combine two things I love into a career – technology, and beer.

What sets me apart from your typical web designer/developer is that, as previously mentioned, I am very cool. And I know what I’m doing. I can make a pretty thing that functions well and I can configure and maintain all the scary boring bits and pieces behind it that make it tick. Creating and solving problems is my jam. I also love getting to know my clients and learning about their businesses, and creating a little virtual version of their business that matches their vibe. Really warms my tortilla that people trust me to do that for them, it means the world to me.

What with the name? Google “Channel 37” well enough and the alien and tagline will make sense, I promise.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I love what I do, and I’m always hungry to learn more. Whether that means learning new ways to put together a website or finding a really neat tool that helps me stay organized or do administrative tasks that come with running a business. I know I am never going to run out of things to learn and that gets me SO pumped.

Contact Info:

• Website: channel37online.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/channel37online
• Facebook: facebook.com/channel37online
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/channel-37-online