Stories of Leadership: Shelly Hall

Shelly Hall graduated in 1975 with a degree in liberal arts and minors in public relations, television and film and psychology.

He went on to be one of the founders of SpearHall Advertising & Public Relations in 1980 and has been an integral part in promoting many San Diego events and businesses. He is president of the firm and has worked with an array of clients and various fundraising events throughout his 33 years in business. 

1. Tell us the highlights of your professional career.  What are your proudest achievements?

My first real job out of college was working for Jerry Buss, who recently passed away.  He was the owner of the Lakers and the Forum at the time, and I was hired as an assistant public relations director with a sports team he owned called the San Diego Friars of the World Team Tennis league.

It was very interesting and motivating because he was so well known and so focused on success. After leaving the Friars, I opened up my own advertising and public relations agency and continued to promote professional tennis events.

One of my proudest achievements occurred following the San Ysidro McDonald’s shooting and massacre in 1984 when we were contacted by Jimmy Connors, the professional tennis player, who had heard about the tragedy and wanted to do some kind of a fundraiser for the victims’ families. As a result we organized a major tennis event featuring Connors and Ivan Lendl in less than three weeks and sold out the San Diego Sports Arena as we raised over $100k for the families. And, finally, operating a successful business for over 33 years.

2. What’s your favorite college memory?

Just being a student, enjoying the campus, meeting lots of new friends, attending games at Jack Murphy Stadium (now the Q) to enjoy great Coryell coached football teams featuring some of the best QBs in the nation (Dennis Shaw, Brian Sipe), and hanging out at the beach.

3. Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

Mr. Bob Misiorowski who taught telecommunications and film. He probably didn’t know it, but he inspired me in a film class to do great work and to not be satisfied with just getting the project done.

4. If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Enjoy and appreciate your time as a student as it goes way too fast. And, while you are there, learn all you can. And, finally, get to know your profs and the students around you as you never know who will be that one person down the line who will provide you with a reference or even a great job.

5. What are you currently reading? What’s your favorite book?

Actually, a book that my daughter, Karly, gave me for my birthday recently called
“Daddy's Little Goalie" - a book about a wonderful bond that a father and daughter developed through sports.

6. What quality do you value most in friends and colleagues?

I would say loyalty and integrity for sure.

7. What is your passion?

I play volleyball, softball and golf a few times a week, all of which I truly enjoy, but my true passion would have to be traveling with my family. Traveling to a fun location where my two daughters, their boyfriends, my wife and I can all get away together and just enjoy each other's company.

8. What is your motto?

There are three mottos that I seem to follow and live by:

“What goes around comes around,” “Treat people the way you want to be treated,” and “Don’t let grass grow under your feet.”

9. If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

Buy a sports team, travel and help out a well-deserving charity.