Shelly Stever
Shelly Stever is a veteran sales executive with more than 25 years of experience in the global filtration industry. Currently the Sales Director at JEM Technical, she brings extensive expertise in OEM and aftermarket sales across industrial air, engine, hydraulic, and mobile filtration sectors. Shelly has a proven track record of leading high-performing teams in both on-road and off-road markets, consistently driving revenue growth and building strong, lasting client partnerships.
Shelly’s professional journey began unexpectedly. While initially focused on college recruiting for private schools, a call from a recruiter for Donaldson Company set her on a path in industrial sales—a field familiar to her through her father. Starting as a telemarketer, she advanced through the ranks to become the company’s first female National Sales Director. In this role, she led teams to expand revenue from $40 million to over $100 million, delivered presentations to the board of directors, conducted global training sessions, and implemented her MIRC (Motivation, Inspiration, Recognition, Celebration) program to strengthen team unity and culture.
Her leadership approach emphasizes people-first principles, combining professional rigor with encouragement, recognition, and celebration of achievements. Shelly is also deeply committed to mentoring, industry advocacy, and community service. She contributes to organizations such as Junior Achievement and Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, reflecting her dedication to giving back and empowering others.
Guided by her core values of faith, family, friends, fun, and filters-what she calls living by the "F" words-Shelly balances a demanding career with personal fulfillment, maintaining a philosophy that purpose, joy, and hard work are essential for long-term success.
• Mini MBA Program Certification
• Winona State University - BS
• Coordinator of the Year - 2010
• WeMN
• Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
• Lakeville Chamber of Commerce
• United Way
• Coordinator at Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest
• Donaldson Company Ambassador, Communications Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a mix of unexpected beginnings, values alignment, and a commitment to people-first leadership. My father encouraged me to enter this field—even though it wasn’t something I initially saw myself doing. But as I grew in my career, I realized how deeply it aligned with my strengths and values. I started as a telemarketer at Donaldson Company and, over time, became the first female National Sales Director in the company’s history.
Throughout my journey, I've focused on building strong, motivated teams and creating a culture where people feel seen and valued. I lead with the MERC principle—Motivation, Inspiration, Recognition, and Celebration—which has helped grow our team from 8 to 18 and increase revenue from $40 million to over $100 million, while maintaining a 62% profit margin.
At the heart of it all, I believe leadership is service. I show up authentically, connect easily with others, and strive to bring out the best in the people around me—because when people feel supported, they thrive.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to focus on performance—your work will always speak louder than your title. That mindset has helped keep me grounded throughout my career. Instead of chasing roles or recognition, I’ve always chosen to invest fully in whatever position I’m in, trusting that growth and opportunity would follow.
I truly believe that when you consistently show up, do the work, and lead with integrity, the right doors will open—often without you needing to force them. It’s about staying committed, doing your best, and letting your results speak for themselves.
That perspective has kept me both humble and focused, and it’s a reminder I continue to carry with me: keep moving forward, one step at a time, with purpose and consistency.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: be authentic. Don’t try to lead like someone else—lead like you. Leadership isn’t about perfection or position; it’s about people.
I lead with what I call the MIRC philosophy—Motivation, Inspiration, Recognition, and Celebration. It’s the foundation of the team culture I strive to build, where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Also, never be afraid to speak up. You can be both kind and assertive. Your voice matters—use it with confidence, because the perspective you bring is your strength.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming outdated perceptions of what leadership should look like. There were times I felt underestimated or overlooked simply because I didn’t “fit the mold.” But instead of trying to blend in, I learned to stand out—for the right reasons.
Another challenge is the emotional resilience it takes to navigate corporate pressures while staying true to yourself. For me, honoring the memory of my late sister has been a powerful motivator. Her strength reminds me why I continue to show up, especially on the hardest days.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me—faith, family, friends, fun, and filters—keep me grounded and remind me to enjoy the journey, not just chase the destination. I often share this mantra with the teams I lead as a reminder that balance matters.
Starting my family later in life was a blessing, and music, especially reggae, keeps me centered. Through all the pressures of leadership, I’ve learned that authenticity and purpose are my greatest strengths. Honoring my sister’s memory fuels everything I do. Her legacy reminds me to lead boldly, live fully, and never lose sight of what truly matters.