Mark Eckel 2022-01-03 16:26:09
Former pro wide receiver Russell Shepard started his first business in 2013, right about the first time he caught his first NFL pass.
An undrafted free agent out of Louisiana State University, it was Shepard’s father, Russell, Sr., who suggested his son build a second source of income in case he had to shift gears.
Soon after signing his first NFL contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, he started Shep Boys Trucking, a dump truck company that hauled sand, gravel, dirt and concrete to and from construction sites.
Making it to final cuts in Philadelphia, Shepard was put on waivers and quickly grabbed by Tampa Bay. He made the Buccaneers 53-man roster and made his mark as a special teams ace. In 2014, Shepard led the team in special teams tackles and was named special teams captain for the 2015-16 seasons. Off the field, Shepard invested much of his rookie salary into his first truck.
“Having a company while I was an active player was good for me,” said Shepard. “I grew to five trucks in a four-year period. Our family has been in the trucking industry for generations, so while my focus was on the game, they were hands on for me. My father helped me with the business and managed the trucks and the drivers. My mom had experience managing payroll and had also worked in HR in corporate America. With the resources I had, and the money I was making, it was a perfect storm to start the business.”
“What many players have to realize is that sometimes out what you want to do, you have to experience what you don’t want to do. That doesn’t mean you failed; it means it wasn’t a good fit.” - Russell Shepard
It was Russell’s grandfather that first recognized opportunity in the trucking industry when Houston was expanding due to the 1970s oil boom.
“I would often go to work with my dad and grandfather,” Russell remembers. “As a young kid, I would play in the back of the dump trucks. Later, I began to work on them and finally, I was old enough to drive them.”
By his fourth year in the league, Shepard’s five dump trucks were bringing in between $5K and $10K each, per month. That’s $60-120K per year, per truck. Tampa Bay was paying Shepard the league minimum at the time at $350K. You do the math.
In 2016, Shepard signed a three-year, $10 million dollar contract with the Carolina Panthers, with over two-million dollars guaranteed.
In changing teams, he also felt he was ready to shift careers. Shepard gave the keys to Shep Boys Trucking to his parents and set his sights on his next business venture.
“I wanted to thank my parents for all they had done for me. And I knew early on that it wasn’t the long-term business I wanted,” said Shepard.
In 2019, he completed his NFL career with the New York Giants. He was 29 years old and ready for his next venture.
“I knew I wanted to start another company,” said Shepard. “I just needed to do my research to figure out which industry was the best fit for my team.”
His team now included his parents and his wife, Marian. Shepard met Marian Kasali-Wilson when he was just a sophomore in high school. They were married July 19, 2015 and have two sons, Moses and Ramsi.
“I needed to take advantage of each of their skillsets. I’m blessed to be surrounded by a talented, hard-working family.”
An integral part of Shepard’s research came from taking advantage of the many workshops, bootcamps and programs developed by the NFL. Shepard signed up for the NFLPE Speakers Bureau in 2018 in L.A.; he and Marian completed the NFL Business Academy together at the University of Michigan in 2019—and won the new business competition with their Shep Boys pitch. He also completed an internship the NFLPA in Washington.
“I was familiar with the NFL off-season programs, and midway through my career, I started taking advantage of all programs that would help me build my network, introduce me to business mentors, and help me grow,” said Shepard.
He decided he would start a sports agency. “I got involved with the NFLPA, attended several league update meetings with over 200 accredited NFL agents, and had full access at the 2020 combine in Indianapolis,” said Shephard. “To be honest, after three days, I called my wife and said, ‘This isn’t going to work. This isn’t what I want to do.’ It just wasn’t the right environment for our family. What many players have to realize is that sometimes to figure out what you want to do, you have experience what you don’t want to do. That doesn’t mean you failed; it means it wasn’t a good fit.”
For the next year, Shepard tracked business trends in familiar turf: trucking. He studied all industries that relied on trucking—from dump trucks to shipping, healthcare, freight, construction, retail, food and chemical waste.
“What I learned is that waste management and portable sanitation were the most recession-proof industries out there,” said Shepard. “There’s always going to be garbage and well...”
Marian and Russell reached out to her former boss, Jon Farley, CEO and founder of ZTERS, a national waste management business that estimates between 30- and 40-million dollars in profits per year.
“I told Jon I was finished playing and I would appreciate his advice,” said Shepard. “While we talked a lot about waste management, Jon also told me to look more into the portable sanitation industry.”
Farley also made Shepard a promise. If Shepard successfully launched Shep Boys, ZTERS would contract him to service the Houston area.
“When I told my parents that I wanted to start a waste management and portable toilet company they looked at me like I was crazy,” laughed Shepard. “But they believed in me and saw value in my plan.”
Shep Boys launched on Aug. 3, 2020, right smack dab in the middle of COVID-19. Shepard would discover that the waste management and portable sanitation industries aren’t just recession-proof, they’re also pandemic-proof. In its first month, Shep Boys earned $6K; the second month, $12K; and the third month, $18K.
“We were increasing our sales every month, especially once we circled back to show our results to Jon Farley,” said Shepard.
Farley kept his promise to contract out his Houston territory to Shep Boys.
“We are clearing close to $60K per month now,” said Shepard. “From January to December, I expect to reach a half million in sales.”
Shep Boys just celebrated their first anniversary with steady growth and doesn’t just carry Shepard’s name, but generations of work ethic instilled by a family who continues to work and grow together.
“Once I had Shep Boys up and running, my parents sold Shep Boys Trucking to join my team. They are the foundation of everything I do,” said Shepard.
No doubt, many of his clients don’t realize Shepard played professional football for seven seasons.
“Not only do they not know that I played in the league,” laughed Shepard. “They don’t even know I’m the owner! I was Shep Boys’ first driver and I’m still driving today.”
Although he isn’t quick to mention that he is a former NFL star, he is quick to acknowledge that his experience in the league shaped him and gave him all the tools he needed to succeed: discipline, commitment, drive, honor, humility. Shepard is also willing to help younger players or even his peers who want to get started in business world.
“Guys do reach out at times,” he said. “I went to LSU, so among my circles, some of them are going to be Hall of Famers, but they respect my business advice. They knew back in college that I wanted to start my own business and I’ve been true to my word. I have found that there are many players who want to own a business, but they’re intimidated by it.”
Shepard has never been intimidated. As a player, he beat the odds and made it into the league undrafted. As a business owner, he knows the insane pressure he faces and the amount of time he devotes to Shep Boys will become a lasting legacy.
“My goal over the next five to seven years is to start a national company, sell it, but maintain the Houston location for my family in perpetuity. This way, no matter what my children and my children’s children do—they know they will always have team Shep Boys in their corner.”
For more information visit Shepboyswaste.com.
This limited Health Program is worthy of the efforts you made as a Player, with a dedicated network ready to help you today. We’re with you in your health journey. This guide will give all the information you need to get started.
1
You’re automatically enrolled in this no-cost, custom Program
You’ll have access to the coverage starting September 1, 2021, and you’ll be protected until you reach age 65. You don’t have to take any additional steps to begin using the benefit.
2
It’s first-use and substantial
If you need care, use this benefit first. It’s designed to give you the maximum benefit each year, and it covers your whole well-being.
• Preventive care services are 100% covered
• $25,000 a year for primary medical care
• $25,000 a year for mental health services
3
The quality of the healthcare providers is outstanding
The doctors and hospitals are some of the best In the country. These NFL Club Partners create a dedicated health network that understands the health challenges of Former Players.
4
Cigna Concierge Specialists coordinate all available resources
Meet your personal experts in NFL benefits. They’ll help you understand how everything works, partner with the health system to guide you to the first-class care you need and help you maximize the benefit each year.
QUESTIONS? JUST CALL 800.NFL.GOAL (800.635.4625), PROMPT 3.
Q. What is the NFL Dedicated Hospital Network Program?
A. The NFL Dedicated Hospital Network Program is a retiree supplement to the NFL Player Insurance Plan (PIP) as agreed to under the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Benefits under this Program will be provided at no cost to eligible Vested Former Players unless you exceed the Program’s Annual Maximums where applicable. Services include are preventive screenings, primary medical care, mental health care, and certain orthopedic treatment once a retiree’s Continuing Veteran coverage under PIP ends. For the avoidance of doubt, Vested Former Players may be covered simultaneously by both Extended Coverage under the PIP and by this Program.
Q. What Benefits are covered? What are the limitations?
A. The NFL and NFLPA have contracted with Hospital networks in every NFL city to provide access to certain medical services. These high-quality participating health systems will provide a range of services including preventive screenings, primary medical care including certain orthopedic support, and mental health services.
Q. What is the Program effective date?
A. The program begins September 1, 2021. This means your Benefits will renew every year on September 1 until you reach age 65.
Q. Who will be covered under the Program?
A. All Vested Former Players under the age of 65 who are no longer eligible for Continuing Veteran Coverage under PIP are automatically eligible for Benefits under the Program. A Vested Former Player is eligible on the later of the first day of the month immediately following the last month that the Vested Former Player is covered under the PIP through Continuing Veteran Coverage, or September 1, 2021. For the avoidance of doubt, Vested Former Players may be covered simultaneously by both Extended Coverage under the PIP and by this Program. Generally, a Vested Former Player’s coverage under the Program ends on the last day of the month of his 65th birthday.
Q. What is Cigna’s Concierge Service?
A. The Cigna Concierge Service provides a team of specialists who will work with you to identify the appropriate Covered Services under the Program, identify the most convenient and appropriate Participating Provider, and assist you with the scheduling of all necessary appointments. Your Concierge Specialist will also help you take full advantage of this Program and guide you through any other NFL Plans or Programs that may be available.
Q. Are spouses and dependents covered under this Program?
A. Presently, spouses and dependents are not covered under this Program.
Q. What is the cost to you as an eligible Vested Former Player?
A. There is no cost to the eligible Vested Former Player.
Coverage beyond the Annual Maximums would be the responsibility of the Vested Former Player or may be reimbursed by other insurance or NFL Programs.
Q. How does an eligible Former Player enroll in the Program?
A. Enrollment into the Program is automatic and renews every year on September 1 until you reach age 65.
Q. If I were to exceed my Annual Maximum for primary medical care or mental health services, when will the Annual Maximums renew?
A. Annual Maximums renew September 1 every year until you reach age 65.
Q. What are the NFL Dedicated Hospital Network Benefits?
A. The Program is expected to have four Benefit categories:
1. Preventive Care – All preventive care and immunizations recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
2. Primary Medical Care, Including Orthopedic Support Services. Fully covered up to the $25,000 combined Annual Maximum.
3. Mental Health Services – Fully covered up to the $25,000 Annual Mental Health maximum. Expanded Program coverage and exclusions are outlined in the SPD.
4. Concierge Support – Cigna will work to help you maximize benefits under this and other Programs.
Q. How do the Annual Plan Maximums work?
A. 1. Age-appropriate preventive care is covered in full with no maximums.
Certain medical benefits are covered in full up to $25,000 Annually.
Certain mental health support services are covered in full for an additional $25,000 annually beyond the medical limits.
Review Summary Plan Document for additional details.
Q. Will this Program replace other healthcare insurance?
A. No. The Program is intended to serve as a Limited Benefit Program in addition to other coverages. Vested Former Players are still eligible, even if they have no other health coverage.
Q. What is a Limited Benefit Program?
A. A Limited Benefit Program is a medical plan that provides coverage for certain illnesses or conditions and/or coverage up to a predetermined amount.
Q. Does the Program meet the Minimum Essential Coverage criteria set forth by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
A. No. This Program is not intended to replace a comprehensive health plan that meets minimum essential coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act.
Q. Will this Program have any implications for those enrolled in qualified High-Deductible Health Plans or Health Savings Accounts?
A. No. Because the Program does not meet minimum criteria established under the Affordable Care Act, it will not present any tax or legal implications for those enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan or Health Savings Account.
Q. Is Neurocognitive Disability different than Mental Health?
A. Yes. Since this Program is limited to Mental Health, you should review the NFL Disability and Neurocognitive Benefit Plan or call Cigna Concierge Specialist for additional information.
Q. How does this Program coordinate with other NFL Programs?
A. Programs may have different eligibility and qualification rules, and contribution amounts may vary depending on when the Programs were established, your number of Credited Seasons, and when they were earned. Call your Cigna Concierge Specialist for additional information to help you understand how this Program works with your different NFL Programs and how to maximize your annual benefit each year.
Q. What healthcare systems are in network?
A. The NFL has contracted with selected high-quality health systems based in each NFL city. Eligible Former Players may seek treatment at any health system in the network. There is no restriction based on their home address or proximity to a certain facility.
You must call your Cigna Concierge Specialist at 800.NFL.GOAL, (800.635.4625), PROMPT 3, to access these healthcare providers.
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