Shelly Basso is celebrating 30 years in the business, a milestone that speaks to the wealth of experiences and wisdom she’s accumulated over the years. Her great work ethic is balanced by a spontaneous and adventurous spirit. She prefers the spur of the moment choice over rigid planning. Embracing opportunities with open arms, she tries to recognize the importance of gratitude for all of the blessings and success that she’s achieved. Shelly has a supportive husband, and wonderful friends, who make life more enjoyable every day. Her kids give her a run for the money; they make her laugh, cry, and always guessing what will be next!
About Shelly Basso
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Our family is a mix of ages and stages. We’ve got two high schoolers keeping things lively, while 5 other siblings are either in college or have joined the workforce. With seven kids in total, there’s never a dull moment in our house. And let’s not forget to mention Charlie, our dog, who adds even more joy and chaos to the mix. We might be busy, but we’re a tight-knit bunch, and we try to do as much as we can together.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
As the proud owner of Aspen Homes, Inc., a small business specializing in home building across the five-county area, I continue a multi-generational family tradition in construction and home building. With roots deeply entrenched in this industry, I’ve embraced this path both as a passion and a profession. From a young age, I was immersed in the world of building and design, learning alongside my parents. I take pride in crafting homes that serve as havens for families to create their own cherished memories.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my job in home building is the opportunity to do something different every day and to truly listen to my clients’ desires. Each project presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for creativity, keeping me engaged and excited about the work I do. I take great pleasure in sitting down with clients, understanding their vision, and then bringing that vision to life in the form of their unique home.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
One of the most challenging aspects of my journey in home building has been navigating the industry as a young woman who started at the age of 19. Breaking into a male-dominated field at such a young age presented significant hurdles. I often struggled to be taken seriously by my peers and colleagues. Overcoming stereotypes and biases required not only proving my competence and dedication but also demanding respect for my skills and expertise. But let’s not be so serious, my early 20’s was also the “fake it til you make it” decade, as it is for most young professionals! Despite the initial skepticism I faced, I was determined to carve out my place in the industry and prove that age and gender are not limitations to success. Luckily, I’m a hard worker, and I’m committed as heck, so I’ve solidified my position as a respected professional in the home building community.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
There’s something incredibly fulfilling in the work that I get to do. For me, It’s not just about constructing houses. It’s about crafting personalized spaces where families can thrive and make lasting memories. Moreover, I love to get to know people and learn all of the different personalities, backgrounds, traditions, and stories that make each client’s journey special and meaningful. The rewarding part is when I hear from a client or see a post that they are happy with their home and/or their experience with my team. Most of the time it’s about the team; not going to lie… I’ve got the best team at Aspen Homes.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I’m excited to share that I have recently celebrated 30 years in business – a testament to my dedication and passion for home building. Looking ahead, I’m eager to involve my children more closely into the business. As they grow, I’m seeing them bringing fresh perspectives and energy to our team.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
My advice for someone young getting into the workforce would be to prioritize learning, hard work, and excellent follow-up skills. However, above all else, the most crucial aspect is to have excellent listening skills.
Shelly Basso & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
One of my favorite activities is to hop on my bike with my son, James, and take a leisurely ride down to Pewaukee Lake. Once we arrive, we stop at Brewers Two Cafe for a delicious muffin or relaxing cup of coffee. There’s something special about the small-town charm and the serene beauty of the lake that makes our outings truly enjoyable.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
One particularly inspiring person I’ve had the privilege of meeting in our community is Chris Krasovich. Chris and I connected on a profound level as we both share the experience of raising sons with Autism. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for inclusivity and acceptance has been truly inspirational. Through conversations, Chris has imparted invaluable lessons on embracing differences and never giving up on striving for positive change in our community. What sets Chris apart is her ability to refrain from judgement and instead, offering encouragement and support, regardless of differing perspectives.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Favorite restaurant? That’s a tough one… When I’m in the mood for something upscale, Artisan 179 is my go-to choice. For a genuine taste of the community and a relaxed atmosphere, I head to Beach House Bistro. When I’m craving a delicious burger, Billy Ho’s never disappoints!
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Welcoming, Warm-Hearted, Inclusive.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to cook and have been told that food is my love language.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Favorite Movie – Forrest Gump; for many reasons. Before I had kids I liked it because it was like a history lesson. After having kids, what resonates in me is Sally Field’s portrayal of a mother who wholeheartedly embraces her son, Forrest, despite his differences. She doesn’t give him any breaks but instills in him the belief that he can do anything.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids inspire me to be better, because they are always watching and seeing what I do.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Brandy Old-Fashioned, Sour.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be my mom. She passed a year ago, and I’d love to catch up.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Last summer I took a trip with my husband and our friends, to Italy, Spain and France. Our next bucket list would be to experience Greece. Exploring ancient ruins, indulging in Mediterranean cuisine, and soaking in the views of the Sea are all high on my bucket list.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
I’m a mom, so what makes me happiest is when everything with my kids are in harmony.
Where to Find Shelly Basso
Email: shelly@aspenhomesinc.com
Phone: (262) 695-4485
Photo credit: Gergen Photography
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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