Great Living Cincinnatians
West Shell, Jr.
Awarded in 1993
The name West Shell is synonymous with real estate in Greater Cincinnati, so it's not surprising that West Shell Jr.'s proudest accomplishment is building a three-man firm begun in 1958 into the largest realty company in the Tristate - one with 26 offices, more than 1,000 employees and sales of about $1 billion a year.
He is equally proud, however, to have helped shape the growth and development of Cincinnati.
Twice named Cincinnati Realtor of the Year, Shell, 70, sold the company in 1985, but remains active as chairman emeritus. He estimates that for much of his career, 35 percent of his working day has been devoted to the development of the city in matters other than running his business.
As the Chamber's chairman in 1982, he oversaw the creation of the Blue Chip Campaign for Economic Development. Currently a member of the Cincinnati city manager's Year 2000 Review Committee, Shell has also served as chairman of Cincinnati's Central Riverfront Advisory Committee, director of the Hoxworth Blood Center and Cincinnati Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, and director of the National Association of Realtors.