Name: Nick Shelton
Company: Shelton’s Farm Market & City of Niles, Michigan
What Does Your Company/Organization Do? Shelton’s: Shelton’s has been in the business of serving customers since 1947 when my great grandfather started Shelton Farms. Featuring the area’s largest full-service meat department, Shelton’s Farm Market has grown from a small seasonal “open air” market to the most complete and unique specialty retail food operation in the Michiana area. We specialize in providing the best available fresh produce, fresh meats and other “Fresh and Natural” foods, both homegrown and from all corners of the world. We are Your FRESH Specialist! City of Niles: We are a diverse and unique community of forward-thinking people who believe in the equal opportunity of all our citizens to enjoy our special quality of life. It therefore is the mission of the Niles City Council to promote this equality, this diversity, and this uniqueness through its policies and leadership.
Age: 38
Education: Albion College, Graduated May 2008 Economics & Management, Mass Communications Bachelor of Arts Albion, MI Brandywine High School, Class of 2004
Accomplishments:
My proudest accomplishments: Shelton’s: -Through Shelton’s Secret Santa Food Basket program, we have partnered with local contributors and organizations to provide more than 46,000 pounds of food to more than 800 families in the community. -Shelton Farms recently celebrated our 77th year in business, an accomplishment I am very proud of. City of Niles: -Elected in 2016 with 76% of the vote, as Niles’ youngest mayor in City History. -My proudest moments as mayor revolve around the way our community rallies and bounces back from adversity, including a tornado (2017), flood (2018), polar vortex (2019), and pandemic (2020-now). We care for one another. We take care of each other. We have each other’s backs, and I am so proud of that. Awards: Michiana 40 under 40 Award in 2018 Southwest Michigan Chamber Rising Star Award in 2022 Brandywine Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024.
Current City: City of Niles, Michigan
Place You Were Born: South Bend, Indiana
What was your first job? Grocery Bagger, Shelton’s Farm Market (5 years old)
What motivates you to give back to your community? I love the City of Niles and our region, and I feel a deep sense of responsibility and pride for my hometown. It is important to me to help build a community where I am proud to raise my own family, and where future generations can feel a strong sense of belonging and pride.
What Superpower would you most love to have? I would love the ability to be in multiple places at once.
What would you like to leave behind as your legacy once you are gone? I want to be remembered as a good partner, a good dad, and a good friend.
