The48

48 FAQs About The48

1. What exactly is The48?

The48 is a curated community comprised of the nation’s Top 48 Writers, Top 48 Art Directors, Top 48 Designers, Top 48 Account Directors, Top 48 Strategists, and Top 48 Producers. And possibly the Top 48 of another role or two that we haven’t accounted for yet.

We will tap The48 for projects and contract roles to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.

2. How does The48 work?

We will contact you about a project when we find a good fit. If you’re booked on another job, not a big deal. We will move on to the next qualified person. There may only be a need for a super-talented Writer or Designer. Or, we may need to assemble a full-service agency. What’s been great about SHELTR is that we have a business model that can flex and adapt to our client’s needs. That part won’t change.

3. Where is The48 based?

SHELTR is a remote business model. We are not a brick-and-mortar agency, meaning we have space for EVERYONE. But mostly, we have space for the The48—the ones who are the best at what they do and live in the contiguous 48 states of America.

We will notify you via electronic mail if you are selected.

Membership is FREE. But only for The48.

4. When will I hear back from The48 if I made The48?

If you don’t hear from us, don’t worry—you will. The48 is constantly updating our roster of the Top 48 because some will find FT employment. And some will simply be too busy or disinterested. Which will make us sad. But others on the waitlist will, in turn, find happiness. Because their number will be called. So it should work out for everyone.

5. How much work will I get from The48?

Corporate Answer: We’re working hard to make sure everyone has an opportunity to work with our clients. Real Answer: It will fluctuate. Some seasons are busier than others. And there are 48 of you—per position. So ideally, we have enough work to go around, and everyone stays busy. But we encourage you to continue freelancing and working with your existing clients. We will work around your schedule.

6. Why 48?

We chose the number 48 because there are 48 contiguous states in the United States. And only FOUR time zones. That helps us manage time with our people and our clients. Sorry, Alaska & Hawaii.

7. Who runs The48? Is he a kind man? Can I have his address?

Hayden Gilbert runs The48—which is part of SHELTR. Yes, he is a kind man. No, you cannot have his address. Not until we get to know each other better.

8. Is The48 a talent agency? Or an ad agency?

Neither. SHELTR is a Scalable Agency consisting of The48—meaning we can assemble teams and/or source individuals on a dime to help meet the needs of our clients. Our goal is to assemble a team and/or provide a resource in less than 48 hours. Because “48” is kind of our thing.

9. Am I guaranteed to find work with The48?

No, but when we find work for you, it will be work you didn’t have to find alone! Plus, you’ll have opportunities to network with other members of The48, who will know people. People who might need your services. Nice people who aren’t a**holes.

10. What type of work should I expect to find with The48?

The type of work that fits your skill set. This might be a freelance or consulting gig, or if we’re assembling a small agency team that needs your help, it might look like a full-blown agency team. Either way, the work we find you will be additional work.

11. Isn’t The48 just a ripoff of the failed startup idea, “The Hundred” from HBO’s hit series ‘SUCCESSION’?

Sort of. But only in an ironic, mostly disconnected way. We are, in fact, serious people.

12. What is The48’s favorite color?

All of them.

13. How many chickens does The48 think it would take to kill a lion?

48 chickens. Next question.

14. What if I already have a FT job? Can I be in The48?

Yes, FTers in search of side hustle work are welcomed. But we will likely reach out to freelancers and contractors first.

15. What will happen if we don’t have 48 FAQs about The48? What if we only have 15? Will the world implode?

Probably not.