Craig Shults has built a career by staying true to his values, even as his path has taken unexpected turns. Born and raised in the Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York, Craig learned early the importance of hard work, honesty, and personal growth. Today, he resides in Orange County, California, and serves as Controller and Chief Financial Officer at JSL Construction. But his journey to leadership wasn’t a straight line.
“I never thought my career would take the exact turns it did,” Craig says. “But every step taught me something important about resilience and growth.”
Craig’s professional story started in insurance. He worked with companies like Combined Life Insurance of New York and Metropolitan Life Insurance. Later, he shifted into home improvement sales. Eventually, he found his way into finance and construction management. Each pivot came with challenges and risks, but Craig leaned into the discomfort.
“I realized early that comfort zones are traps,” Craig shares. “You have to be willing to step into the unknown if you want to keep moving forward.”
Craig believes that growth begins with discomfort. His philosophy is simple but powerful: real development happens when you face challenges head-on instead of avoiding them. Throughout his career, Craig used setbacks as lessons, not as excuses to stop trying.
“You learn more from a setback than a win,” Craig says. “It forces you to rethink, adjust, and grow stronger.”
One of Craig’s strongest beliefs is that leadership starts long before you earn a title. He encourages others to take ownership of their work, no matter where they are in their careers. Leadership, according to Craig, is about action, not position.
“You don’t need a title to lead,” Craig says. “It’s about showing up, being accountable, and helping others grow along with you.”
Craig’s approach to leadership focuses heavily on accountability and presence. He believes that being reliable and fully engaged has more impact than making big, bold moves. In a world full of distractions, Craig stresses the importance of slowing down and focusing on the task or person in front of you.
“Being fully present is one of the best things you can give your team,” Craig says. “It builds trust, and trust leads to better results.”
In his current role at JSL Construction, Craig uses these principles daily. Whether handling financial strategies, leading teams, or mentoring newer employees, he stays committed to clear communication, steady leadership, and constant learning. He believes that real influence comes not from speaking the loudest, but from setting a consistent example others want to follow.
Craig also continues to invest in his personal growth. Over the years, he earned multiple degrees and certifications, including an Associate’s in General Business and a Paralegal Certificate from Blackstone Career Institute. For Craig, learning never stops.
“If you stop learning, you start slipping backward,” Craig says. “There’s always a way to get better if you’re willing to stay curious.”
Outside of work, Craig keeps balance in his life through fitness, cooking, and travel. He also gives back to the community by supporting organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His passion for service reflects his overall approach to leadership: focus on people first.
At the heart of Craig’s story is a clear message. Success is not about speed. It’s about persistence, values, and consistency. It’s about leading yourself first so that you can lead others well. Craig believes that anyone willing to embrace discomfort, take ownership, and stay present can build a meaningful career — and a meaningful life.
“Success doesn’t come from one big moment,” Craig says. “It comes from showing up every day and doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.”
Craig Shults’ story reminds us that leadership isn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity. It’s about creating the opportunity by the way you choose to show up — every single day.
