Craig Shults is a finance and leadership professional based in Orange County, California. He is the Controller and CFO at JSL Construction. But his path to leadership didn’t follow a straight line.
Craig grew up in the Mohawk Valley in Upstate New York. Life was simple but tough. “We didn’t have much,” he says. “But that made us resourceful.” That mindset stuck with him. He started out in insurance, then moved into home improvement sales, and later found his way into construction. Each move taught him something new.
He doesn’t have a fancy degree. Instead, he earned an Associate’s in General Business and a Paralegal Certificate from Blackstone Career Institute. These gave him the tools to read contracts, understand risk, and manage real-world challenges.
As CFO, Craig focuses on budgets, planning, and financial strategy. But more than that, he leads by showing up. “People don’t need you to be perfect,” he says. “They need you to be present.”
Outside of work, Craig stays grounded through fitness, home cooking, and giving back. He supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
For Craig, success isn’t about prestige. It’s about learning from failure, trusting your instincts, and being steady when others aren’t. He mentors young professionals and reminds them, “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just keep moving forward.”
His story shows that real success comes from grit, growth, and doing the hard things—especially when it’s uncomfortable.
Q&A with Craig Shults: On Success, Setbacks, and Staying the Course
Q: Craig, let’s start with a simple one. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t about money or titles. It’s about consistency. It’s about waking up, doing what needs to be done, and being someone others can count on. That’s true in business, leadership, and life.
Q: You’ve worked across very different industries—insurance, sales, and construction. What helped you succeed through those transitions?
Adaptability. I didn’t start with a master plan. I followed what made sense and worked hard to learn each time I made a move. In insurance, I learned how to communicate under pressure. In sales, I learned how to listen and adjust. Construction taught me how to manage real risk and tight budgets. Each role gave me something I still use today.
Q: You didn’t follow a traditional education path. How did that impact your journey?
I didn’t go to a top university. I earned an Associate’s in Business and later got a Paralegal Certificate. It wasn’t about the credentials—it was about getting tools I could actually use. I took a contract law course because I wanted to understand what I was signing in real life. That turned out to be one of the smartest moves I made.
Q: How do you lead teams under pressure?
I stay calm. A lot of people think leadership means having all the answers. But really, it’s about being present. You show up, you listen, and you take responsibility. When a deadline’s tight or the budget shifts, I try to be the one who doesn’t panic. That steadiness gives people space to do their jobs.
Q: What was a tough moment that taught you something big?
Early in my time at JSL Construction, I misjudged how long a project would take. It ended up costing us time and money. I owned it. We regrouped and rebuilt the budget process from scratch. That experience taught me to speak up sooner—and to trust my gut when something doesn’t feel right.
Q: How do you stay grounded with so much responsibility?
I cook. No recipes. Just what feels right. That’s my way to reset after a hard day. I also work out regularly. And I stay involved with causes like Make-A-Wish and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Giving back reminds me that success is about more than profit.
Q: You mentor young professionals. What advice do you give them most often?
Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Take the next step, even if you’re unsure. I tell them, “Every career has rough patches. That’s where you grow.” Also—don’t chase titles. Chase the work that teaches you something.
Q: What’s one belief you’ve changed about success over time?
I used to think success came from climbing higher. Now I think it comes from going deeper. Mastering what you already do. Showing up for your team. Getting a little better each day—that adds up more than any big win.
Q: Final question. What’s your personal motto when it comes to work and life?
“Be steady when it’s not easy.” That’s where trust is built. That’s where leaders are made.