Craig Shults is a finance and leadership professional who understands that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. From his early days in Upstate New York to his role as Controller and CFO at JSL Construction in Orange County, California, his journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
“I’ve learned that success isn’t a straight path,” Craig says. “It’s about adapting, learning, and making the most of every challenge.”
From Small-Town Beginnings to a Career in Finance
Craig grew up in the Mohawk Valley, a quiet region in Upstate New York. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and persistence. He carried these lessons into his education, earning multiple degrees, including an Associate’s in General Business from Taft College.
“Education isn’t just about getting a degree,” Craig explains. “It’s about learning how to think and solve problems in different ways.”
That mindset helped him navigate a career that has spanned industries, from insurance to home improvement to construction finance. Each role taught him something new and reinforced the importance of adaptability.
“Every experience adds value,” Craig says. “It’s about taking what you’ve learned and applying it to the next challenge.”
Leadership Built on People and Purpose
In his current role at JSL Construction, Craig takes a people-first approach to leadership. He believes that numbers tell a story, but it’s the people behind those numbers who drive success.
“Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about supporting the people who make those decisions possible,” Craig says.
One of his biggest leadership priorities is fostering trust within his team. He believes that transparency and communication are key to building strong relationships.
“Trust isn’t automatic. You have to earn it,” Craig explains. “That means being honest, listening to your team, and showing up for them when it matters.”
Craig also emphasizes the importance of balancing accountability with empathy. While holding people to high standards is necessary, he believes in understanding their challenges and working together to find solutions.
“Empathy and accountability go hand in hand,” he says. “You can have high expectations while still supporting your team through difficulties.”
The Power of Reflection and Adaptability
One habit that has helped Craig grow in both business and life is reflection. He takes time each day to assess what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved.
“Reflection is a game-changer,” Craig says. “It helps you see patterns, learn from mistakes, and fine-tune your approach.”
Adaptability is another key trait he values. In an ever-changing business landscape, the ability to pivot and embrace new challenges is crucial.
“Change is inevitable,” Craig says. “The leaders who thrive are the ones who see change as an opportunity, not a threat.”
Finding Balance and Giving Back
Outside of work, Craig stays grounded through fitness, cooking, and travel. These activities help him clear his mind and stay energized.
“I think balance is about doing things that recharge you,” he says. “For me, that’s staying active and exploring new places.”
Giving back is another passion of his. He supports organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He believes that success should be about more than just personal achievements.
“Helping others reminds me of what really matters,” Craig says. “It’s about making a difference in whatever way you can.”
Lessons for the Future
Looking back on his journey, Craig’s biggest lesson is that resilience and relationships matter more than anything. Success, in his view, isn’t just about what you accomplish—it’s about how you grow and who you impact along the way.
“The best investment you can make is in yourself and in the people around you,” Craig says. “That’s what really creates lasting success.”
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