Craig Shults: From Insurance Rookie to Construction CFO

Not every career follows a straight path—and Craig Shults knows that better than most. From selling insurance in Upstate New York to leading finance operations at a construction company in Southern California, his journey proves that adaptability and reflection can turn unexpected moves into major growth.

“I never thought my career would take the exact turns it did,” says Craig. “But every step taught me something about resilience and growth.”

Craig is now Controller and CFO at JSL Construction, based in Orange County, California. But the road there has been anything but typical.

How Career Pivots Created Long-Term Momentum

Craig began his professional life in the early 1990s as an insurance agent. He worked for Combined Life Insurance of New York, and then Metropolitan Life Insurance. “That was my first real experience in sales, and more importantly, in building trust with people,” he recalls.

After a few years in the insurance world, Craig made a significant change. He entered the home improvement industry, working in sales for Tristate Windows. It might sound like a complete pivot, but to Craig, it made sense. “I was still helping people solve problems—it just looked different,” he says.

Each move came with a learning curve. And each one added something new to Craig’s toolkit. He credits these transitions with helping him see problems from different angles and learning how to adapt quickly.

Lifelong Learning as a Leadership Mindset

Craig’s professional growth has always been tied to his commitment to education. Over the years, he’s earned multiple degrees, including an Associate of Arts in General Business from Taft College. He also holds degrees in Sociology, American Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences from Coastline College.

In addition, he completed a Paralegal Certificate from Blackstone Career Institute—graduating with high honors.

“Education is something no one can take away from you,” he says. “I didn’t just want to learn facts—I wanted to learn how to think better.”

This mindset shows up in how he leads. Rather than rushing to find answers, Craig slows down and digs into the root of problems. He leads with a clear head, strong process, and a willingness to keep evolving.

How Leadership Emerges Without a Title

One of Craig’s strongest beliefs is that leadership isn’t defined by a title—it’s defined by behavior. “You don’t need a title to lead,” he says. “It’s about showing up, being accountable, and helping others grow.”

Before becoming a CFO, Craig was already acting like one—taking responsibility, thinking strategically, and mentoring others. He believes these habits are what helped him move into leadership roles over time.

“People notice when you take ownership,” he explains. “If you want to lead, start by leading yourself well.”

Lessons in Presence and Clarity

In his current role at JSL Construction, Craig manages financial operations and supports business strategy. But what his team sees most is his steady presence.

“I try to be fully present, especially when things are stressful,” he says. “When you’re calm and focused, it helps everyone else stay grounded too.”

He’s not a fan of multitasking in meetings. He listens, asks questions, and makes it a point to understand what people are trying to say. “Being fully present is one of the best things you can give your team,” he says. “It builds trust—and trust leads to better results.”

Building a Personal Life With Intention

Outside of work, Craig is just as intentional. He keeps a strong personal routine that includes fitness, travel, and cooking. These activities help him stay centered and energized.

He’s also committed to giving back. Craig supports organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Helping others reminds me what really matters,” he says.

He’s not chasing balance—he’s building it with purpose.

Turning Big Ideas Into Real Impact

Craig’s career isn’t built on one big moment. It’s built on a series of steady, thoughtful moves. From shifting industries to earning multiple degrees, he’s made a habit of pursuing growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

“I realized early that comfort zones are traps,” he says. “You have to be willing to step into the unknown if you want to keep moving forward.”

That willingness to evolve—combined with his quiet consistency—has helped Craig bring meaningful ideas to life. Whether it’s designing better financial systems, mentoring future leaders, or simply showing up every day with purpose, his impact is clear.

Craig Shults is proof that growth doesn’t come from rushing toward a title. It comes from staying curious, being accountable, and turning each experience—no matter how small—into a building block for something bigger.