Resilience. That’s the word that best describes Craig Shults. Born on August 30, 1970, in the beautiful Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York, Craig’s life is a story of growth, learning, and achievement. Today, he’s the Controller and CFO at JSL Construction, a role that highlights his ability to adapt, lead, and succeed.
“Every experience shapes you,” Craig says. “What matters is how you grow from it.”
Early Life and Education
Craig grew up in a small town in the Mohawk Valley, where his family taught him the value of hard work and the importance of learning. From an early age, he sought opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills.
In 2016, Craig earned an Associate of Arts degree in General Business from Taft College. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. By 2023, he completed multiple degrees at Coastline College, including Sociology, American Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. He also earned a paralegal certificate from Blackstone Career Institute, graduating with high honors.
“Education is my foundation,” Craig explains. “It’s something no one can take away.”
A Diverse Career Path
Craig’s professional journey is as varied as his academic achievements. He began in the insurance industry, working for Combined Life Insurance of New York and Metropolitan Life Insurance. From 1991 to 1994, he honed his skills in understanding people and meeting their needs. Later, he transitioned into home improvement sales with Tristate Windows.
These roles taught Craig essential skills in financial planning, customer service, and problem-solving. Today, as the Controller and CFO at JSL Construction, Craig oversees financial operations, manages cash flow, and drives business strategies. His ability to adapt and thrive has been key to his success.
“Every role taught me something valuable,” Craig reflects. “Growth comes from all kinds of experiences.”
Personal Life and Values
Craig’s life isn’t just about work. He loves cooking, traveling, and staying active at the gym. These hobbies keep him energized and balanced. Giving back to the community is another important part of his life. He supports organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Helping others reminds me of what’s truly important,” Craig says. “It’s how I stay connected to my values.”
Craig’s values—honesty, integrity, discipline, and resolve—guide everything he does. Whether tackling financial challenges or preparing a meal for loved ones, he approaches life with care and purpose.
“Success isn’t just about goals,” he adds. “It’s about staying true to who you are and making a positive impact.”
A Lifelong Learner
Craig’s passion for learning doesn’t end with his degrees. He continually seeks opportunities to grow through courses, workshops, and self-study. For him, every day is a chance to learn something new.
“If you’re not learning, you’re standing still,” he says. “I make it a point to grow a little every day.”
What Success Looks Like
For Craig, success isn’t about titles or material wealth. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others. Whether through his professional work or community efforts, he aims to leave a lasting legacy of kindness and achievement.
“Success is about helping others win,” he says. “If I can make someone’s life better, that’s what really counts.”
At JSL Construction, Craig applies this philosophy by focusing on both business goals and team well-being. He believes that fostering a supportive environment leads to stronger outcomes for everyone.
Craig’s story is still unfolding. He continues to focus on growth, community, and making meaningful contributions. His journey proves that with determination and a clear vision, the possibilities are endless.
“The future is what you make of it,” Craig concludes. “Every step forward is an opportunity to create something better.”
Craig’s life is an inspiring example of how hard work, learning, and a commitment to values can lead to fulfillment and success. His story reminds us all to embrace opportunities, stay curious, and make a positive impact wherever we go.
Interview with Craig Shults
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
What keeps me going is seeing the real impact of my work. When I solve a tough financial problem or put a strategy in place that helps my team and the company grow, it’s deeply satisfying. I also love that every day is different. There’s always something new to figure out, and I thrive on the challenge. But more than anything, it’s the people I work with and the opportunities to make a difference that truly motivate me.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
I’ve got a couple of favorites. Cooking is a big one for me. There’s something therapeutic about creating a great meal from scratch—it’s like meditating, but with food. I also love hitting the gym. It clears my head and keeps me energized. And when I really want to unwind, traveling is my escape. Exploring new places and trying different cuisines feeds my sense of adventure and keeps me inspired.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
Adaptability. Life doesn’t hand you a script, so being able to pivot, think on your feet, and adjust to the unexpected has been my biggest strength. Plans are great, but the ability to rewrite them when needed is what separates success from stagnation. It’s all about staying open to new solutions and keeping your eye on the bigger picture.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Humility and listening. Early in my career, I thought I needed all the answers, but I’ve learned that the best results often come from collaboration and being open to ideas that aren’t yours. Listening—to coworkers, clients, or even criticism—has been a game-changer. It’s amazing how much you can achieve when you set your ego aside and genuinely hear what others have to say.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
I treat it as a learning opportunity. Nobody loves hearing criticism, but I’ve found that the sting wears off quickly when you focus on what you can take away from it. The first step is to remove emotion and evaluate the feedback objectively. Is there truth in it? If so, I make a plan to improve. If not, I file it away and move on. Either way, I don’t let it derail me.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
The hardest obstacle has been rebuilding after a tough chapter in my life. It wasn’t just about fixing a situation—it was about redefining who I was and where I wanted to go. I leaned heavily on my values—honesty, integrity, and discipline—and took it one step at a time. I started with self-reflection, made a plan, and committed to seeing it through. Meditation and fitness kept me grounded, and education gave me the tools to create a stronger foundation. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me that persistence and faith in yourself can pull you through anything.
