Shawn Mayers is a seasoned construction leader based in Kinston. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, he has made a name for himself in new residential building.
As a construction superintendent, Shawn oversees every detail of new home builds. He ensures quality, safety, and strong teamwork on each project.
Originally from New York, Shawn grew up learning the value of hard work. After graduating from H. Frank Carey High School in 1988, he entered the construction industry. He didn’t just build homes—he built a career. Over the decades, Shawn has earned a reputation for reliability, honesty, and a sharp eye for detail.
What sets Shawn apart is his personal mission: to help people and animals. He is passionate about animal rescue and often connects his work ethic with his care for others. His beliefs are simple but powerful—do good work, set high standards, and use each day to improve.
Shawn leads by example. Colleagues respect his no-nonsense approach and his deep industry knowledge. His projects speak for themselves, reflecting both skill and care. He brings strong family values and a sense of purpose to every job site.
With a focus on ethical building and community impact, Shawn continues to raise the bar in construction. He isn’t just building houses—he’s shaping better futures. And in every home he helps create, you can see his core values: faith, family, and doing what’s right.
Building from the Ground Up: A Conversation with Shawn Mayers on Construction, Compassion, and Consistency
Q&A with Shawn Mayers: On a Lifetime in Construction and the Ethics that Shape It
Q: Shawn, thank you for speaking with us. Let’s begin at the beginning. What first drew you into the construction industry?
A: I appreciate you having me. My journey into construction started back in New York. I was still a teenager, just out of school—H. Frank Carey High, class of ’88. There was always something that fascinated me about building. I watched early on as homes and commercial buildings were built as my neighborhood grew and saw that those in the construction industry took pride in creating something tangible. I didn’t go the college route; instead, I went straight into work, learning from the ground up—literally.
Q: What was your first role in the field?
A: I started off on-site doing general labour and assisting wherever I was needed. That meant everything from hauling materials to helping frame out new homes. I was fortunate to work under those who were willing to teach if you were willing to listen and put in the work. I made mistakes, of course—we all do—but I learned from every one of them. The job teaches you fast that cutting corners only costs more later.
Q: You’ve since become a superintendent. How did that transition happen?
A: Over time, I moved up. I was always watching, always learning. By the mid-90s, I was leading small crews. When I relocated to Kinston, the housing landscape was shifting, and there was opportunity in new builds. I got involved in residential construction projects that required not just technical know-how but also coordination, planning, and leadership. Superintendent work brought all that together. You’re managing people, timelines, budgets—but most importantly, you’re managing expectations, both from your team and the future homeowner.
Q: How has the residential construction industry changed since you began?
A: Quite a bit. Back in the day, everything was paper-based. Blueprints rolled out on site, no tech. Now we’ve got software, real-time scheduling apps, and drones doing site inspections. It’s improved safety and planning, but it’s also made things more fast-paced. Clients expect quicker turnarounds and more transparency. There’s more regulation too, which isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean more boxes to tick.
Q: In all your years, what’s stayed the same?
A: The fundamentals—good work ethic, showing up on time, and doing what you said you’d do. That’s the backbone of any trade. Materials might change, tools evolve, but integrity doesn’t go out of style. I still tell young workers: “Don’t focus on being fast; focus on being thorough. Speed comes with skill.”
Q: You’re also known for your commitment to animal rescue. That’s quite a contrast to construction.
A: (laughs) Yes, people are often surprised by that. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals. Rescuing them—dogs, cats and sometimes whatever animal it might be that needs help—has been a personal passion. I think it’s about responsibility. Just like you don’t leave a job half-done, you don’t turn your back on something that needs help. I’ve fostered many animals and have worked with a few local groups here in Kinston. Construction might be my career, but compassion is part of who I am.
Q: Do your values off-site affect how you manage teams on-site?
A: Absolutely. You treat people with respect. I’ve always believed in leading by example. I don’t bark orders from the truck. I’m out there with my team, boots in the mud if needed. And when someone’s struggling—professionally or personally—I don’t ignore it. We’re all human. I had people guide me when I was young, and now I try to do the same.
Q: How do you keep yourself motivated after decades in the same field?
A: Every day’s a chance to improve. That’s something I live by. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or a Friday afternoon—you set a standard for yourself and stick to it. And when I see a family walk into a finished home I’ve helped build, knowing it’s a place they’ll grow up in, celebrate holidays in—it reminds me why I do it.
Q: What would you say to someone considering a career in construction today?
A: Start with humility. Learn everything you can. And know that it’s not just about building structures—it’s about building trust, too. Be consistent, be accountable. And don’t be afraid of hard work—it’s what separates the good from the great.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope to leave behind, professionally or personally?
A: I hope I’ve left every site a little better than I found it. And I hope I’ve helped people—through work, through animals, through simply showing up. That’s what matters. The rest is just concrete and wood.
Read more:
Hands in the Earth: A Q&A with Builder and Animal Advocate Shawn Mayers
