I'm thrilled to share the second episode of "The Edge" featuring Shawn Godwin, CEO of Palmetto Corporation - a story that perfectly captures the intersection of visionary leadership and staying true to your roots.

From a 25-person family paving business to a powerhouse with over 1,000 employees across South Carolina, Shawn's journey is a masterclass in strategic growth and authentic leadership. What makes this conversation special isn't just the remarkable expansion story (though growing from one asphalt plant to six is impressive!) - it's Shawn's candid insights about the human side of scaling a construction business.

I've had the privilege of working closely with the stellar team at Palmetto - from their sharp estimating department to their innovative operations and administrative leaders. The depth of talent Shawn has assembled across every division is a testament to his ability to attract and develop great people.

One of my favorite quotes from Shawn captures his philosophy on retention:

"We don't have a problem finding people. We have a problem keeping them... If we keep all those individuals who come to the door and start with us and we get them to where they don't ever want to leave, we'll have plenty of people."

I appreciate how Shawn and his team have maintained the soul of a family business despite massive growth. Their approach to leadership development is unique - their safety director runs a "Leaders Lead" program bringing together foremen and superintendents from all divisions, fostering connection while building stronger leaders.

We also dive into:

• The evolution from a small patching business following phone companies to a major infrastructure player

• Why finding people isn't the real challenge - but keeping them is

• Family business challenges and opportunities

• How a 5:30 AM workout group in his home gym has built community for 16 years

• His perspective on using AI to transform construction (including some practical applications you can start using today)

The conversation highlights something I believe: the best leaders in our industry combine ambitious vision with genuine care for their people and a commitment to continuous improvement.

At Edgevanta, we believe highway construction is the backbone of American prosperity, yet its stories often go untold. Through our podcast, we're shining a light on the exceptional leaders and companies building our nation's future. It's part of our broader mission to elevate this vital industry and help construction companies thrive.

Whether you're running a family business, thinking about expansion, or just interested in leadership insights from one of the sharpest minds in paving, you'll want to catch this episode.

Check it out on YouTube for the full video conversation or find it on Spotify using the links below:

Would love to hear your thoughts on the episode! What resonated most with you? Leave us a rating and comment below.

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About the Author

Tristan Wilson is the CEO and Founder of Edgevanta. We make software that helps contractors win more work at the right price. He is a 4th Generation Contractor, construction enthusiast, ultra runner, and bidding nerd. He worked his way up the ladder at Allan Myers in the Mid-Atlantic and his family’s former business Barriere Construction before starting Edgevanta in Nashville, where the company is based. Reach out to him at [email protected]