Crews along Central Florida’s tourism corridor are hard at work, sometimes handling two or three projects at the same time. A critical component of making sure everything runs smoothly is an experienced, effective construction manager.

Shane Carter serves as the construction manager for the Interstate 4 (I-4) and Sand Lake Road (State Road (S.R.) 482) interchange improvement project, the I-4 exit to S.R. 528 ramp widening project, and the I-4 and Apopka-Vineland Road (S.R. 535) interchange project. As the construction manager, he is involved with planning every detail of a day’s and night’s work and ensuring it is successful.

“I love very complex challenges — it’s the chess-playing of construction work,” Carter said. “I love the logistics side of it, which is what I specialize in. Being able to keep crews moving through two or three jobs at all times and never missing a lick — it’s the thing that keeps me coming to work every day.”

Carter is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, a town about three and a half hours northwest of New Orleans, and has worked 35 years in construction. He got his start at an early age, working for his dad’s surveying business. After graduating from high school, he jumped right into construction work as a full-time surveyor.

Shane worked his way up from surveyor to foreman, then to division manager, and finally became the CEO of the company for five years. He said his quick rise taught him a lot of valuable lessons in being a good boss.

“It helps me deal with my employees with whatever problems they may have in the field,” Carter said. “In the company I was with before, the training was intense. We did years in each section. So, with the amount of training I’ve had, I’m able to sit down with the guys today and talk through issues.”

After semi-retiring, Carter got a call to come check out a project underway in Central Florida — the Wekiva Parkway Section Eight project, which included building 23 bridges. It was a big job for anyone, but after living his whole life in Louisiana, the chance to change his surroundings and leave his mark in a growing place like Orlando was an exciting prospect for Carter.

Since his arrival in Florida, Carter has had his hand in many projects. Most recently, he helped execute the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) changeover on Sand Lake Road at I-4 in one night, something he says he is most proud of.

“Being challenged to do that in a one-day period, to get the team together and develop a plan and execute it, it was a great challenge,” said Carter. “In an eight-hour window, we did the complete DDI changeover with all the traffic up and operational by 7:30 in the morning. Things like that are a complex challenge that I love. It was an amazing experience.”

Outside of work, Carter enjoys bass fishing with his wife, walking around Lake Eola Park, and other relaxing activities that allow for a calm mind.