Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carlos Scantlebury. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Carlos thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

Family businesses are special. They’re not just about profit margins, they’re about people you love, employees and family alike, shared values, goals and something deeper than just “a job.” One of the greatest strengths in running a family business is the trust that comes naturally, but that closeness can be a double-edged sword. Personal dynamics don’t just disappear at the office or the job site. The line between work and home can get blurry quickly. That’s why it’s been so important for us to define clear roles and set healthy boundaries especially when it all happens under one roof.

Business isn’t always steady. It’s a constant sales battle, especially in a demanding industry like concrete construction. Would I want my kids to join the business? The honest answer is: only if they truly want to. This kind of work takes real grit – long hours, tough competition, no shortcuts and the Texas weather. If my kids feel passionate about it, if they believe in the work, we can explore opportunities. If they do choose to step in, I’d be proud, but I’d want them to earn their title. Shield Concrete was built from the ground up and to keep growing, I’d want them to take ownership.

Our journey as a family business is deeply personal. As a first-generation family in the U.S., building Shield Concrete hasn’t just been about creating a company—it’s been about building a life and having the American dream. We are blessed to work from home, care for the family and our aging parents. That support gives me the space to pour more energy into the business. One of the biggest benefits of running a family business has been the ability to work remotely when needed and to be present at home. It’s not always a perfect balance, but it’s one that matters.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The business of concrete is an artistry. There isn’t a course or certification for what we do. It is a hands on profession, where you are literally getting your hands dirty. At Shield Concrete, we’ve our project portfolio spans more than a decade and we specialize in decorative pool decks, that is an art, from textures to color selections. I was an apprentice for two years before expanding my business. What most outsiders may not be aware of is concrete is the foundation for everything in construction. You cannot begin a project without a solid foundation, that is concrete. There are many things to consider from the type of concrete, how it is finished, climate and other natural factors determine how the concrete turns out.

More than 10 years ago, when I was working for a company delivering concrete. The owner and contractors had a language barrier so I acted as their translator. After a few years, my mentor suggested that I start working in concrete since I was learning the business and I am also bilingual. I decided to take the opportunity and was an apprentice for about 2 years, learning the trade before I branched off on my own, so to him I thank him for apprenticing me.

Shield Concrete was named after wanting to create a name to ‘shield’ the elements with concrete. Later, the name had more meaning to me for ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me,’ as it says in Psalm 28:7. It hasn’t been the easiest journey but the challenges grow me in my faith, relationship with God and others.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my partner at church. It was actually a divine encounter. She didn’t normally attend that service time, but decided to attend that particular one on that particular Sunday. I sat next to her and she introduced herself naturally. We had a short conversation before the service started. When the worship songs came on. she started crying. This was a new experience for me. She was in her softest moment praising God. I leaned over and asked her if she was okay and she said that she loved that song and that God has been good to her. She was grateful. After that we continued to see each other at church passing by and having conversations about the sermons after service. We became friends and after a few months, I finally asked for a date. Since then we’ve been inseparable. She supports me with the business as the Development and Marketing Manager. She runs most of the operations while I manage our team onsite.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My family moved here from Panama 20 years ago to give me opportunities they did not have. For about 7 years, my mother had fallen ill. My mother was a beautiful soul and light that brought joy to everyone she met. I always wanted to make her proud and cared for her until her last living day. While she was in treatment, I was blessed financially and with business opportunities that allowed me to care for her and take her to doctor’s appointments. I believe that I was able to provide and honored her in that way. It was difficult staying motivated at this time during my career, but my son, father and partner continue to support, love and encourage me. They drive my success on a daily basis to keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shieldconcretedfw.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shieldconcretedfw/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shieldconcretedfw/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZLXL1u5VLDmM35FEeP6RnA

Image Credits

ZQP Consultants, LLC
https://mymarketing101.com/