Some lessons are learned in the boardroom. Others are learned 30 feet in the air, balancing steel in unpredictable weather with a crew that becomes more like a family. For Shawn Palmateer, Field Administrator at FED Design/Builders, every day on the job has been part of a 26-year journey shaped by grit, mentorship, and the relentless drive to grow.
Here are 10 lessons from Shawn, a veteran builder, loyal teammate, and leader who knows that technical skill means nothing without heart.
1. Fear Fades, Learning Lasts
When Shawn first heard he’d be working on the “red iron” crew, he thought he’d be handling glowing, molten steel. It turned out the “red” referred to primer, not temperature — but the moment stuck. “That was my first ‘aha’ moment,” he laughs. It’s a reminder that fear often comes from not understanding, and learning is the antidote.
2. Love What You Do and It Won’t Feel Like Work
One of the most important truths Shawn has discovered is that when you truly love what you do, it doesn’t feel like a job. “Of course there are tough days,” he says. “But when you put your heart and soul into something, the reward isn’t just the finished project — it’s the pride in how you got there.”

3. Field Life Is Built on Brotherhood
Ask anyone in construction and they’ll tell you: it’s more than just coworkers out there. The bonds formed between field crew members are like a second family. “Saying goodbye to a teammate is never easy,” Shawn says. “This is a rare breed of people. There’s a deep respect that comes from doing hard things together.”
4. Leaders Attract — and Create — Positivity
In his early years at FED, Shawn worked under exceptional leaders who shaped how he leads today. “People naturally gravitate toward positive leaders,” he reflects. “I try to be someone others want to follow — not because of my title, but because of how I carry myself.”
5. Great Teams Build Great People
Shawn credits much of his growth to being surrounded by quality people. “When you work with great teammates, you can’t help but become better yourself.” Whether you’re teaching or learning, every moment on a job site is a chance to grow through collaboration.
6. There’s Always More to Learn
Even after mastering the craft of steel erection, Shawn learned a humbling truth: technical mastery is just one part of the puzzle. “I used to think I had it figured out. Then I stepped into the technical side and realized how much I didn’t know.” Curiosity and humility have kept his career evolving.
7. Teamwork Is the Only Way It All Comes Together
A project isn’t just about who’s on-site. It’s about who schedules deliveries, coordinates equipment, manages logistics, and ensures safety. “It takes everyone doing their part, perfectly, for things to run smooth,” Shawn says. “I have deep respect for every role that makes it work.”

“It feels good to know your own skills are sharp. But it feels even better to know you helped build a team where everyone thrives.”
8. Weather Is Unpredictable. Your Attitude Shouldn’t Be.
You can’t control the weather, and field crews know this all too well. “Mother Nature can turn a normal job into a grind real quick,” Shawn says. “But no matter what the skies throw at you, you show up ready and focused. That’s the job.”
9. You Can’t Teach Passion, But You Can Lead with It
What Shawn values most in a teammate isn’t just skill — it’s passion. “You can train people on technique, but you can’t train drive. That’s something you’ve got to bring with you.” His leadership style focuses on modeling that same energy every day.
10. The Greatest Success Is Building Something Bigger Than Yourself
For Shawn, personal pride matters — but being part of a winning team matters more. “It feels good to know your own skills are sharp. But it feels even better to know you helped build a team where everyone thrives.” That, he says, is the real win.
Closing Thought
From steel beams to strong teams, Shawn Palmateer’s 26 years at FED are a testament to what happens when experience meets integrity. His lessons aren’t found in textbooks. They’re forged through early mornings, hard weather, shared laughter, and unshakable commitment.
As we continue our 45 Lessons for 45 Years series, Shawn reminds us: growth doesn’t come from knowing everything. It comes from staying open, showing up, and never forgetting where you started.