At Central Insurance, we understand construction businesses’ unique safety challenges. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive risk management solutions to protect your team and your bottom line.
We’re excited to introduce Shawn Gentry as our new loss control construction specialist to enhance our commitment to your safety. With over a decade of hands-on experience in field labor, safety management, and emergency management, Gentry is here to support your construction business with expert guidance and proactive safety strategies.
Gentry works directly with Central’s agents and policyholders, offering specialized support and developing tailored strategies to enhance safety protocols on your construction sites. He aims to help you create safer work environments that protect your team and keep your projects running smoothly. By working closely with you, Gentry strengthens Central’s commitment to providing proactive safety solutions and building lasting relationships with our policyholders.
“For me, it’s not enough to just point out hazards. I want to educate workers so they understand why safety matters. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a contractor take your advice and then hearing how it prevented an accident.”
Shawn Gentry
Gentry’s approach is all about collaboration and proactive management. “The biggest thing about me is I love working with people. This role is all about being part of a team environment,” Gentry shares. He’s dedicated to working alongside your team to seamlessly integrate safety into daily operations, ensuring it enhances productivity rather than disrupting it.
In this article, we’ll explore Gentry’s extensive experience, his strategic approach to construction safety, and how his leadership supports Central’s mission to help you maintain and enhance safety standards on every job site.
Keep reading to learn how Shawn reinforces a commitment to excellence in construction risk management—because when your team is safe, your business thrives.
Gentry’s Path to Construction Safety Expertise
Gentry’s journey in construction began on job sites during his high school summers, where he discovered his passion for the industry. “I really started noticing construction and realized it could be a possible career field for me,” Gentry recalls. These early experiences ignited his interest in creating safer work environments, setting the stage for his future in construction safety.
“I’ve done everything from swinging a hammer to running large-scale commercial projects. That real-world experience helps me relate to the guys on-site. I know the challenges they face because I’ve been there myself. I can relate to the pressures of meeting deadlines while keeping everyone safe.”
Shawn Gentry
To transform his passion into a profession, Gentry went on to earn a Master’s in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. This academic foundation equipped him to address complex safety challenges. His subsequent hands-on roles allowed him to manage safety across billion-dollar projects.
“I loved seeing the progress each day—even if it was slow—because it was all part of something big,” he reflects. This blend of education and practical experience has shaped Gentry into a safety expert attuned to the unique demands of construction sites.
Get insights like this right in your inbox. Subscribe to the Central Blog below.
How Gentry’s Expertise Supports Central’s Policyholders and Agents
At Central, Gentry’s deep knowledge of construction safety benefits our policyholders and agents by enhancing risk management and promoting safer work environments.
For Central’s policyholders:
- Enhanced Safety Measures: Gentry collaborates with your team to elevate safety standards on job sites, aiming to reduce incidents and potentially lower insurance costs.
- Customized Risk Management: Gentry recognizes that each construction project is unique. Therefore, It tailors safety strategies to meet your specific needs, ensuring effective protection.
- Safety Training and Education: Through workshops and training sessions, Gentry equips your site workers and managers with essential safety skills, fostering a culture of safety awareness.
For Central’s agents:
- Accurate Risk Assessments: Gentry’s insights allow agents to provide more precise advice on risk exposures, assisting you in selecting appropriate coverage for your projects.
- Improved Insurance Products: Shawn’s expertise contributes to refining Central’s insurance offerings, making them more responsive to contemporary construction risks.
- Stronger Client Relationships: By effectively addressing complex safety issues, our agents can build deeper, more trusted relationships with you, our policyholders.
The Financial Impact of Safety in Construction
Investing in safety is not only a moral obligation but also a sound business decision. Construction accidents in the U.S. lead to approximately $5 billion in annual costs, encompassing healthcare expenses, lost wages, decreased productivity, and broader effects on families. By proactively managing safety, companies can reduce these costs and enhance profitability.
Learn More: Loss Control Tips for Construction Companies
Why Gentry’s Role Matters in Today’s Construction Landscape
As construction technologies and methods evolve, safety challenges become more complex. The industry faces unique risks, from increased automation to intricate building practices. Effective safety management is crucial, especially since the construction sector accounted for the highest number of workplace fatalities among all industry sectors in 2024.
Gentry’s role at Central is vital in addressing these challenges. He helps your business comply with regulations and protect your workers and projects by providing expert guidance and implementing advanced safety measures. His goal is to integrate safety seamlessly into daily operations, ensuring both productivity and peace of mind.
Looking Ahead: Central’s Vision for Safer Construction Sites
Gentry is eager to leverage his expertise to strengthen Central’s commitment to construction safety. “The joy is building something out right… Central has such a good culture, and that’s all I’ve ever heard from employees, agents, and policyholders,” he says. Shawn is looking forward to contributing to this culture of excellence.
His vision includes adopting innovative risk assessment tools and fostering a safety-first culture on every project we insure. Gentry aims to reduce incidents and claims by continually enhancing safety standards and safeguarding your team and bottom line. With his leadership, Central is not just meeting the industry’s safety needs—we’re setting the standard.
Learn More: Meet Jim Johnson, Loss Control Construction Specialist
Gentry’s dedication to safety and collaborative approach are key to helping you navigate the complexities of modern construction. At Central, we’re proud to have him on our team, working alongside you to build safer, more successful projects.
The information above is of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided. Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.
Products underwritten by Central Insurance and affiliated companies.
Copyright © 2025 Central Insurance. All rights reserved.
