Shaun Mason
CAA ICON | Senior Vice President
Milestones continue for CAA Icon and Senior Vice President Shaun Mason, as the firm celebrates 20 years in business as a pioneering owner’s representative during venue development.
The Denver-based firm’s expertise and existing relationships led to two new recent milestones, breaking ground on major projects in the span of a few months: construction of New Nissan Stadium in Nashville and the renovation of Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
“Because of our early involvement with both the Tennessee Titans and the Charlotte Hornets, we’ve taken great pride in helping these clients reach these significant milestones for their projects,” said Mason. “Aside from opening night for our venues, I don’t believe there’s any milestone more exciting than breaking ground and being able to see your clients’ visions literally start to take shape.”
The competitive venue development landscape has meant fostering a positive work environment, which Mason says is more important than ever.
“Our approach to project management and client service is demanding, which means we need to continue to put our people in a position to deliver for our clients without wearing them down,” he said. “I have found that one of the keys to helping keep our staff happier and more driven than ever is to display the humility, empathy and work ethic to them that I expect from them. I have personally found my job to be much more rewarding when I know that my superiors trust me, are willing to get into the weeds with me, sincerely care about my family life and are personally willing to tap into their own extra gears with me to help get the job done. I enjoy being able to reciprocate this approach with my project team members.”
Mason is encouraged by the continuing trend of sports and entertainment venues anchoring major urban developments, which he sees continuing.
“It’s exciting to think that projects that I’ve been a part of can help a community improve, grow and thrive,” he said.
Much like many of this year’s All-Stars honorees, Mason points to accessibility for all patrons, including those with sensory issues.
“I believe the focus on hidden disabilities among visitors to venues is extremely important in providing an accessible, enjoyable experience for all patrons,” he said. Noting that he is father to a neurodivergent child himself, he points to five standalone sensory rooms at the New Nissan Stadium as an example. “Every square foot in an NFL stadium is prime real estate, but the Titans and other clients are eagerly devoting more and more space to those with visible and hidden disabilities, which is a massive success for the community as a whole.” — Ryan Borba
