County Employees Are #1
Keeping county workers happy is a much better strategy than trying to replace them when they leave.
A business owner and lifelong Middle Georgian working to keep Houston County well-run, frugal, and moving forward
Four straightforward priorities that keep Houston County running well for the people who live and work here
Keeping county workers happy is a much better strategy than trying to replace them when they leave.
When we make wise investments and keep costs down when possible, everyone benefits.
Our citizens expect commissioners to keep the ship sailing — not to push personal agendas. That means getting out of the way and letting our county workers do their jobs with the resources they need.
Shane's extensive commercial business skills are exactly what's required to keep Houston County development marching forward.
Real progress Houston County residents can see — safer services, stronger infrastructure, and smart investment across the county
Shane Gottwals was born and raised in Middle Georgia. He earned a B.A. in English from Mercer University, spending a portion of his college years at Oxford University in England. He met his wife, Abbey, at Mercer. They have five children and live in Warner Robins.
In 2007, the couple opened Gottwals Books, which has become one of the largest used & new bookstore chains in the United States. Shane has served on the boards of several local nonprofits, including the Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce, Covenant Care Adoption Services, and Central Fellowship Christian Academy.
Shane is putting his 20 years of CEO experience in retail, commercial properties, construction, and logistics to work for the betterment of Houston County.







Experienced leadership focused on county employees, frugal spending, and steady growth
Election Day · Tuesday, November 3, 2026