In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, host Michael Krisa welcomes Patrick Lawler, Vice President of Lawler Construction, Inc., to discuss his journey from professional baseball player to construction industry leader.
What we discussed with Patrick:
From Sports to Construction
Patrick's unexpected path from minor league baseball to the family construction business during the 2008 recession. Working on remodeling projects during tough economic times helped him discover his passion for building and project coordination.
Family Business Succession
The gradual transition from employee to partner, including how his father never initially planned for his children to join the business but came to value their contributions. Patrick brings up the importance of proving worth through performance rather than relying on family connections.
Faith-Based Business Philosophy
Both Patrick and his father operate their company with Christian values at the core, starting meetings with prayer and viewing their work as a calling. This foundation provides stress relief and guides their business decisions.
Transparency in Construction
Lawler Construction's unique approach of showing clients actual costs down to the penny, including previous contracts and final invoices. They operate on a cost-plus model with full transparency rather than traditional markup systems.
Managing Client Expectations
Strategies for preparing clients for potential challenges, including setting contingency allowances and educating customers about worst-case scenarios upfront. Patrick emphasizes the importance of under-promising and over-delivering.
Industry Challenges
Rising construction costs, labor shortages, and regional price variations. Patrick addresses why Arizona construction costs are high compared to other states, citing labor costs, shipping expenses, and regulatory requirements.
Technology and Innovation
Views on 3D printed homes, AI in construction, and the potential for technology to address labor shortages while maintaining quality in custom construction.
Workforce Development
Attracting young people to the trades, the disconnect between perceived value of college versus trade education, and the need to change cultural attitudes about construction careers.
Building a Subdivision Business
Patrick's separate venture, Home Base Developers, which focuses on semi-custom homes in subdivisions, including the successful addition of RV garages that became popular with retirees and snowbirds.
Work-Life Balance
How Patrick manages stress while juggling responsibilities as a business leader, father, and youth baseball coach.
Company Culture and Values
Patrick's emphasis on team meetings, open communication, and treating all employees with respect. Patrick explains how their faith-based approach attracts quality subcontractors and employees who share similar values.
Future of the Industry
Thoughts on addressing the housing shortage, the role of tiny homes and alternative building methods, and maintaining quality while scaling operations.
Lawler Construction
- Lawler Construction ranks in the top 2% of Arizona contractors by volume
- 17-20 employees including superintendents, estimators, architects, and support staff
- Focus on semi-custom and custom homes rather than production building
- Operates with complete cost transparency, returning unused contingency funds to clients
- 37-year family business legacy with strong community reputation
About Patrick Lawler
Patrick Lawler serves as Vice President of Lawler Construction, Inc., a family-owned construction company founded by his parents Jim and Cindy Lawler in 1985 and based in Cottonwood, Arizona.
As a second-generation leader, Patrick is positioned to take over the company that has built a reputation as one of Arizona's top contractors, ranking in the top 2% by volume.
Pat