Building Legacy: Patrick Lawler on Second-Generation Leadership in Construction

Update: 2025-07-15

Description

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.

As the son of company founder Jim Lawler (featured in the very first episode of our podcast), Patrick shares insights on family business dynamics, faith-based leadership, and the evolving challenges facing the construction industry.

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.

Patrick also serves as Managing Member of Home Base Developers, LLC, his own real estate development venture in the Verde Valley area.

Married to Chanel Lawler, owner of the award-winning Chocolate Blonde Salon in Cottonwood, Patrick is a father of three children (ages 10, 13, and 17) and actively coaches youth baseball. His family reflects the local business leadership community in the Verde Valley area.

00:00 Introduction

01:45 From Baseball to Building

02:12 Trade During the Recession

03:07 Family Dynamics in Business

05:25 Company Growth

06:02 Custom vs. Production Builds

07:57 Client Relationships and Transparency

15:32 Faith and Business

20:49 Challenges and Future

24:02 Role and Family Life

27:36 Next Generation in Trades

31:52 Technology in Construction