Polly Lawrence
Owner

Ernest Hemingway once said, “never write about a place until you’re away from it, because that gives you perspective”.

I often spoke, in past tense, of my 20 years supporting Lawrence under the leadership of my father-in-law Earl, and then my husband Rick (RJ).  Beginning with a stint as a flagger on the Littleton depression project – where we took the railroad under the streets on the eastern side of downtown Littleton, to estimating and contract management. I filled in or held many positions within the company, giving me a very intimate look into the people and work being done throughout the organization.  It was a place, in time.

The first time Hemingway’s quote really resonated with me was when I served in the Colorado State Legislature.  I recall legislation  passed affecting the construction industry often having negative effects on our costs, efficiencies, and administrative responsibilities. The legislation was well-intentioned, but without the perspective of someone who works in the industry, the practicality of solutions were often overlooked.

I sit here now, chairman and owner of Lawrence Construction,  and once again have perspective from my time supporting Lawrence Construction that could not be written at the time.  I understand how decisions we make as leaders affect the flagger. The estimator. Or, the contract manager.  My husband, RJ, was an incredible contractor but never had the perspective I have from serving as support to his leadership and as a legislator. 

My son,  Scott, will walk in RJ’s shoes and become the master at asking questions and leading the company in new directions. He is the ”outside the box” thinker who embraces new ideas, just like his dad.  As Chairman, I will bring my perspective to support Scott in his leadership as we reinvigorate Lawrence Construction and roar  into our 100 year anniversary in 2024.