In an industry where projects can rise and fall with the economy, Kevin A. French has built something that’s proven to last. As co-founder and CEO/chairman of Landry/French Construction, French has spent nearly four decades navigating market cycles, technological shifts, and workforce transformations—emerging each time with a stronger, more resilient company.
Today, Landry/French is recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing construction firms, landing on the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth time. The company has delivered more than $1 billion in projects, operates at roughly $300 million in annual revenue, and has earned a spot among the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractors. But for French, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the people and principles behind them.
Building a Foundation on Values
When French launched Landry/French in 2010, the timing couldn’t have been tougher. The construction industry was still recovering from the Great Recession. Many firms were downsizing or closing altogether. But French saw an opportunity—not just to start a company, but to build one on a new kind of foundation: trust, collaboration, and accountability.
He believed that the key to lasting success wasn’t winning every bid or chasing growth at any cost—it was creating a workplace where employees could thrive, and clients could rely on consistent excellence. “We wanted to build a company where people genuinely believed in what they were doing,” French often says.
That mindset shaped the company’s DNA. Over the years, Landry/French became known for its culture of open communication, shared leadership, and strong relationships—internally and externally. It’s a company that values both the craft of construction and the character of those who do it.
Adapting to a Changing Industry
Construction, perhaps more than any other industry, demands constant adaptation. Economic swings, material shortages, and evolving technology all play a role in shaping how firms operate. French’s strategy has always been to stay ahead—embracing innovation early while keeping the company grounded in timeless business values.
Under his leadership, Landry/French has implemented digital project management systems, lean construction practices, and sustainability-focused design standards that make projects more efficient and environmentally responsible. These tools not only streamline work but also enhance client trust—a quality French considers the firm’s greatest asset.
Still, he knows that technology is only as effective as the people behind it. “Innovation matters,” he’s said in interviews, “but it’s people who build great companies.”
The Power of Investing in People
That people-first approach is one reason why Landry/French has one of the highest employee retention rates in the business. French has made professional development a central part of the company’s operations. Through mentorship programs, leadership training, and clear career paths, employees are encouraged to grow, take ownership, and lead.
“You can’t build a company that lasts if you’re the only one holding the blueprint,” French likes to say—a reminder that success comes from building teams that think, act, and lead independently.
The company’s emphasis on culture has paid off in ways that extend beyond profit. Landry/French has earned repeat clients across sectors—from healthcare and education to corporate and industrial—and has developed a reputation for transparency and reliability.
Expanding Horizons: The MH Williams Acquisition
While Landry/French remains firmly rooted in New England, French’s vision has always been national in scope. In 2024, he took a major step toward that goal with the acquisition of MH Williams Construction Group, a 37-year-old firm based in Florida’s Space Coast.
The decision was about more than growth—it was about alignment. “I saw a shared culture and a hunger to grow,” French explained. Within the first year of ownership, MH Williams gained $550 million in new bonding capacity, introduced new technologies, and brought on several key hires to strengthen its leadership team.
The move represents French’s broader philosophy: smart expansion rooted in shared values. With the addition of MH Williams, Landry/French now has a stronger foothold in one of the nation’s most dynamic construction markets—and a more diverse foundation for long-term growth.
A Legacy of Leadership
After nearly four decades in the business, French remains as driven as ever—but his focus has shifted from personal milestones to legacy and mentorship. He’s deeply committed to preparing the next generation of leaders who will carry the company forward.
Leadership development has become one of his top priorities. Rising project executives and project managers are given real responsibility early on, learning not just how to complete projects, but how to manage people, budgets, and expectations with integrity.
That long-term investment in people reflects a leadership style built on patience, not pressure. French’s steady, grounded approach has earned him respect across the industry and helped his company thrive in both stable and uncertain times.
Building for the Future
As the construction industry continues to evolve—with advances in technology, sustainability, and workforce expectations—French believes the principles that have guided Landry/French will continue to stand the test of time.
“We’ll keep growing,” he says, “but we’ll do it the right way. We are a company of growth”
That philosophy has not only kept Landry/French profitable but also positioned it as a model of endurance and integrity in a field where companies often rise fast and fall faster. Whether it’s adapting to new markets, mentoring young professionals, or acquiring firms that share the same DNA, Kevin A. French’s leadership is a reminder that the most durable structures are built not just from concrete and steel—but from trust, vision, and a commitment to people.
And in the ever-changing world of construction, that may be the strongest foundation of all.
