Masonry Magazine January 2007 Page. 18
Contractor
to Contractor
MCAA MEMBER CONTRACTORS RESPOND TO THE INDUSTRY ISSUES OF THE DAY.
Pat Lockwood
Larson-Danielson Construction Company
La Porte, Ind.
Since 1908, Larson-Danielson Construction Company has provided quality masonry work across northwest Indiana. A fourth-generation firm, the company was named one of Indiana's 50 largest construction firms by Indiana Business magazine. Pat Lockwood, Larson-Danielson's project manager, recently shared with us his company's history, his opinions on the future of the masonry industry, and his company's keys to successful growth.
Masonry: Tell us a little about Larson-Danielson's history.
Lockwood: The company was started almost 100 years ago by Charles Larson. He operated as a general contractor out of LaPorte, Ind. He subcontracted some work to Emil Danidson, who was a brick mason. They formed a partnership from that project. Frank Larson, the brother of Charles, had married Emil's sister, Anna. According to what we know, it's suggested that Frank joined the firm and the three men incorporated as a business in LaPorte in 1908.
The company is actually a fourth-generation company. Tim Larson is the president of the company, Terry Larson is the secretary/treasurer, Mark Danielson is a vice president and Tom Walter, who was added about 15 years ago as an owner, is also a vice president.
Masonry: According to your website, Larson-Danielson is ranked as one of Indiana's 50 largest construction firms. To what do you attribute your company's growth and success?
Lockwood: Management believes that employees here are the most valuable assets to the company, and nothing can be achieved without teamwork. The owners have stressed teamwork quite a bit, and have supported all of the people they've brought on. Basically, they try to support an atmosphere that allows employees to take on responsibility and also allows for the possibility for growth as individuals.
Masonry: Your website discusses the large amount of work that you do for longstanding customers. What steps do you take to ensure this repeat business?
Lockwood: It's obvious that client satisfaction is a priority on any job. The reason we have such repeat business is because we're willing to go that extra mile for clients that we've worked for in the past. Word-of-mouth is probably the best advertisement you can have. When you have a client that's satisfied with the quality of work that you've provided, they're going to let people know. Although, sometimes it might cost you a little more money to reach that quality, we feel it's worth it. That's kind of been our direction: Client satisfaction is number one.
Masonry: Your extensive array of services includes everything from project planning services and design/build, to general contracting and industrial/in-plant construction. How has offering this breadth of services given your company an edge over the competition?
Lockwood: Having more services that you can provide to the client does make you more appealing to different