Construction is not an industry that rewards shortcuts. It demands patience, discipline, and an ability to keep moving forward when conditions are far from ideal. Over nearly four decades, Kevin A. French has learned that lesson repeatedly. With 38 years of experience in the construction industry and more than a decade as President and CEO of Landry/French Construction, French’s career offers a rare, long-view perspective on leadership, resilience, and the realities of building something that lasts.
His journey reflects not only the evolution of a company, but also the mindset required to lead through uncertainty, change, and growth.
Learning the Business From the Ground Up
Kevin A. French’s understanding of construction was shaped over years of hands-on experience. Early in his career, he learned that success in construction is rarely immediate. Projects are complex, timelines are unforgiving, and even small missteps can have lasting consequences.
Those early years taught him the importance of preparation and accountability. Construction, he realized, leaves little room for vague planning or unclear leadership. Teams need direction, expectations must be set early, and responsibility has to be shared.
French carried those lessons forward as his career progressed, shaping how he approached management long before he took on executive responsibility.
Leadership Forged During Difficult Times
One of the most defining periods of French’s leadership came during the aftermath of the Great Recession. When many companies were scaling back or standing still, Landry/French faced difficult choices about growth, investment, and risk.
French believes that leadership matters most when circumstances are uncertain. Rather than retreating, he focused on maintaining stability while positioning the company for long-term opportunity. That meant making careful decisions, trusting his team, and remaining clear-eyed about both risks and possibilities.
This period reinforced his belief that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but about responding to it with discipline and purpose.
The Role of Risk in Resilient Leadership
Risk is unavoidable in construction, but French’s experience taught him that not all risk is equal. Over 38 years, he learned how to distinguish between reckless decisions and calculated moves grounded in preparation.
French often emphasizes that growth requires the courage to move forward even when the outcome is not guaranteed. At the same time, he believes that risk must be paired with responsibility. Leaders must understand the potential consequences of their decisions and be ready to stand behind them.
This balanced approach to risk has allowed Landry/French to expand its capabilities, complete more than 1,000 projects, and grow into a $250 million company without losing sight of quality or accountability.
Building Teams, Not Just Projects
One of the most important lessons French learned over his career is that companies succeed through people, not plans alone. Early on, he saw how strong teams could overcome obstacles that no single leader could manage alone.
As his responsibilities grew, French made it a priority to invest in people. He believes that leaders should create environments where employees are trusted, challenged, and supported. That philosophy has shaped Landry/French’s culture, encouraging collaboration and long-term commitment.
French understands that construction is a demanding field, and retaining talent requires more than technical expertise. It requires respect, transparency, and opportunities for growth.
Adapting to an Evolving Industry
Over nearly four decades, French has watched the construction industry change in meaningful ways. Technology, safety standards, workforce expectations, and client demands have all evolved. Leaders who resist change, he believes, risk falling behind.
Rather than clinging to outdated models, French has focused on adaptability. He encourages openness to new processes, better communication tools, and modern approaches to project management.
At the same time, he maintains that some principles remain constant: integrity, accountability, and the importance of delivering on promises. Balancing innovation with core values has been central to his leadership philosophy.
Lessons in Resilience Beyond the Job Site
French’s understanding of resilience extends beyond construction itself. Over the years, he learned that resilience involves mental and emotional endurance as much as operational strength.
Leading through uncertainty requires patience, humility, and the ability to learn from setbacks. French acknowledges that not every decision produces perfect results. What matters, he believes, is the willingness to assess outcomes honestly and improve moving forward.
This mindset has helped him remain steady during periods of pressure and change, reinforcing trust within his organization.
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
One of French’s most lasting priorities is ensuring that Landry/French can thrive beyond his leadership. After decades in the industry, he understands the importance of succession planning and leadership development.
Construction companies often struggle when leadership transitions are not handled thoughtfully. French has worked to avoid that pitfall by mentoring future leaders and building systems that allow the company to operate independently of any one individual.
This focus on continuity reflects his belief that leadership is not about personal legacy, but about organizational strength.
A Career Defined by Consistency
After 38 years in construction, Kevin A. French’s story is not defined by a single project or moment. It is defined by consistency — showing up, making thoughtful decisions, and staying committed to long-term goals even when conditions are challenging.
His experience illustrates that resilience is built over time, shaped by experience, reflection, and a willingness to adapt. In an industry known for its volatility, French’s steady approach offers a model for leaders seeking durability rather than quick success.
Looking Forward
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the lessons French has learned remain relevant. Leadership, he believes, is not about having all the answers, but about creating clarity, supporting people, and making decisions grounded in experience.
After nearly four decades, Kevin A. French stands as an example of how resilience, when paired with thoughtful leadership, can shape not only a successful career, but a company built to endure.
