In an industry often defined by tight deadlines, fluctuating markets, and razor-thin margins, Kevin A. French has built a model of success that is as sustainable as the structures his company creates. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Landry/French Construction, French has spent over three decades redefining what modern construction management means—blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, and leadership rooted in collaboration rather than command.
Founded in 2010, Landry/French began at one of the most uncertain times in construction history. The Great Recession had gutted the industry, leaving many firms shuttered and thousands of workers displaced. Yet, French saw an opportunity where others saw risk. He believed there was room for a new kind of construction firm—one that prioritized transparency, trust, and innovation as much as efficiency and profit. Fifteen years later, that bet has paid off.
Under French’s guidance, Landry/French has grown into a $300 million company with more than $1 billion in completed projects, earning national recognition on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractors list and securing a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth time in 2024.
Building From the Ground Up
Kevin French’s path to industry leadership wasn’t an overnight success—it was the result of decades of hands-on experience. Starting his career in project management and estimating, he learned every facet of the business before moving into executive leadership roles. This firsthand understanding of how a project comes together—from blueprints to budgets—has defined his leadership style.
Colleagues often describe him as “the CEO who still knows his way around a job site.” That dual perspective, balancing the practical with the strategic, has allowed French to guide Landry/French with precision and purpose.
When he co-founded the firm with Eric Landry, their vision was simple but ambitious: create a construction company that delivers big results without losing its small-firm accountability. That approach has proven powerful. Today, Landry/French’s portfolio includes some of New England’s most complex projects, from healthcare and corporate campuses to educational and industrial facilities.
Redefining Construction Management
What sets Kevin French apart in a competitive industry is his ability to merge old-school values with modern thinking. At a time when the construction sector is being reshaped by digitalization and sustainability mandates, French has made innovation and adaptability core pillars of Landry/French’s operations.
Under his direction, the company has embraced cloud-based project management software, lean construction methods, and energy-efficient design principles, allowing teams to reduce waste, streamline communication, and improve accountability. These tools have not only optimized workflows but also strengthened relationships with clients, architects, and subcontractors.
For French, technology is only part of the equation. “Tools are only as good as the people who use them,” he often notes. That belief has shaped a corporate culture centered around teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning.
People Over Projects
At the heart of Landry/French’s success is a people-first philosophy. French knows that great companies aren’t just built—they’re cultivated. He has fostered an environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative, collaborate openly, and grow professionally. This culture of empowerment has led to remarkably high employee retention in an industry notorious for turnover.
That same commitment to people extends to clients. Landry/French’s reputation for integrity, communication, and reliability has fueled an impressive base of repeat business. Many of the firm’s clients have partnered with them on multiple projects, a testament to French’s focus on relationships over transactions.
It’s an approach that aligns perfectly with his long-term view of leadership. “When you treat clients and employees like partners, success becomes sustainable,” French has said.
Strategic Expansion and the Florida Move
French’s leadership is not only about maintaining growth but doing so strategically. In 2023, he acquired MH Williams Construction Group, a 37-year-old firm based in Florida’s Space Coast. The acquisition wasn’t about adding volume—it was about alignment.
“I found a common culture and the desire to improve and grow as a company,” French explained. Within a year, Landry/French had added $550 million in bonding capacity, introduced new technology systems, and expanded leadership within MH Williams. The acquisition also positions Landry/French to diversify its geographic footprint and tap into one of the country’s most dynamic construction markets.
This expansion underscores French’s ability to balance growth with integrity, a theme consistent throughout his career. While many firms chase scale for its own sake, French remains focused on maintaining the culture and quality that built the company’s reputation in the first place.
Sustainability and Smart Growth
Modern construction management isn’t just about speed—it’s about sustainability. French has been a strong advocate for green building practices, ensuring that Landry/French integrates eco-friendly materials and energy-saving systems across its projects. This commitment reflects a growing demand among clients for environmentally conscious construction, as well as French’s belief that the industry must take responsibility for its long-term impact.
He also understands the importance of smart growth—pursuing opportunities that align with the firm’s expertise and values rather than overextending. That focus on deliberate, sustainable expansion has helped Landry/French weather economic fluctuations and maintain financial stability even during industry slowdowns.
A Legacy of Leadership
With nearly four decades in construction, French has seen the industry evolve—and has helped shape that evolution. Today, he’s focused not only on building structures but also on building future leaders. He has implemented mentorship and leadership development programs to ensure that Landry/French’s legacy of excellence continues for decades to come.
It’s a forward-thinking mindset that defines both his leadership and his legacy. For French, success isn’t just measured in projects completed or awards earned—it’s about the people and principles that endure after the work is done.
The Road Ahead
As Landry/French continues to expand nationally, its foundation remains the same: a commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation. French’s steady hand has guided the company from a post-recession startup to a $300 million construction powerhouse, and his next chapter is focused on long-term sustainability and continued excellence.
In an industry where change is constant, Kevin A. French has built something rare—a company that grows without losing its soul. His journey is a blueprint for what modern construction management can be: collaborative, adaptable, and enduring.