Kevin French: Driving Growth Through Discipline and Vision

When Kevin French co-founded Landry/French 15 years ago, he set out with a clear vision: build a company that refuses to be average and protects its brand at all costs. Discipline, top-tier talent, and relentless ambition became the pillars of the business, guiding every project and every hire.

In 2022, French’s co-founder retired, and Kevin took 100% control of the company. Since then, Landry/French has seen a 72% revenue increase, a testament to French’s focus on strategic growth, operational discipline, and building the right team. For him, leadership is simple: “Get the right people on the bus, and don’t hesitate to move the wrong ones off. Excellence isn’t optional.”

Leadership Philosophy

French’s leadership philosophy was deeply influenced early on by Good to Great by Jim Collins—a book that continues to guide both his personal values and Landry/French Construction’s long-term strategy. He built the company on the belief that sustainable success comes from discipline, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence rather than rapid or reckless expansion. From its strong foundation in Maine to its growing presence in Florida—and with plans to extend further along the West Coast of Florida—Landry/French’s growth has been intentional, strategic, and rooted in maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality and trust.

Every project the company undertakes, every new market it enters, and every individual it hires reflects this uncompromising standard. French ensures that the firm’s culture remains consistent, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and craftsmanship at every level. For him, success is measured not only in revenue and growth but also in reputation, employee pride, and client satisfaction.

Fifteen years on, French’s philosophy remains clear and steadfast: protect the integrity of your brand, surround yourself with people who share your vision, and never compromise on excellence—because when these principles lead, growth becomes a natural outcome.

Kevin French on Building a $300 Million Construction Brand: Leadership Lessons from the Bus

Few construction CEOs have built a brand as disciplined and respected as Kevin French. Fifteen years ago, he founded Landry/French in Maine with a simple vision: never be average, always be great. Today, the company has $300 million in revenue, a growing presence in Florida, and plans to expand to the West Coast of the state—all while maintaining the integrity of the brand that made it successful.

French credits a turning point early in his career to Good to Great by Jim Collins. “That book didn’t just influence me—it changed the way I view business,” he says. “It taught me the importance of getting the right people on the bus…and having the courage to move people off the bus if they aren’t aligned with the vision.” That principle has become a cornerstone of Landry/French’s culture: a team built on discipline, accountability, and excellence.

For French, leadership isn’t about growth for growth’s sake—it’s about protecting the brand and setting the bar high. “I don’t hire to fill seats; I hire to raise the company,” he explains. “Every person on the team must be committed to the same level of excellence. If they aren’t, it’s better for the company—and for them—to find a different fit.”

A Strong Foundation Is Always Impactful

Beginning as a regional contractor in Maine, Landry/French quickly distinguished itself for its craftsmanship, reliability, and unwavering attention to detail. Its projects soon became synonymous with integrity and precision—qualities that earned the trust of clients across both public and private sectors. A strategic acquisition later expanded the company’s footprint into Florida, marking a major milestone in its evolution from a respected regional builder to a multi-state construction leader. Despite this growth, Landry/French has remained steadfast in its commitment to quality, ensuring that expansion never comes at the cost of the values that built its name.

Now, as the company sets its sights on Florida’s West Coast, Kevin French continues to apply the same disciplined, deliberate approach that has fueled more than 15 years of steady progress. Each new market entry is carefully evaluated, every partnership chosen with precision, and every project executed to uphold the company’s promise of excellence.

The takeaway from French’s leadership is simple but powerful: a truly great company starts with exceptional people and a leader who makes decisions rooted in vision, not convenience. For French, discipline, high standards, and an unrelenting pursuit of improvement are non-negotiable. Under his guidance, Landry/French has become more than just a construction firm—it stands as a model of principled leadership, demonstrating that protecting your brand, your people, and your reputation is the ultimate blueprint for enduring success.