Building homes in Arizona for over 40 years, Jim Lawler has seen the booms, the busts, and everything in between. He didn’t just survive the ups and downs of the market—he built a business that thrived through them. Lawler Construction has become a trusted name across the Verde Valley, known for delivering quality without compromise.
Jim started on the tools at 18, working job sites long before owning the business. By his early 20s, he was already running crews, managing schedules, and learning the business side of construction the hard way—on the job. That foundation set him up for a long career in building homes in Arizona, from custom luxury properties in Sedona to full subdivision projects in Cottonwood and Lake Havasu.
He shares how those early years were about more than just building houses—they were about building knowledge. He treated every project as training for the day he’d run his own shop, learning everything from pricing and planning to managing subs and handling clients. That approach paid off when the 2008 crash hit. While many builders folded, Jim kept his operation lean, stayed honest with his numbers, and kept moving.
In 2012, he got the call that changed everything—a subdivision project was stalled mid-build after the previous contractor went bankrupt. Jim didn’t show up with hope; he showed up with a plan. A full business proposal, real numbers, and a clear path forward. He landed the deal, completed the development, and went on to manage more than 127 semi-custom homes on that project alone.
That was the moment he shifted from just building homes in Arizona to leading entire communities. But he didn’t lose his focus. Jim kept his crew tight, his standards high, and his company grounded in the values that got him there in the first place—honesty, clarity, and hard work.
“We’re yes builders,” he says. “We say yes to what other guys walk away from. We figure it out.”
Today, Jim’s got his son stepping into the business. He’s mentoring younger trades, supporting vocational programs, and setting up Lawler Construction to last well beyond his own career. For him, building homes in Arizona isn’t just a job—it’s about creating something that lasts.
He’s quick to call out one of the biggest mistakes he sees from new builders: trying to scale too fast. His advice? Know your numbers. Hire smart. And don’t fall in love with a bad deal just because it’s got momentum.
“If the math doesn’t work, walk. Not every job is worth doing. Some will wreck your crew and your reputation.”
Jim also shares how he handled growth without getting buried in overhead. He talks about building out systems, trusting his team, and keeping customer service front and center—even when managing dozens of homes at once. For anyone serious about building homes in Arizona, or anywhere else, this episode is packed with real talk from someone who’s lived it.
About Jim Lawler
Jim is the founder and president of Lawler Construction, a family-owned and operated general contracting company based in the Verde Valley, Arizona. With over 37 years of experience, Jim has built a reputation for delivering quality custom homes and commercial projects. Starting his career at 19, he learned the importance of relationships and craftsmanship from his father, a plumbing contractor. At 26, Jim secured his first contract as a general contractor, laying the foundation for Lawler Construction’s commitment to “Good Service, Good Value, and Good Quality.” The company is known for its dedication to energy-efficient building practices and has been an ENERGYSTAR® Partner, incorporating sustainable building methods into their projects.
To see Jim’s work or connect directly, visit LawlerConstructionAZ.com.
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