President
Lauten Design and Construction, Purcellville, Va.
2018 Revenue: $2.2 million
Age: 38
Industry Trend Watch: I’m seeing more people remodeling smaller houses and/or building ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Often these spaces are more thought-out than a larger home. Right now, I’m starting two houses that are only 1,200 sf. One belongs to a family with kids, and they plan on doing an addition down the road. The other is a woman who wants to age in place and stay close to her children. That project is an ADU.
Biggest Challenge: Finding and keeping strong people. A good bit of them are aging out of the job, especially lead carpenters. I can coast along, but if I want my company to grow, I need more people.