Our Story & Who We Are

The Lawman Group > Our Story & Who We Are

A Journey of Innovation and Expansion

In the late 1960s, Mike Lawler embarked on a bold venture, leaving his hometown of Sackets Harbor, NY, for the bustling city of Rochester. To him, Rochester seemed like the metropolis of opportunities, a stark contrast to his rural upbringing. Encouraged by friends, Mike delved into the city’s thriving construction scene, initially finding his place among other contractors and joining the local sheet metal union. It wasn’t long before he formed a close partnership with fellow sheet metal worker Ray Chapman. Together, they tackled numerous projects, refining their craft with each endeavor.

By 1978, Mike and Ray decided to forge their own path, and thus, Lawman Heating and Cooling, Inc. was born. What began as a modest venture soon gained momentum, surpassing all expectations. However, while Ray envisioned a small-scale operation, Mike harbored grander ambitions. In 1981, Ray pursued his own endeavors, leaving Mike to chart a course for Lawman’s expansion. Embracing larger projects with fervor, Lawman set its sights on ambitious ventures exceeding $1 million each. The burgeoning expansion of Fort Drum presented a prime opportunity, and Lawman seized it eagerly, venturing into previously uncharted territory.

Maintaining a presence in Rochester while establishing a new base in Watertown, Lawman’s growth was exponential. Recognizing a shortage of skilled tradesmen in critical areas such as electrical, utility, and plumbing, Mike opted for a proactive approach. Rather than wait for the industry to catch up, Lawman took matters into its own hands, recruiting skilled professionals to bolster its workforce. By 2005, the company boasted diverse departments catering to various construction needs, with a particular focus on Fort Drum’s demands.

Meanwhile, Mike’s youngest son, Corry, had been groomed within the company since 1989, gradually assuming managerial roles alongside his uncle Pat Lawler. In 2007, Corry transitioned to the Fort Drum office, immersing himself in federal government projects to broaden his expertise. Recognizing the need for organizational refinement and expansion, Corry spearheaded strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. This included establishing a cutting-edge manufacturing department in 2010, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to meet growing demands.

In a testament to Corry’s leadership, he ascended to the role of CEO and President in 2019, propelling Lawman into a new era of growth and innovation. Despite facing challenges such as office closures prompted by market shifts and the impact of COVID-19, Lawman remained resilient, seeking new avenues for expansion. In 2021, a pivotal partnership with Mike Lundy led to the inception of Design Build Innovations, LLC (DBI), solidifying Lawman’s position as an Authorized Butler Builder.

Today, The Lawman Group stands as a beacon of excellence, boasting a diverse portfolio of skilled trade divisions and a reputation for unmatched self-performance capabilities. With an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Lawman continues to captivate the interest of private equity institutions and secure high-profile projects, exemplifying its motto: If it can be done, The Lawman Group can and will do it.

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