Since 1972, The Lawson Companies has been one of the premier developers and management companies in the southeastern United States, evolving from purely a development company with the addition of a strong management portfolio. The breadth and quality of The Lawson Companies services began with our founder, Robert A. (Bob) Lawson.
In more than thirty years at the helm, Bob Lawson built a reputation of integrity and excellence through the construction of thousands of housing units and millions of dollars of development.
With the expert leadership and thoughtful guidance of Mr. Lawson, the company has become a diverse group of wholly owned subsidiaries with expertise in a wide range of real estate disciplines from affordable housing development to luxury single-family construction.
In 1999, Bob’s son, Steve, was appointed President of The Lawson Companies and has followed in his father’s footsteps. During Steve’s seventeen year tenure as President, the multifamily division acquired or developed more than 20 apartment communities representing 2,250 units valued at over $160 million. Additionally, the single-family home division closed more than 340 homes totaling approximately $100 million in sales and land development.
Today, as Chairman, Steve focuses on the strategic direction, mission and long-term goals of the firm and oversees the executive leadership of The Lawson Companies, as well as the direction of Lawson Homes, our single family development and construction division.
The Lawson Companies now manages multi-family properties in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk, and Richmond, Virginia as well as South Carolina and pursues further expansion into other markets under its current President and Chief Executive Officer, Carl L. Hardee. Carl has been an integral part of The Lawson Companies’ team for over twenty-five years. He most recently held the position of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and was responsible for the oversight of the firm’s day-to-day operations. Carl’s focus includes continued growth of the development, construction, and management of the multifamily and commercial business divisions.