Lantz Construction Company President & CEO Chris Weaver proudly announced on Monday, July 1, 2019 that Lantz Construction is now 100% employee-owned through Lantz’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The last privately-held shares were redeemed by the Company on Friday, June 28th.
The announcement came on the heels of the retirement of Mr. Douglas Driver (pictured), an official end to his more than 25 years of exemplary service! Although Doug stepped down as Lantz President in July 2015, a position he held for 15 years, he remained actively engaged in Lantz’s business development, community relations, and problem-solving over the past 4 years, as well as continuing to serve as Chairman of Lantz’s Board of Directors, a role he served in for a decade.
For more than a quarter of a century, Mr. Driver served Lantz Construction enthusiastically and faithfully, first as a Vice President (1994-2000), then as President & CEO (2000-2015). His father-in-law, Wallace Hatcher, founded Lantz in 1960 and headed the company for 40 years before retiring and leaving the business in Mr. Driver’s capable hands. Doug was a pioneer in expanding the design-build part of Lantz’s business and in 2003 the company was rebranded, adapting its current logo and tag line (“Think results.”). He was instrumental in establishing Lantz’s ESOP in 2006 and the ESOP became the majority shareholder in 2009. Under Doug’s direction and leadership, Lantz Construction grew into one of the largest construction firms in the Shenandoah Valley and successfully weathered the Great Recession.
Throughout his entire career, Doug volunteered tirelessly in the community with organizations such as the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg, Camp Still Meadows, The Boys & Girls Club, and the Boy Scouts of America. Community volunteerism is a role he’ll likely continue in his retirement along with spending more time with his beautiful family which now includes three very young, precious grandchildren.