Relationships matter
Their caring attitude has enabled the Larmans
to craft a company culture that keeps valuable
employees around for the long term. "I've stayed
with Larman Construction so long because of
this guy right here," says Fred Barhydt, point-
ing a finger at Larman. Barhydt, the first Larman
employee hired 30 years ago, was just one of the
employees expressing this sentiment. The com-
pany is successful because of the people who
work here, Larman says. "I wouldn't say they're
loyal to me; I'd say I'm loyal to them," he says.
"Life happens and I stick with them." He feels
a responsibility not only to the workers, but to
their families, as well. In addition to giving them
the usual vacation time and health insurance,
Larman guarantees his people a 40-hour work
week, even when times were slow in the past.
"They remember stuff like that."
Since most of Larman Construction's workforce
has been with the company for many years, the
staff has not only a sense of pride in their work,
but also a certain level of ownership they've
taken on themselves. Patricio Rangel, a construc-
tion veteran who runs one of Larman's crews,
is a perfect example, referring to the company's
clients as "his" clients. He also sees Larman as
more than just an employer. "I like to do the best
for our company and for our customers," Rangel
says. "And he shares from his own life; he's not
just the boss – he's also a friend."
EquipmentWorld.com | October 2014
49
Larman consults with crew member Robert Wolf on a jobsite.
Lorin Larman operates a Cat
316E on a residential project.
