Navigating Challenges to Success in Construction | Lawrence Naranjo

Lawrence Naranjo, a renovation and construction entrepreneur, discusses why honesty and transparency with clients matter in life, business, and construction. He shares his Arizona upbringing, family background, and experiences in sports, golf, and college, including leaving ASU’s business program a few classes short due to work demands. Lawrence recounts pursuing firefighting and EMT work during the 2006–2008 downturn when hiring froze, then building a 13-year career in plastics distribution before leaving due to micromanagement. He explains transitioning into residential remodeling, the financial risks of starting Efficient Renovations in 2020, missing payroll once, and becoming licensed (KB-1) before rebranding to LJ Builders to expand from remodels into commercial TI work, ground-up builds, and assisted living projects, emphasizing proactive project management, strong communication, and mentoring employees.