“With the Lakewood Ranch Business
Alliance Chairman position, I saw an
opportunity to push this group into more
community-related activities,” he explains.
“Also, the opportunity to increase our
working relationships with other similar
local groups to have a greater impact
in responding to the shared challenges
facing us all.”
The LWRBA is an advocacy organization
committed to unifying, enriching and
advancing the community. Created in
response to the enormous growth of
the Lakewood Ranch area, LWRBA
is dedicated to fostering the continual
economic development and awareness
of the local business community.
While these two organizations are
currently keeping French plenty busy, he is
constantly searching for new ways to give
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back to the community. “Since I moved here
36 years ago, I have always been involved
in local groups, some business related,
some personal interests,” he explains.
“I have continuously been involved in
the local Chambers of Commerce, the
Economic Development Corporation
(EDC), the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
(GCBX) and various Foundations.”
He has also supported many local not-for-
around over the years depending on my
interests and time available,” he explains.
“There are so many opportunities to get
involved here, so many great groups and
causes. It is always hard to choose what
to get into next!”
FRENCH HISTORY
One of six kids, French was born and
raised in Michigan. After graduating from
Central Michigan, he immediately joined
the military. He went on to work with his
father in a family-owned architectural
and his wife started contemplating a move
to Florida.
“My wife and I decided that if we were
ever going to move to Florida, it was
time to take our two sons, who were
4 and 5 at the time, and head south,”
he recalls. Since relocating to Florida,
French has been involved in the largescale
construction business, working for
“I have been a Vice President at Willis
Smith Construction for the last five
years and have enjoyed my time there,”
he says. In his current role, French has
had the privilege of working on some
including projects for the school districts,
The Ringling, Mote Marine Laboratory &
Aquarium, and many other special clients.
FLORIDA FORTUNE
French has lived in Southwest Florida,
mostly Sarasota, for 32 of his 36 years
in the Sunshine State. “I have worked in
Manatee County since 1984 and began
my career here working for the School
District on the original renovations and
additions to Manatee High School campus
- quite a neat project,” he explains.
French says he feels incredibly fortunate
to live in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. “I
have always considered myself blessed
to land in this area - a true paradise for
the beautiful environment, the climate, the
people, the business opportunities and the
myriad of so many neat things we have
here,” he says. “Believe me, I am staying!”
Outside of work, French enjoys watching
and playing sports, reading, gardening
and spending time with his family. “I have
a wonderful wife of 49 years, two grown
sons, both in this area, and a beautiful
seven-year-old granddaughter who can
do no wrong in my eyes!” he laughs. “I
have always been a sports fanatic, both
as a participant and as a fan. No more
they used to be—but I do stay very active.”
French will have more hours to dedicate
to his hobbies when he retires from fulltime
employment this fall. “I plan on still
keeping my hand in the business world in
some manner with more time available to
volunteer and enjoy life!” he says. “Fifty
years of working hard will do that to you -
all I have done and will continue to do in
this wonderful community.”