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ON THE COVER
Clockwise from top left: Paul Werner Architects, Kessler Contractors, Cromwell Solar, Bluestem, M&M, Waterworks, McElroys Electric, Absolute Air, Good Energy, Durino Plumbing, McElroys, Pine Landscape Center.
Photos by Steven Hertzog and provided by businesses.
In every community, there is a quiet engine that keeps homes functional, neighborhoods vibrant, and local dollars circulating close to home. In Lawrence, that engine is powered by our home improvement and service businesses.
From contractors and electricians to plumbers, roofers, designers, landscapers, and specialty trades, these businesses do far more than fix what’s broken. They protect investments, build equity, create jobs, and strengthen the fabric of our local economy—one project at a time.
Home improvement is deeply personal. A kitchen remodel is where a family gathers. A new roof protects memories. Updated HVAC systems keep children comfortable in August and grandparents safe in January. But behind every project is a network of local professionals whose work supports not just individual households, but the broader economic health of Lawrence.
These businesses are often locally owned and multi-generational. They hire local employees, source materials regionally whenever possible, partner with local suppliers, and reinvest their earnings directly back into the community. The dollars spent on a deck addition or bathroom renovation ripple outward to lumber yards, hardware suppliers, equipment rental companies, marketing firms, accountants, and beyond.
In a college town like ours, where the rhythm of the academic calendar influences so much of our economic activity, home improvement and service businesses provide stability. They are year-round employers. They provide skilled trades careers that don’t require leaving the community. They offer apprenticeship pathways for young people who want to build something tangible with their hands.
And they are essential to our housing market. Well-maintained homes preserve property values and strengthen neighborhoods. Thoughtful renovations make older homes safer and more energy-efficient. Smart design and quality craftsmanship help Lawrence evolve without losing the character that makes it special.
These businesses also respond first when things go wrong. After a storm rolls through, when pipes burst, or when a furnace fails on the coldest night of the year, it’s our local service providers who answer the call. Their reliability builds trust. Their expertise provides peace of mind.
The home improvement sector also reflects broader economic confidence. When homeowners choose to remodel rather than relocate, it signals belief in the future of Lawrence. It means families plan to stay. It means neighborhoods matter. And it means local businesses benefit from that long-term commitment.
LOCAL MATTERS
Our Local Advertisers – Making a Positive Impact
As publishers of Lawrence Business Magazine, we are continually reminded that economic development is not just about large-scale projects or headline-grabbing announcements. It is also about the steady, skilled, and often behind-the-scenes work that sustains our daily lives.
In this issue, we highlight the builders, problem-solvers, and service professionals who keep Lawrence running. They are craftsmen and entrepreneurs. They are innovators in energy efficiency and design. They are employers, mentors, and community supporters.
When you choose a local contractor, hire a local electrician, or invest in improving your home, you are doing more than upgrading a space. You are strengthening Lawrence’s economy, supporting local families, and reinforcing the foundation of our community.
Home is where life happens. And thanks to our home improvement and service businesses, Lawrence continues to be a place worth building, maintaining, and calling home.
Please note that all our advertisers have a stake in the local economy. Try to shop locally and resist the temptation to order online. If you find something online, see if one of our local businesses has it.
When we Shop Local – Shop Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton, and Lawrence (and use Local Services) – we are supporting those businesses, giving back to our community, and building a future together.
Ann Frame Hertzog Steven Hertzog
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Chief Photographer/Publisher
