Like many industries, construction has evolved significantly in the past few decades. Ken Naquin, who has been with Louisiana Associated General Contractors since 1979, has witnessed those changes firsthand.
“We didn’t have computers. We didn’t have cellphones,” says Naquin, who has served as LAGC’s CEO for the past 17 years. “Everything has changed so dramatically in the industry that, today, a project engineer or superintendent often doesn’t use paper plans. They have a laptop. Everything is digital now. Many projects use drones.”
The organization Naquin oversees has helped contractors across Louisiana navigate technological advances along with shifting government regulations, insurance issues and more. Its membership includes nearly 700 construction firms as well as subcontractors, bonding and insurance professionals, architects and engineers.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Ken Naquin, CEO; Reldon Owens, Executive Director; Lauren Fain, Vice President of Communications
Phone: 225.344.0432
Address: 666 North St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Website: lagc.org
Founded in 1949, LAGC is part of the national Associated General Contractors network. As the only statewide construction association, LAGC provides its members with educational programs on important topics such as blueprint reading, contract development, project management and payroll. The organization also advocates at the federal, state and local level, bringing concerns in the industry to the attention of government agencies. “We just try to make our contractors’ lives easier every day,” Naquin says.