Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
2025 Living Legends: HARDEE, CARL L.
RETIRED PRESIDENT AND CEO, LAWSON COS., VIRGINIA BEACH
2025 Living Legends: HARDEE, CARL L.
RETIRED PRESIDENT AND CEO, LAWSON COS., VIRGINIA BEACH
In May, Hardee retired as president and CEO of Lawson Cos., the Virginia Beach residential real estate development, construction and management company that focuses on affordable, low-income and market-rate multifamily housing.
He joined Lawson in 1991 as a regional property manager at subsidiary Lawson Realty, then became its president five years later. In 1999, Hardee became the parent company’s vice president and chief operating officer, and in 2016, he was named president and CEO. Aaron Phipps succeeds Hardee as the company’s head. Hardee also serves on TowneBank’s Portsmouth board.
A Gulf War veteran who graduated from Virginia Military Institute, Hardee has spent much of his time outside of work devoted to civic service. He is vice president of Southeast Virginia Community Foundation’s board. In an interview with Multifamily Executive in January, Hardee said he expects to spend more time “serving others and philanthropy,” as well as going on mission trips both locally and possibly abroad.
