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SALT LAKE CITY — David S. Layton credits a company culture of looking out for employees' growth for Layton Construction's successes.
"We have been the No. 1 growth company in the MountainWest Capital Network for four straight years," said Layton, president and CEO of the Utah-based builder, which has seen an explosive surge in national outreach and revenue since Layton accepted leadership over his family's company. "We have been very open about our culture of growth, and it's not because we're trying to be something externally. We're trying to deliver a career opportunity for our employees internally."
Gov. Spencer Cox spoke warmly about his friend and colleague as Layton was honored Wednesday as MountainWest Capital Network's 2024 Utah Entrepreneur of the Year at a luncheon held at the Little America hotel in Salt Lake City.
Layton thanked his executives and his employees, giving them the credit for what Layton Construction has been able to accomplish in years past.
"Mother Nature teaches us that growth is beneficial; it's healthy and positive, but when you take in top talent and take care of that talent, they have to be able to progress their career. And if you don't grow your business, top talent can't stay with you — they will find other opportunities," said Layton, emphasizing how important it is to him that Layton Construction's employees are taken care of and well-rewarded for their work. "We have to grow because of opportunity for you all. That's how you can come and stay and be with us for decades, you can have ownership, and you can build wealth."
This humble Utah company has grown into a multibillion-dollar success
Utah born and raised, family-owned Layton Construction has quietly grown into one of the top commercial building firms in the country.Colleagues, family friends and Cox spoke about how Layton is driven, family- and community-oriented and an example of why Utah is one of the most successful producers of entrepreneurs in the United States.
"We lead the nation in volunteering, service and charitable giving," said Cox, referencing conversations he's had with governors from other states and other peers that involved discussing why Utah consistently ranks as one of the most dynamic economies in the nation. As Cox explained, dynamism refers to a state economy's ability to produce new innovations, create new jobs and support entrepreneurial ventures.
Cox referenced how Layton and his family-owned construction firm are substantial contributors to charitable efforts and projects in Utah — Layton Construction has been involved in charitable efforts that have raised tens of millions of dollars in the past year alone, a fact that he proudly mentions to his peers as one of the ways that Utah stands out among other states.
"We have a community culture, this duty to give back — and everybody benefits from that," said Cox, addressing the crowd of a hundred or more people involved in Utah's entrepreneurial realm. "That is what makes Utah so special and that is why you are honoring David Layton today."
Cox applauded Layton for his leadership and for growing Layton Construction's footprint beyond the Intermountain West and into nearly every state in the country, with the Utah-based construction firm having completed projects in 42 states — with the governor citing the firm as one of the biggest construction companies in the country and how amazing it is that the company started as a small Utah-based construction company just 70 years ago.
"We're here because of his commitment to always give back and make Utah a better place. I mean, you could just imagine for a minute what the state would (be) like if you just removed every Layton Construction building. But, again, that's not the stuff; that's not the special stuff," said the governor, referring to how influential the construction company has been and continues to be to Utah's economic landscape. "I can tell you that whenever there is a need, Dave is there and he always has been — his family, too."
