A Proud History

Lankford Construction Company’s roots stem back to 1951 when the company specialized as a fixture contractor. In 1973 Wally Lankford hired Gerry Karlen after he was referred by a client. At the time Gerry was working for another company building a big box store and impressed the owner. The rest is history. Gerry had already gained years of experience building houses when he was just 16 in order to support his family. He loved the industry. Worked his way up the ladder while raising two children, and purchased Lankford Construction in 1993.

Gerry immediately made extensive changes to stimulate growth. He understood that most retail stores needed more than just installing new store fixtures. They required a contractor who could initiate and manage roll-out programs at multiple locations throughout the country while meeting the challenges of completing store expansions, store remodels, fixturing, and painting.

In 2002 the company added a painting division to further facilitate the needs of his clients. Lankford hired people with years of experience to maintain the integrity of the company. The painting division has the capability to complete any size project as demonstrated by following the links in this web site. Gerry Karlen has always welcomed new challenges, changes, and consistently upgrades to try and forecast the ever-changing technology that is necessary to protect his client. He has a hands-on approach and understands that each client and each store or business has its own unique personality and needs.

• Best Buy Outstanding Contractor of the Year
• Target Mission Accomplished Award for the Photo Finishing Projects
• Multiple Kmart Excellence in Design and Construction
• Multiple Target Fixture Contractor of the Year
• Target Extreme School Library Makeover
• Project Team of the Year
• Multiple Outstanding Performance Awards