While 70% of Construction Firms Lack a Succession Plan, Layton's Bench Was Ready

Sandy, Utah (February 17, 2026) – Layton Construction recently announced three leadership transitions: Jeff Beecher, Executive Vice President, is retiring after more than 30 years with the company; Dave Whimpey, a 27-year Layton veteran, has been appointed EVP; and Levi Clegg has been named Chief Operating Officer after four years with the firm.

The changes come as the construction industry faces significant leadership challenges. The industry is expected to lose more than 1.2 million workers to retirement in the coming years, and research shows 70% of family construction firms lack formal succession plans—with fewer than 30% surviving past the second generation.

“These promotions are the result of years of planning and preparation to ensure a seamless transition of responsibility in our organization,” said David S. Layton, CEO and President of Layton Construction. “They represent our strategic mindset of promoting executives from within who have been mentored in leadership skills and knowledge of our business culture, processes and systems.”

Careers Built on Saying Yes

Beecher’s 30-year career at Layton spanned Utah and Arizona. When Layton expanded its Phoenix business in the late 1990s, he and his family relocated to establish the company’s culture there. Years later, he returned to Utah to lead the company’s largest business unit, traveling weekly to do so.

“I knew we needed to ‘Laytonize’ Phoenix,” Layton said. “Jeff and his family moved to help with that assignment. When we needed him back in Salt Lake, he accepted again.”

Whimpey steps into the EVP role after years of working alongside Beecher—learning the role before assuming it. His own 27-year career at Layton followed a similar path: growth through assignments that demanded flexibility and a willingness to relocate.

“Dave has always been eager to take on new assignments, including opportunities that required him and his family to travel,” Layton said. “He’s a great example of a leader taking the necessary steps to prepare for future leadership opportunities.”

Succession as a Pattern, Not an Accident

Incoming COO Levi Clegg represents another dimension of Layton’s leadership pipeline. He joined four years ago as Vice President and Associate General Counsel and was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

“Leadership potential doesn’t always announce itself through longevity,” Layton said. “Sometimes, it shows up fast.”

Over four years, Clegg distinguished himself as attorney, leader, and critical thinker. He took on high-consequence risk matters and supported Layton’s business unit leaders in negotiating and structuring project contracts. He also led Layton’s internal project evaluation process.

A Replicable Model for the Industry

These transitions are the latest evidence of a leadership pipeline cultivated at every level of Layton. Many leaders started as interns. Others, like former COO Paul Drecksel—recently named President of Layton’s parent organization—joined mid-career and rose quickly.

As construction firms nationwide grapple with retirements and leadership gaps, Layton’s approach offers an alternative: long-term commitment to people, structured succession planning, and a culture that rewards growth from within.

The company invests heavily in values-based leadership development. One program brings together professionals from every level for three days of instruction and networking.

“Our goal is to help current and future leaders share best practices, accelerate their career growth, and develop a network of peer coaches across Layton,” said CHRO Kari Plaster. “The curriculum is organized around Layton’s values of honesty, safety, unity, and quality.”

Layton’s leadership training programs are key factors in the company being regularly recognized as one Utah’s best companies to work for by Utah Business Magazine.

“Technical expertise remains essential, but the ability to earn trust by living our values is what differentiates our leaders today,” Layton said. “The result is predictability for clients, stability for employees, and leadership transitions that strengthen—rather than disrupt—operations.”

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About Layton Construction

Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,700 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential. Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.