Our History

A Rich Tradition of Family, Resilience, and Treating Clients Right

Our history is rooted in resilience, family dedication, and commitment to clients. Founded in 1918, Lichtefeld Inc. grew from a small home repair business into a leader in commercial construction through strategic partnerships and innovation. Over four generations, we’ve expanded our expertise, especially with pre-engineered metal buildings, alongside Butler Manufacturing. Today, we proudly bring over a century of trusted construction excellence to every project. Discover our journey and values.

The Roaring 20s

An Amazing Story of American Determination

Founded in 1918 the Lichtefeld family business began as a partnership between two young entrepreneurs Fred J. Lichtefeld and Fred Metzner. When Fred J. Lichtefeld began working as a carpenter apprentice at the age of 15 for the Frey Planing Mill Company, Fred Metzner, was a bookkeeper for the company. Later, the two became friends and eventually decided to leave and start a new venture in the construction business. They called the partnership “Lichtefeld Metzner & Company.”

Lichtefeld and Metzner began their journey in the home repair and remodeling business, initially focusing on small projects. Their commitment to quality construction quickly earned them a strong reputation in the Louisville area, prompting the expansion of their services. By the early 1920s, they ventured into custom home building, maintaining their dedication to exceptional craftsmanship. This reputation allowed them to transition into constructing large, upscale residential properties during one of the most iconic periods of American architectural history.

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Before the fateful events in late 1929, Metzner was heavily invested in the stock market while Lichtefeld chose to save money towards his children’s future college expenses. This decision saved Lichtefeld Inc. After the crash later that year, Metzner was unable to keep up with the business and Fred Lichtefeld struggled and used this savings to keep Lichtefeld Inc. in business—when so few couldn’t say the same.

The construction industry also collapsed and Fred Lichtefeld decided to do what he knew best. Going back to his roots, he focused on quality home repairs and meticulous renovations. He used his family’s savings to buy materials for small home repairs, sometimes bartering in trade for food or clothing. Fred’s dedication kept the business running during these dark times, food on the table, and a familiar face eventually stepped in to help the determined carpenter — his only son Stanley F. Lichtefeld joined in the 1930s.

The only son of nine, Stanley F. Lichtefeld was born on March 24, 1915, and joined the family business in the 1930s. In 1935, Stanley became responsible for bookkeeping, estimating, and office management. This was the beginning of “Fred J. Lichtefeld and Son Construction Company”. For nine years Stanley helped his father grow the business back to the same reputable residential construction company the Lichtefelds were known for.

The Transformation

War Changes the Nation and Lichtefeld, Inc.

World War II presented another significant challenge for the Lichtefeld family. In 1944, Stanley was drafted into the U.S. Navy, serving his country with pride. However, a critical event threatened the family business: Fred suffered a heart attack while Stanley was away. Determined to preserve the business despite his illness, Fred formally petitioned the U.S. Navy to release Stanley, enabling him to return home and keep the company operational.

Knowing that “serving” sometimes means on the home front, the Navy agreed to release Stanley with all honors around the same time the war was ending. A new business dynamic was formed, and the proud father saw his son, the craftsman and soldier, grow into an expert in field procurement and construction management.

Stanley continued to service Fred’s clients and continued upscale home building through the 1950s in Louisville. Because of their reputation, an architectural firm approached Lichtefeld Inc. to bid on a new church construction project — this was the beginning of the company’s commercial, office, and industrial era.

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Strategic Partnerships

Becoming A Leader In Commercial Construction

The third generation of Lichtefeld Inc. began when Stanley’s eldest son, Paul A. Lichtefeld, stepped in to help the family business thrive. Born in March 1942, Paul graduated from Trinity High School in 1960 and enrolled at the University of Louisville’s Speed School. However, in 1962, he made the difficult decision to leave college when Stanley was diagnosed with cancer.

Much like his father’s return from WWII to support the business, Paul’s sacrifice ensured the continued prosperity of Lichtefeld Inc. His dedication not only upheld the family’s legacy of commitment, honor, and resilience but also marked a turning point for the company. Determined to forge his own path, Paul chose to move the business in a new direction, permanently leaving the home-building industry behind.

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Partnering with Pruden Building Systems (later known as Varco-Pruden Building Systems) Paul gained quite a bit of knowledge regarding project fast-tracking, value engineering, and new selling techniques of the times. Because of his success in the pre-engineered building business, Paul was approached and recruited by the leading pre-engineered building company in the country: Butler Manufacturing.

Impressed with Butler’s product line, Paul decided to partner and sell buildings for Butler in the mid-1960s. As Butler is the leading pre-engineered metal building company, Paul learned a great deal regarding sales techniques and the design/build method of construction. He used all generations of knowledge passed down, combined it with his own, and drove Lichtefeld Inc. into a new era of building

Trusted Excellence

Lichtefeld Inc. Now

Now in its fourth generation, Paul A. Lichtefeld has been joined by his three sons—Paul Jr., Stanley, and Mark—to continue the family’s legacy. For over 100 years, construction has been a way of life for the Lichtefeld family, specializing in office, commercial, and industrial buildings. They are guided by a fundamental belief: every project, regardless of size or cost, deserves the same commitment to quality construction processes while respecting the client’s budget. Their dedication extends beyond project completion, as they stand behind their workmanship for years to come.

By choosing Lichtefeld Inc., you’re selecting a century of experience and proven, quality-assured construction methods. As proud representatives of Butler Manufacturing Systems—the world’s leading manufacturer of pre-engineered metal building systems—Lichtefeld Inc. continues to set the standard for excellence.

Discover how we can bring your vision to life. Contact us today.