Blake Eaton brings more than 25 years of financial leadership and business strategy to his role as Chief Financial Officer of Lawless Group. A proud Texan, Blake blends city and country life while applying his deep expertise in guiding companies through growth, acquisitions, and mergers. After successfully running his own firm, Blake sold the business to join Richard Lawless and the Lawless Group, drawn to the pace, diversity, and ever-changing landscape of the industry. Today, he oversees all financial and commercial aspects of the organization, providing the knowledge, structure, and foresight that fuel sustainable success. With a sharp eye for investments and business operations, Blake plays a vital role in positioning Lawless Group for continued growth and long-term results.
Jeff co-founded Building Connections in 2003 who partnered with the Lawless Group in 2022. His experience spans brings 30 years in the construction industry and includes Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Construction Project Engineer, and Account Manager. Jeff manages distributor accounts, works with contractors and distributors on projects, and provides training for sales representatives, contractors, and engineers. He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from The Ohio State University and is a Registered Professional Engineer.
TOP 5
As the Director of Business Development, Mark Semlow boldly goes where no person has gone before. With over 20 years of industry experience, Mark leads new business opportunities of Lawless Southwest.
Mark’s philosophy? Act as if what you do makes a difference…because it does. His success is driven by his ability to build genuine connections with people at all levels, consistently achieving higher levels of success while creating relationships of trust and confidence with customers.
While Mark is humble – we will brag. Mark is Yale graduate who brings extensive experience from Clorox, Igloo and Westinghouse. Mark goes above and beyond for customers – with his no quit attitude, Jiu-Jitsu belt and knowledge of almost anything, we are thrilled he’s on the team.
David Stevens brings 38 years’ experience to Lawless Southwest. He is an expert in concrete accessory products: road and bridge construction, concrete forming, waterproofing, drainage materials, rebar.
David helps identify new opportunities for LGSW, leading expansion into the concrete channel. His is responsible for line management and customer satisfaction. Managing educational programs, for both customers and end-users. His experience and expertise provide greater capabilities for our customers.
Previously he was a regional sales manager for OCM before joining Lawless Southwest. He spent 28 years in the distribution channel for concrete and rebar products.
David and his wife Dawn have been married 37 years. They enjoy cruises and camping in the RV at state parks and resorts. He is also a proud pet parent 3 dogs and a cat.
A salesman who has been around the block a few times. Started in this business at 16 and has been in sales for 36 years to be exact. Victor has an unwavering dedication, making sure service is on point, consistent and meets the customer’s needs.
The only thing larger than Victor’s role at Lawless is the size of his heart. Coupling his dedication with his deep concern for the people around him, he is a driving force that keeps Lawless moving successfully forward. As VP of Sales, Victor leads business strategy for our customers.
Basically, Victor is a can-do guy with a lot of heart. He makes sure things get done and jumps in daily to make it happen. Call that role what you will: Driven Leader, Committed Quartermaster, or Jack of All Trades. We’re just thankful he looks out for us and our customers.
When he’s not making it happen at Lawless you can find him fishing, woodworking and spending time with family. He’s a skilled craftsman who built his own house!
So, really: how can he help you?
Eric is a leader well versed in driving strategy to implementation through process, planning, and execution initiatives. Eric is known for his inventive ways and fearless approach to solving business challenges and delivering results for customers. He has 25 years of industry experience leading, managing, and transforming companies. As President of Lawless West, he ensures the agency meets the evolving needs of both manufacturers and distributors.
Before joining WernerCo, Eric was Vice President Sales Industrial, Construction, and Electrical Channels for Shurtape Technologies, a leading manufacturer of adhesive tapes. Eric spent 3 years at Shurtape and was integral in their success in joining 6 buying groups/cooperatives within 18 months and pioneered new channels by hiring and managing over 30 agencies. Prior to that, Eric spent 6 years with Weiler Abrasives where he was the VP of Sales for U.S. and Canada. Eric spent the early parts of his career working for Newell Rubbermaid in a variety of sales and leadership roles.
When Eric isn’t traveling for work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Shelley and twins Sage and Emery, and not to be left out their miniature goldendoodle Ivy. Eric enjoys traveling, playing golf, and exploring the latest culinary and wine finds.
An avid risk taker, Bob Patch has always liked the fast lane. He drove race cars professionally for 10 years and started CANOW Inc. when he was just 26 years old.
He is a passionate advocate for bringing people together and a firm believer in the importance of keeping work fun. This principal attributes to Bob’s longstanding tenure in the industry. In 2018, CANOW merged with the Lawless Group to form Lawless West. With this merger, Bob elected to became the lead account manager; a role he chose after surviving over 40 years in the representation business.
The foundation he built at CANOW has been vital to the Lawless West success. His extensive experience and relationships in the construction distribution industry are vast. He continues to lead mergers and acquisitions, and mentor and develop new solutions for manufacturers and distributors.
Bob now enjoys a little slower pace of life – you’ll find on the greens with his wife and Wilbur.
