WESTLAKE, OHIO, June 09, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Thomas P. Lawrence has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Lawrence has carved a distinguished career in the building materials industry, marked by his expertise in selling and sourcing natural stones and his adeptness in team management. As the principal, founder and chief executive officer of GPI Design since 1994, he has dedicated over three decades to advancing the company's mission. Mr. Lawrence's role involves traveling to project sites and overseeing his team, ensuring that each endeavor meets the high standards he has set.

Under Mr. Lawrence's leadership, GPI Design has navigated significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, during which they successfully completed three major projects simultaneously. Notably, Franklin Square emerged as their most significant and demanding project, while 81 Bay Street highlighted their resilience and adaptability.

Mr. Lawrence's journey began after earning a Bachelor of Science in business from Bowling Green State University in 1991, during which time he entered sales. Focusing on building materials, he represented companies selling construction materials and collaborated with major manufacturers through his rep group. This experience honed his skills in sales and distribution across a five-state area. Mr. Lawrence's transition into brokering and selling natural stone was catalyzed by an opportunity to work with a stone group from India, leading him to travel internationally to source materials from Brazil, Italy and Turkey and around the globe.

The establishment of Gripco Products marked a pivotal moment in Mr. Lawrence's career as he shifted focus to natural stones. This venture evolved into the now award winning and respected GPI Design, where he expanded the company's offerings to include turnkey design and engineering services. His passion for the building materials industry is deeply rooted in his family background; being the youngest of six siblings who have all achieved success in their respective businesses, inspiring him to pursue entrepreneurship. Although he initially considered a career in architecture, inspired by his mother's work as a designer, Mr. Lawrence found his true calling in the building materials sector, specifically the commercial design/build industry.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Lawrence is actively involved in industry-related organizations such as the American Institute of Architects, the Society of American Registered Architects, and the Marble Institute of America, reflecting his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. Most recently has founded a commercial real estate company, the L7 Group, in which Mr. Lawrence has acquired a 20,000 sf commercial building, erected a new 20,000 sf commercial building and recently purchased 13 acres of land for a new 5 building 200,000 sf industrial development in Westlake, Ohio. Mr. Lawrence's dedication extends beyond his professional life; he co-founded and served as past chair of the Gift of Life Foundation, underscoring his commitment to civic-minded initiatives.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Lawrence attributes much of his success to hard work and an unwavering commitment to his craft. As he looks toward the future, his aspirations include creating an environment in Cleveland that fosters neighborhood development on the Near West Side. He envisions establishing a foundation to support the construction of single-family homes, contributing to community growth and revitalization. As he continues to lead GPI Design, Mr. Lawrence remains focused on innovation and excellence in every project he undertakes.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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