Rich Lamphere, a well-established Builder and Developer of commercial and multi-family projects, is a living testament to the power of resilience and a never-give-up spirit. His journey, filled with several highs and lows, serves as an inspiration to countless people, proving that with determination and a positive outlook, one can be successful, and also turn the tables on adversity.
Growing up in a small town, Lamphere’s story started in a manner reminiscent of an All-American movie. Having success in sports in his youth and through high school, he aimed high and had lofty goals. Following a stint building nuclear submarines at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, he turned to his passion for building and creating, and began his career in construction. His dedication and talent saw him rise rapidly in the Carpenter’s Union as a commercial Framer, and he soon set his sights on becoming a General Contractor, and eventually a Real Estate Developer.
His professional journey was not devoid of hardships. Economic downturns in the 90s and 2008 shook his burgeoning businesses, yet he persevered. However, the real test of his strength came in 2011 when false charges were filed against him relating to one of his development projects. Despite fighting the case against him for five years, and mounting a spirited defense, he was handed a five-year prison sentence. This marked a turning point in his life. It also marked the start of an inspiring chapter of resilience and personal growth.
In prison, Lamphere leaned on his faith and his work. “I surrendered everything to God, stopped fighting the inconceivable thought of incarceration, and faced the reality of it. I was determined to be a light in a very dark place,” he says. His associates on the outside continued to manage projects he was in the process of building prior to incarceration. He stayed connected to his family and to his projects via daily phone calls. He chose to view his time in prison as an opportunity for self-improvement and personal growth. He stayed busy daily working as a facility worker, doing daily workouts, counseling, encouraging, and fellowshipping with fellow inmates, and earning their respect.
Upon release after serving his time, he strategized his return to Construction and Development, and worked tirelessly to rebuild his life. He had several key people who believed in him, and he was able to jump right back into building and developing with major companies he had worked with in the past.
Today, Lamphere is not just a successful Builder, he is also a beacon of hope and resilience for many. His story teaches us about the incredible power of perseverance, the ability to rise above circumstances, and the strength to remain undeterred in the face of adversity.
His mantra for staying focused and coming correct every day is a trio of rights: “Live Right, Be Right, Do Right”. These guiding principles have helped him navigate through good times, uncertain times, and tough times, and can serve as a mantra for others to follow. “Live for God, your family, your country, your work, and give time and resources to causes you believe in. Believe in yourself and be true to your convictions. Take daily action based on your values and life’s purpose,” he advises.
Rich Lamphere’s journey underscores the belief that setbacks can be stepping stones to success, and success can be stepping stones to further success, if we persist and never give up. He inspires us to believe in our God given talents, and work tirelessly towards our goals and divine destination, regardless of the hurdles we face.
To know more about Rich Lamphere and his work, follow him on Instagram.
Presented by: Ascend Agency
