ORLANDO, Fla. – Lawrence “Larry” Smith Jr., PE, grew up with civil engineering as a constant presence. The topic was discussed at the dinner table, on family vacations, and modeled through the career of his father, Lawrence “Larry” Smith Sr., a respected civil engineer and University of Florida (UF) graduate.
Raised in Gainesville, Fla., home of the UF Gators, Smith followed his father’s path to the university, earning his civil engineering degree and developing a lifelong connection to the profession and the Gator community.
After a career spanning more than 40 years – including 38 years at DRMP and three years as CEO of the Trilon Transportation Platform, DRMP’s parent company and family of firms – Smith officially retired in December 2025.
His family and colleagues, including some who traveled from California, Idaho, and Colorado, recently celebrated his career at a retirement event on Feb. 5 at the Orlando Science Center, near DRMP’s Orlando headquarters. In recognition of Smith’s legacy and contributions to the engineering profession, DRMP and Trilon announced during the event the companies would each donate to the Larry and Ann Smith Fund, a UF scholarship endowment established by Smith and his family in honor of his parents. DRMP presented a $25,000 gift and Trilon contributed a matching donation.
Trilon Senior Executive Assistant Anna Calkins unveiling Trilon's matching donation to the Larry and Ann Smith Fund
During his retirement celebration, Smith reflected on his long career at DRMP and the lessons he learned along the way.
“I made my share of mistakes,” he said. “I learned from them and benefited from working with people who care deeply about doing things the right way, and that’s what we’re all about.”
He went on to recall the challenges and successes the firm experienced.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed many milestones watching DRMP expand its services, locations, and its impact,” Smith said. “We’ve also experienced some bumpy times as every A/E/C firm does, but we weathered those moments together. What has stayed constant and always mattered is our people. I’m proud to have been part of this profession. What we do matters.”
Larry Smith Jr. shares reflections and gratitude during his retirement celebration
Colleagues remembered Smith as a passionate leader, trusted mentor, and someone who consistently put people first. Many reflected on the opportunities he created for others and the trust he placed in them early in their careers, crediting Smith with shaping their professional growth.
“Thank you for taking a chance on me 31 years ago,” DRMP Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Greene, CPSM, said in a tribute to Smith. “Your trust and encouragement helped shape my entire career, and I’m so grateful.”
DRMP’s President and CEO, Glenn Lusink, PSM, echoed these sentiments, describing the impact Smith had on the people around him.
“Larry’s leadership influenced people by showing them what it means to lead with integrity,” Lusink said. “He never had to demand respect. He earned it through his actions. People grew under Larry because he believed in them and gave them room to make decisions and coached them without ever making someone feel small.”
Larry Smith Jr. honors Glenn Lusink in celebration of 40 years at DRMP
Colleagues also recalled the many ways he built connections whether through company gatherings, family events, and time spent together outside the office. Others shared stories highlighting Smith’s generosity, service to the community, and commitment to mentorship.
“Even small gestures showed how much he trusted and invested in people,” said DRMP Vice President Scott Garth, PE, LEED AP, ND, recalling a moment during a trip when Smith shared a travel perk as a thoughtful gesture. Garth also noted Smith’s dedication to volunteering and professional involvement.
“I enjoyed working with Larry over in Orlando at the Ronald McDonald House,” Garth said. “We both volunteered to serve dinner for families with children receiving medical care. I was really impressed with the amount of time he dedicated to volunteering.”
Larry Smith Jr. volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Orlando, Fla.
Smith was also described as a proud Gator, a straight shooter, a world traveler, and a patient leader who helped guide DRMP through periods of growth and transition.
“I admire Larry for his tenacity and leadership as he led the company through a major transition and into a new era with Trilon,” said DRMP Senior Vice President Amanda Woods, PE, referring to the Trilon Group’s acquisition of DRMP in April 2022.
Smith began his professional career in the late 1980s, joining DRMP on June 15, 1987, as an entry-level engineer in the firm’s Stormwater Department. He quickly built a strong foundation in land development, leading complex projects for major clients such as Florida Hospital, Winn-Dixie, Central Florida Research Park, and the Country Club of Mount Dora.
Larry Smith Jr. during his early years as an engineer
After leaving DRMP and gaining experience elsewhere early in his career, Smith returned to DRMP in April 1993 as a project manager, marking the start of a steady rise through the firm that would span multiple decades. Over the years, he advanced through a series of leadership roles, reflecting his technical expertise and his ability to grow the business.
In April 1994, he became leader of DRMP’s Land Development (LVD) Department, a position he held for more than five years while also serving as the firm’s general civil leader. In December 1999, he was elected vice president of the LVD division and joined DRMP’s board of directors. Smith later helped establish DRMP’s Federal Services practice and was named a firm principal in 2000.
Smith’s influence continued to expand as DRMP grew. In 2019, he was named president and chief executive officer of DRMP, guiding the firm through a period of strategic growth, leadership development, and organizational transition. In 2022 when Trilon Group acquired DRMP, he was also appointed CEO of the Trilon Transportation Platform where he helped support collaboration and a shared vision among infrastructure consulting firms across North America.
Larry Smith Jr. poses with representatives from partner firms at the Trilon Transportation Summit in Denver, Colo.
Smith has often credited his father as the earliest and most lasting influence on his career.
“From a very early age, I knew I wanted to be like him,” Smith said in an April 24, 2023 alumni spotlight published by UF’s Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment. “I can remember my dad talking about asphalt, concrete, aggregate, bridges and roadways my entire life. I guess I was going to be a civil engineer from the day I was born.”
While earning his degree at UF, Smith was an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter, competing in the annual Concrete Canoe competition and later serving as second vice president during his senior year. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Maggie, at a summer break encounter.
His connection to UF continued well beyond graduation. Following the passing of his father in 2021, Smith and his family established the Larry and Ann Smith Fund in 2022 to honor his parents and their long-time dedication to the university. The endowment supports the Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering by funding an undergraduate teaching scholar who assists faculty in classrooms and laboratories, an investment that reflects Smith’s belief in hands-on learning and mentorship for future engineers.
Larry Smith Jr., his wife, Maggie, father, Larry Smith Sr., and mother, Ann Smith/Photo credit: University of Florida Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment
Smith believed people could learn from others at any stage in their careers.
“I’ve had many mentors in this business, and what I’ve learned is that they don’t have to be senior to you,” he said in a 2022 profile in The Zweig Letter. “If you keep an open mind, you can learn from anyone.”
Reflecting on his time at DRMP, Smith emphasized the people behind the work in a retirement announcement to employees.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside great mentors, talented colleagues, and friends who have made this work meaningful,” he said.
About DRMP
Since 1977, DRMP has earned a reputation as a trusted multidiscipline engineering firm that approaches challenges differently. What began as a small Florida-based firm has grown into a Southeastern powerhouse with over 700 employees across 23 offices. We partner with clients to deliver smart, sustainable infrastructure that helps communities thrive.
Ranked among Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms in the United States, DRMP is known for solving complex challenges through technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration.
We value connection, creativity, and a welcoming, engaging culture that empowers employees to grow their careers. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to the principles that have guided us from the start. Learn more at www.drmp.com.
