Larry Rooney was born into a family whose name has been part of American construction history for over a century. As the fifth-generation leader of Manhattan Construction Group, Larry inherited not just a business but a tradition built on integrity, craftsmanship, and community service. His early life reflected strong values of discipline and responsibility that prepared him for his role in managing large-scale building and infrastructure projects later in life.
Growing up, he often visited job sites with his father and grandfather, watching workers interpret blueprints and set concrete forms. Those early visits inspired him to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where he developed a deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and project design from foundation to finish.
Stepping Into The Industry
Before joining the family firm, Larry spent several years working with independent contractors in Chicago, where he learned how real fieldwork operates, from estimating bids and reviewing change orders to ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards. It was hands-on training that refined his ability to lead job crews and manage complex project timelines using practical tools like Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling.
In 2010, Larry officially joined Manhattan Construction Group, bringing a modern but grounded management style that soon made him a rising figure within the company. His attention to detail and his clear communication with architects, civil engineers, and clients helped bridge the technical and human sides of the construction process.
Leadership and Achievements
Today, as President of Manhattan Construction Group, Larry Rooney oversees an organization recognized as one of the oldest and most respected privately held builders in the United States. The company operates across various divisions, commercial buildings, civil works, pipelines, and specialty projects, and under Larry’s leadership, has successfully delivered high-profile projects that include national sports arenas, government facilities, and corporate campuses.
Larry is known for encouraging projects that uphold both craftsmanship and sustainability. His approach includes streamlining preconstruction planning, efficient value engineering, and strong contractor coordination. He believes that trust, transparency, and steady communication between owners, subcontractors, and design professionals are the cornerstones of success on any project.
Under his direction, Manhattan Construction has expanded its operations into new geographic regions, completing projects that rely heavily on advanced MEP systems, structural precision, and adherence to environmental regulations. Larry has also been a driving force in integrating fieldwork documentation and risk management software to ensure every job meets schedule and budget without sacrificing quality or safety standards.
Approach to Leadership
Larry Rooney’s management style focuses on people first. Known within the company as a steady and approachable leader, he believes the best results come from collaboration between project managers, craft professionals, and clients. Whether in board meetings or job-site walkthroughs, his leadership remains rooted in respect and continuous learning.
He often emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate daily construction reports, conducting clear team OAC meetings (Owner–Architect–Contractor), and following up with punch lists before closeout. These ordinary but vital details, he notes, are what transform a construction project from “underway” to “successfully delivered.” This focus on detail and teamwork has made Manhattan Construction one of the industry’s most dependable names.
Professional Involvement and Community Service
Beyond his company responsibilities, Larry Rooney is a dedicated civic leader. He has served on the boards of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, and the Philbrook Museum of Art. Within these organizations, he continues to promote job creation, workforce training, and community outreach.
He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the Florida Council of 100, groups that unite business leaders who share a commitment to ethical enterprise and community improvement. Larry believes that the construction industry carries a responsibility to shape both skylines and lives, a belief reflected in his efforts to support housing initiatives and Native American development projects.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Larry Rooney continues to build not just projects but a culture that values honesty, skill, and human connection. Under his leadership, Manhattan Construction stands as a model for how a legacy company can evolve while staying true to its core standards. His emphasis on safety, workforce training, and transparent project delivery has reinforced trust among clients and subcontractors nationwide.
Larry’s belief that every successful structure begins with strong planning and teamwork has become part of the company’s DNA. Whether managing large civic infrastructure projects or smaller community buildings, his focus remains on delivering accurate work, on time, within budget, and with genuine pride in craftsmanship, values that define not just a builder but a leader.
