2023 Top Consultants: Lucas Pain

Lucas Pain is a Managing Director and Partner and co-head of the firm's Global Industrials Sector. Lucas is also a member of L.E.K.'s Americas Regional Management Committee and serves on the firm's Partner Development Committee.

Lucas has more than 20 years of experience directing consulting engagements focused on growth strategy. He works with building product and materials manufacturers, distributors, contractors and other service providers in residential and nonresidential construction to identify and realize high potential growth opportunities. As part of these engagements he helps them navigate industry challenges including rising competition, pricing and margin pressures, labor shortages and uncertainty surrounding construction cycles. Another important focus is M&A and deal support.

What has motivated you to excel over the course of your career?

I draw motivation from a combination of my clients and the L.E.K. team. Helping our clients drive growth, transform their businesses and reach their own ambitions is truly rewarding and a source of great pride and motivation. I am also constantly energized by being part of a highly talented team at L.E.K. where we are working together and supporting each other to build the business and provide excellent support to our clients.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

The opportunity to work with a highly talented team within an entrepreneurial culture at L.E.K. has been instrumental in my success. With the support of L.E.K. and the team, I have been able focus my career in areas where I have a true passion. Working with my colleagues to always deliver the highest quality support to our clients and seeing those clients succeed over the years has led to personal fulfillment and the success we are experiencing at L.E.K. more broadly.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

A career in consulting has allowed me to spend my time working across the building and construction landscape – an industry that I find fascinating. I enjoy digging into each new project to find answers to complex, strategic issues. It is rewarding to support businesses and individual clients over many years and enable their success. This has all happened for me while being a part of a highly collaborative, innovative and supportive team. It has been very rewarding having an opportunity to help build and shape L.E.K. as we have grown over the years.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

While I am most proud of the family that I have built, within my professional life, I am extremely proud of the collaborative and supportive team we have and that I get to work with across the L.E.K. Industrials Sector. The ability to team effectively and bring out our collective capability has been and will continue to be fundamental to our ability to grow our business and effectively serve our clients.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

Spend time doing what you love!

What does this recognition mean to you?

It is a true honor to receive this award from Consulting Magazine and join a group of highly talented and accomplished peers. I believe it is a reflection of the great team we have built within L.E.K. and the impact we have on individual clients and the broader building and construction sector.