Fall, 2025 (Colleyville, TX): This year, PCL Contract Bonding Agency, one of Texas’ few family-owned surety bonding firms, proudly celebrates 40 years of helping construction companies grow with confidence. What began at a dining room table in 1985 has evolved into a trusted partner for contractors across North Texas and beyond.
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From Dining Room Table to Industry Leader
Founded by Clem and Pauline Lesch, PCL quickly stood out as more than just another bonding agency. Pauline, a trailblazer for women in Texas construction, helped establish the firm in an era when female leadership was rare. Clem, who had worked as an underwriter with USF&G and The Hartford, brought unmatched expertise and perspective. Together, they built a business grounded in trust, persistence, and partnership.
Passing the Torch: The Next Generation
Today, Clem’s son Eric and his wife Melissa are leading PCL into its next chapter. Eric, who once developed missile technology at Lockheed Martin, has served as PCL’s President for nearly a decade and has been the sole owner since 2017. His wife Melissa, who is the firm’s Producer and Head of Business Development, has developed strong ties in the industry by giving her time to organizations such as the American Subcontractors Association North Texas Chapter, where both she and Eric have served on the board. “Our family built this business on relationships and trust,” says Eric. “Today, Melissa and I are proud to continue that legacy by contributing to our industry and supporting our clients’ needs.” Rounding out the team is Felix Navejar – Eric’s nephew – who as a licensed agent serves as Controller and manages accounting, bond production, and client financial analysis. In true family form, Felix served as Treasurer for both the Texas and North Texas chapters of the National Utility Contractors Association, and he currently participates in the Future Leaders program with the American Subcontractors Association – North Texas Chapter.
Advocacy That Shapes the Industry
For decades, the Lesch family has been a strong advocate for contractors at the state level. From reforming lien laws to ending licensing oversight of utility contractors, PCL has helped secure legislative wins that help advance the business interests of commercial contractors across Texas. “We’re not afraid to knock on doors at the capitol,” Melissa explains. For example, the Lesch family has been directly involved in advocating for industry-friendly laws such as HB3485 (2023), which addressed owner-directed change order limitations, HB2334 (2023), which concerned the public land/private project bond requirements, and HB 2518 (2023), which codified methods to protect contractors when they cannot put a lien against a publicly-owned project. Looking towards the future, PCL is actively working towards the next legislative session. According to Eric, “In the next session, we’re looking forward to passing several pieces of legislation, including requiring documents incorporated by reference to be provided before contract signing, furthering protection of retained contract funds, and improving the 811, one-call system.”
Embracing the Future
PCL continues to evolve while staying true to its values. For example, Eric and Melissa see artificial intelligence as the next big disruptor in construction, but approach it with balance and caution. “AI can help review contracts, double-check documents, and streamline reporting,” Eric notes, “but for now, no technology can replace human judgment and perhaps even more important, the relationships that define who we are at PCL.” Melissa adds, “The goal isn’t to replace people, it’s to give us more time to help our clients with their biggest challenges.”
Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond
To mark its 40th anniversary, PCL has launched a new website and will host a fall celebration at the Colleyville Convention Center, where the friends, clients, and industry partners who have supported the firm’s journey will enjoy a festive evening. Along with the guests, founders Clem and Pauline will be there, too. “We may have passed the company to the next generation nearly a decade ago,” Clem explains, “but we’ve never stopped caring about the hardworking folks that literally built this state, so we’re excited to see old friends, and hopefully, make some new ones.” While technology, laws, and markets will always shift, the Lesch family believes PCL’s foundation will never change. “Our promise is simple,” Melissa says. “Smart bonding advice, steady guidance, and genuine partnership, so our clients can focus on building the future.”
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For more information, contact: Valerie Krieger, valeriek@boldentity.com 561 229 7222