Patrick Lucchese is a business executive and entrepreneur passionate about the economy. He is best known as the co-founder of Lucchese Construction Company, where he served as President.

Mr. Lucchese is a licensed architect in Texas and Louisiana, allowing him to contribute to Hurricane Katrina recovery projects in those states significantly. Today, Mr. Lucchese’s interest lies in entrepreneurial endeavors geared towards rebuilding communities, such as his involvement with The Cleaning House Painting Company, founded by Patrick’s son-in-law Chris Hassinger and now managed by Patrick’s daughter Frances Hassinger Giuggio.

Mr. Lucchese developed a love for architecture and construction early in life. In 1945, the Patrick Lucchese family left their home in Italy and moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities. Many of Patrick’s skills were cultivated during this time, including his knowledge of architectural design, hand tools, and carpentry techniques.

In 1968, at 25, Mr. Lucchese enlisted in the United States Army and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. In 1970, after he was honorably discharged, Mr. Lucchese started his own construction company with partner Tony Mangano.

In 1981, Mr. Lucchese left his day job to become a small businessman, returning to the construction industry and re-establishing himself as a successful contractor.

It was after Hurricane Katrina that Mr. Lucchese’s entrepreneurial spirit became focused on business building in rebuilding communities that the storm’s floodwaters had damaged after the landfall of Hurricane Katrina on 29 August 2005. After the hurricane, Mr. Lucchese’s charitable efforts led him to establish The Lucchese Foundation.

Mr. Lucchese is the Federal Emergency Management Agency team leader in business recovery and economic development. He continues to serve as an advisor in the areas of infrastructure projects and small business innovation and entrepreneurship loan programs under President Obama’s Small Business Lending Fund program, which has a grant component that is part of several different initiatives, including National Opportunity Zone, Quality Jobs Council, Trade Adjustment Assistance and other programs.