Patriot's Choice Contracting: Building Dreams and Restoring History

From Marine Combat Veteran to Harlan's Go-To General Contractor

When James Sheehan returned to his hometown of Harlan in 2014 after serving three tours overseas as a Marine infantryman, he brought with him more than just military discipline and a construction management degree. He carried a vision to transform his community, one project at a time. Today, alongside his wife Laura Lee, James has built Patriot's Choice Contracting into a thriving 17-employee operation that tackles everything from historic building renovations to cutting-edge commercial projects.

"I'm a dream big guy," James explains from his current job site in Lincoln, where his crew is pouring a five-acre parking lot. "I don't want to be just a little contractor. I want to be the biggest one."

From California to Combat to Construction

James's journey to becoming Harlan's premier general contractor took him far from Iowa's rolling hills. Born in Orange County, California, but raised in Harlan, he graduated from Harlan High School before enlisting in the Marine Corps. Stationed at Camp Pendleton, he served three tours overseas as an infantry rifleman and was wounded in combat while serving his country.

It was during his transition out of the Marines that James met Laura Lee, a marketing student in her senior year at Oklahoma State University. "I was in college and got really excited about this Marine from Southern California that I had just met," Laura Lee recalls with a laugh, "and glossed over the fact at a high rate of speed that he was from small town USA."

After James completed his construction management degree at the University of Nebraska Omaha and Laura Lee launched her career in EMR Consulting in Kansas City, the couple made a pivotal decision in December 2014: return to Harlan to start their family and build their future.

Building a Business, One Project at a Time

What started as a two-person operation flipping their own houses has evolved into a comprehensive general contracting firm. "We bought our first house in Harlan for $40,000, flipped it as weekend warriors, and we were able to sell it for maybe three times that amount," Laura Lee explains. "That was so exciting for us to see a direct positive price tag associated with something that we both really love to do."

The business initially focused on custom cabinetry, with James literally building pieces from raw wood species. But their scope quickly expanded as demand grew and their confidence increased. "Every year, I take on a bigger and bigger job, and then my guys get more and more confident and experienced," James notes. Recent projects include converting Red Oak's historic 1912 middle school into 26 apartments – a $10 million undertaking that required preserving historical elements like original chalkboards and staircase moldings.

Bringing History Back to Life

James has developed a particular passion for historic renovations, transforming neglected properties into community assets. Their own office exemplifies this philosophy – purchased for $20,000, the building on the square now houses their operations and serves as a showcase of their restoration capabilities.

"One of the things that I really like is bringing old historic structures back to life," James explains. "I like challenges." This approach has benefited the entire community, including renovating buildings that now house local businesses like 712 Salon, owned and operated by Trish Kiesel.

The couple's commitment to community extends beyond business. They've made a major donation to Harlan's new playground project, with James's crew managing and performing all the construction work at no charge. "I played at that park every day growing up" he reflects. "I have the resources to be able to help the community, and we are not greedy people."

Comprehensive Services with a Personal Touch

Today, Patriot's Choice Contracting operates across three main service areas. Their general contracting and project management division handles everything from residential renovations to large-scale commercial construction. The concrete division specializes in foundations, driveways, and specialty work, with crews capable of completing full driveway replacements in a single day – something unique in the Harlan market.

Their third specialty area, custom cabinetry, sets them apart from typical contractors. As distributors for a family-owned South Dakota manufacturer, they offer design services, renderings, and high-quality installations that go far beyond big-box store options.

Laura Lee, who manages residential projects and handles the company's bookkeeping, emphasizes their design process: "A lot of people don't really know what they want; but know they need functionality. The process that our vendor has put in place with the renderings really helps customers decide on their dream kitchens." Features like raised end pieces and custom moldings elevate entire kitchen designs in ways customers often don't realize they want until they see the possibilities.

The company has also earned certification as foundation repair specialists through GripTite Manufacturing, offering comprehensive solutions for structural issues. "We're foundation repair specialists, and we are certified through GripTite Manufacturing," James explains. "We're distributors of all their products and backed by their engineers."

Building Relationships Beyond Harlan

While rooted in Harlan, Patriot's Choice serves a two-hour radius that extends from Orange City in the north to the Missouri border in the south, and from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Iowa City. They've completed projects at the University of Iowa and continue expanding their commercial portfolio while maintaining strong local connections.

"We're constantly striving to foster relationships like the ones we have in our community, outside of our community," Laura Lee explains. "That's what helps us as business owners – these solid relationships with our vendors and business partners."

The company has undergone significant organizational improvements in the past year, hiring office staff to ensure every call gets answered and implementing systems to deliver quotes in a shorter timeframe. "Our company is 180 degrees different than it was a year ago when it comes to logistics and office operations," James notes.

A Foundation Built on Service

What truly distinguishes Patriot's Choice is their commitment to supporting Harlan's "underdogs" – organizations that don't receive the same community support as athletics programs. "I feel like my whole life's been an underdog," James reflects. "I want to help the guys that need more help."

This philosophy extends to their business practices, where local customers often receive preferential pricing. "If you're local and I'm local, then I want your business," Laura Lee emphasizes.

From a $40,000 house flip to million-dollar commercial projects, James and Laura Lee Sheehan have built more than just a successful contracting business – they've created a legacy of community investment and craftsmanship excellence. With their combination of military precision, genuine care for their neighbors, and commitment to continuous improvement, Patriot's Choice Contracting represents the best of small-town entrepreneurship. As they continue expanding their reach while deepening their Harlan roots, one thing remains constant: every project, whether restoring a historic building or designing a dream kitchen, is an opportunity to strengthen the community they proudly call home.

Ready to start your next project? Contact Patriot's Choice Contracting at 712-254-8745 for a free consultation. Visit their office on the square in Harlan, check out their website , or follow them on Facebook. Whether you're planning a historic renovation, need foundation repairs, or want to design your dream kitchen, their experienced team is ready to bring your vision to life.