It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Carl Arthur Raymond on December 29, 2024. He was a second generation leader at The Raymond Group, and his son-in-law Travis Winsor is currently AWCI’s immediate past president.
Carl Raymond was born on August 7, 1939, in Monterey Park, California, to George and Averill Raymond. Carl graduated from the University of Southern California, having obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. He was also president of the Architectural Fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi. Carl continued to build a successful career in construction, expanding the Raymond company founded by his father, George Raymond in 1936. Under Carl’s leadership, The Raymond Group grew from primarily lath and plaster work to include commercial projects, growing into one of the leading wall and ceiling contractors in the nation.
Carl was instrumental in moving Raymond from Montebello to its current location in Orange, California, where he oversaw the renovation of a former tomato canning factory. This transformation earned the company an award for design excellence from the City of Orange.
A true pioneer in the construction industry, Carl was always at the forefront of innovation and change. He led Raymond to its first international project in Hong Kong and was a key figure in pioneering the use of exterior panelized wall systems, theming, and the early adoption of building information modeling (BIM).
Carl was deeply beloved in the industry, known not only for his leadership but also for his generosity. He was always willing to help others and provided opportunities for many to succeed, offering guidance and support to countless individuals in their careers. Carl served as the president of the Western Wall and Ceiling Association as well as a member of the Young President’s Organization and World President’s Organization.
Carl was not just a business owner but also a mentor, a friend and a passionate advocate for Raymond’s values and employees. His legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of The Raymond Group.