Paul Lawonn

Diagnosis: Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

Paul J. Lawonn has more than 37 years of industrial safety and leadership experience and has provided consulting to more than 100 companies. 

Prior to his cancer diagnosis in 2005, Paul led the safety function at Harley?Davidson’s Milwaukee power?train operations manufacturing plant. His last position with Harley was corporate safety manager for compliance and employee training. 

Earlier, Paul directed the professional safety consulting staff of one of the largest employer associations in the country and, after a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, worked for Miller Brewing Co. coordinating safety, security and emergency response initiatives. 

For several years, Paul was a firefighter/EMT for his community’s paid?on?call fire department. Rising through the ranks he served as the assistant fire chief. 

He was diagnosed in 2005 with mantle-cell lymphoma but waged a successful nine- year battle and is now cancer-?free. Paul’s priority now is on inspirational and motivational speaking, writing, and coaching. He is particularly fervent about donating his time to charities that finance and fuel cancer research and organizations that provide assistance to cancer patients and their families. He’s written a guide to fighting cancer that he calls “Seven Steps to Persistent Perseverance.” 

Paul is married to Cindy Lawonn and they have two adult children. Their son Dan is a worship leader in Middleton. He is married to Camille and they have one daughter. Paul and Cindy?s daughter Laura is a teacher in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District.