2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Trevor Munson, Reidy Contracting Group

“Trevor is a visionary leader who builds high-performing, collaborative teams while driving operational excellence. His focus on talent development, culture, and strategic growth has strengthened our firm’s capabilities, elevated project quality, and positioned us for continued success in new markets.” 

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

“Leadership is a people business — connect for partnership, not just answers, and you’ll move everyone forward together.” 

Leadership is a people business. Success comes from connecting for partnership, not just reporting or asking for answers. Be prepared, confident, and empathetic, and use situational awareness to understand what motivates others. Guide your team so they feel heard while you move things forward. Mastering this builds trust, influence, and lasting leadership in any industry.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

I build teams like a coach builds a championship roster. People push each other, cover each other’s gaps, and elevate the whole team. Through clear KPIs, regular feedback, and structured growth paths, we have created a culture that is competitive, supportive, and fun. That talent drives higher-quality work, more complex projects, sophisticated clients, and confidence to expand into new markets.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

Structured check-ins to understand needs, remove obstacles, and help my team reach their full potential.

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

Opening our first office outside New York City in Red Bank, New Jersey, was a strategic move. Monmouth County is a growth hub and home to key leadership, allowing us to attract top talent, build on successful regional projects, and expand our hospitality and commercial presence. This office reflects our focus on diversification, opportunity, and positioning the firm for long-term growth.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you?

Construction is fluid, and unforeseen issues always arise on the jobsite. Delivering bad news is never easy, but timeliness and accuracy matter. I focus on presenting solutions, tracking risks, and recommending mitigations. Being the bearer of tough news is where leadership meets accountability, and it’s taught me the importance of proactive problem-solving and clear communication under pressure.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

The Power of Full Engagement taught me to lead like a coach, focused, energized, and intentional.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

The generation before technology, who built careers on experience, relationships, and deep knowledge.