Category: Spotlight Content

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Robert Wais, Meridian Capital Group

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Robert Wais, Meridian Capital Group

June 30, 2026
What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? Building meaningful relationships has always come naturally to me, especially through my work in the food space. I used to host some of the most active commercial real estate professionals in the industry, and transitioning those relationships
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: David Sirchenko, Meridian Capital Group

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: David Sirchenko, Meridian Capital Group

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I was drawn to commercial real estate because it combines finance, entrepreneurship, and relationship building. I began my career in commercial mortgage brokerage while still completing my bachelor’s degree, which gave me early exposure to transactions and client relationships.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: David Benningfield, Wendel

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: David Benningfield, Wendel

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?  Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a creator. From LEGOs to contracting to construction management, there has been nothing I enjoy more than making a vision come to life!
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Holly Fiore, RA, NCIDQ, Wendel

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Holly Fiore, RA, NCIDQ, Wendel

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? My career is something that I very luckily fell into. I had a great guidance counselor my senior year of high school who pushed me into attending college.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Kyle Hereth, Wendel

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Kyle Hereth, Wendel

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? Construction has always been part of my life. My father owned a welding company, so job sites were familiar to me from a very young age. I have vivid memories of being a kid and hearing him point to buildings and say, “I worked on that.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Bill Anterline, Wendel

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Bill Anterline, Wendel

June 30, 2026
Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? I’ve had several mentors throughout my 15+ years in the industry and they have all taught me unforgettable lessons in both work and personal life.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Nina Ballou, Wendel

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Nina Ballou, Wendel

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the built environment. I even had a teacher in grade school yell at me for doodling city skylines on my papers. I took woodshop throughout high school, which eventually led me to major in Architecture.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Mervin Madriaga, Inspire by Silverstein Properties

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Mervin Madriaga, Inspire by Silverstein Properties

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I’ve always enjoyed creating experiences that bring people together. My career began in luxury hospitality, where I learned the value of exceptional service and attention to detail.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jillian Hoffman, Inspire by Silverstein Properties

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jillian Hoffman, Inspire by Silverstein Properties

June 30, 2026
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? Growing up in the Midwest, hospitality always came naturally to me. I genuinely enjoy creating experiences that make people happy.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Avery Boxell, Katz, Sapper & Miller

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Avery Boxell, Katz, Sapper & Miller

June 30, 2026
What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I am heavily involved with developments in Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) across the country. The QOZ program was created through tax reform in 2017 and was recently extended and made permanent.
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Heena Shah, DIG Architecture

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Heena Shah, DIG Architecture

June 30, 2026
“For all projects, especially complex assignments, Heena expertly balances the needs of clients, design teams, governing-authority stakeholders and contractors. Her uncanny sharp
2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Tom O'Meara, Concept Construction Services Inc.

2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Tom O'Meara, Concept Construction Services Inc.

June 30, 2026
What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry? The construction sector is at an exciting, transformative stage. Digital tools like BIM, drone