At HBW Construction, building a stronger future isn’t just about what goes on a jobsite. For us, it’s about what we build behind the scenes: enduring relationships, efficient processes, stronger teams, and thriving communities. 

Representing over five decades of commercial construction experience in the DC-metro region, HBW leaders sat down to talk about growing the business, having a lasting impact on our community, and anticipating change.

Inside Our Vision for Growth and Excellence

For HBW, building a stronger future is as much about people as it is about projects. 

“Progress comes from building lasting relationships with new clients and organically growing HBW to create real opportunities for our people,” says John Leach, President.

Eric Whitman, Chief Financial Officer, Partner, adds, “It’s about refining our processes and accountability to improve client relationships while investing in our team through training, support, and a positive work environment that attracts and retains high-performing employees.”

Andre Chin Wing, Executive Vice President, Partner, emphasizes HBW’s client-centered mindset: “We’re always striving to serve clients better and forge new relationships in emerging market sectors.”

For Patrick Foley, Vice President, Principal, future strength means resilience: “We’re continually expanding our customer base and diversifying our services, so HBW thrives through changing trends and market conditions.”

And as Kelly Jones, Assistant Vice President, Pre-Construction, notes, “It’s about delivering spaces that perform flawlessly, sustaining client satisfaction and community value long after turnover.”

Investing in Construction Technology, Innovation, and People

Behind HBW’s steady growth is a deliberate investment in innovation and talent.

Kelly Jones explains that there’s no need to guess how HBW handles growth. The “HBW Way” is a mindset that pairs advanced project technology with process discipline, helping the company weather industry changes and capitalize on opportunities:

• Data + project technology: Like using Professional Management Software  and Power BI to unite cost, schedule, and field data for faster, better decisions.
• Process discipline: Including formalized constructability reviews, CPM scheduling, and field audits with ongoing training.
• People and pipeline: Dedicated project teams stay connected to clients long after closeout, fueling HBW’s high rate of repeat business.

John Leach added that hitting goals involves “adding employees to our project management teams for more capacity and exploring AI tools to make us more efficient.”

Eric Whitman emphasizes HBW’s tech-forward mindset: “We’re upgrading our IT infrastructure and partnering with consultants to adopt technology that makes sense. At the same time, we’re cultivating culture-supporting staff personally and professionally.”

“Technology constantly evolves-and so does HBW,” summarized Andre Chin Wing.

Relationships are an integral part of how HBW does business. “Partnerships have always been the foundation of our success,” says Leach. “From owners and tenants to design teams and subcontractors, every project is a team effort.”

Foley adds, “People like to work with people they like. Doing what you promise, consistently, makes you the first call in a crowded industry.”

Jones agrees: “Partnerships are the engine of our growth. We collaborate closely from design through turnover to minimize costs and delays, staying engaged well beyond completion.”

Lessons From Recent Years Help Shape our Future

In a changing market, adaptability is key. Like the rest of the construction industry, HBW faced unprecedented disruption during COVID, from supply chain breakdowns to shifting client priorities. Construction didn’t stop so much as it evolved. That time strengthened our teams, refined our processes, and revealed smarter ways to build in a changed world.

“Our shift from primarily office interiors to a more diverse portfolio-restaurants, healthcare, retail, and base building-has demanded deeper planning and coordination,” says John Leach.

“As projects grow more complex, so does the need for knowledge, accountability, and oversight. Having the right people, and supporting them, is everything,” adds Whitman.

For Foley, diversification is the lesson: “We have to stay ready for change and spread expertise across sectors so that when one slows, others sustain growth.” Chin Wing agrees. “Tracking market changes and adjusting our strategy-what projects we pursue and how we bid-has helped HBW stay aligned with the market.”

Building Stronger Communities

HBW’s mission extends beyond construction. It’s also about connection.

“At HBW, we don’t just build buildings. We build better neighborhoods,” says Jones. Through the company’s Giving Back Initiative, teams have:

• Volunteered in local park clean-ups.
• Donated food and school supplies.
• Refreshed community shelters, like Stepping Stones Shelter in Montgomery County.

“Showing up matters. It’s more meaningful when our people roll up their sleeves and make a difference,” says Foley.

“Our community events committee is led by employees,” says Whitman. “They’re the driving force behind our involvement.” Jones adds: “Our staff identifies local needs and leads initiatives, from food drives to neighborhood clean-ups. It fosters pride and connection to the places we live and build.”

On the project side, HBW’s work has helped transform communities. From the Total Health Care facility in Odenton, MD, to revitalization projects in historic Anacostia, our construction work can be a catalyst, inspiring others, or the final piece that fits just right.

Jones says: “We maintain a strong business foundation so we can invest in our communities. Sustainability isn’t optional, it’s part of doing the job right.”

Indeed, business growth and social responsibility go hand in hand for HBW. “We actively participate in LEED and green projects,” notes Whitman.

Foley adds, “Most of what we build today is sustainable and user-focused: clean air systems, energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials. Staying current keeps us relevant.”

Our 2026 Construction Outlook

We closely monitor industry markers and market trends to anticipate shifts before they happen. By aligning foresight with our core strengths, we’re prepared for what’s next before it arrives.

As 2026 approaches, HBW leaders are focused on readiness and resilience. 

“The big challenges remain: lengthy permits, competition, and attracting top talent,” says Leach.

Whitman sees technology as both an opportunity and a disruptor: “We’re watching closely to see how AI and automation reshape our workflows and client interactions.”

Foley anticipates cautious optimism: “We expect a rebound in office leases, steady retail investment, and renewed growth in education and life sciences.”

Jones adds, “We’re not waiting for change to hit. We’re positioning HBW to adapt, compete, and lead.” Her advice to clients? “Start early, partner smart, and design for resilience. The most successful projects in 2026 will be those that are planned thoughtfully, executed collaboratively, and built with flexibility for whatever comes next.”

For HBW Construction, building a stronger future means combining innovation with integrity, technology with teamwork, and growth with giving back. Those mindsets, over 50 years in the making, continue to shape every project, partnership, and community for HBW.

It’s Women in Construction Week (WIC), and HBW Construction is here to represent! We know exactly what kind of impact women make on the construction industry because we have seen the value they bring to our workplace and our clients. We’re proud to be leading by example, with women at all levels and roles of our business.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held the first WIC Week in 1998, and the recognition has expanded yearly. So have the opportunities. Nationwide, more than 1.3 million women work in construction. Our region, including Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia, now has women making up as much as 16.1 percent of the construction workforce, including record numbers in field roles.

At HBW, women make up 23 percent of our workforce. We hired our first female superintendent in 2019 and our first female vice president in 2023. We asked two HBWers to talk about their work and their outlook on women in construction management roles. 

Meet Kelly Jones

Kelly Jones is an Assistant Vice President of pre-construction for HBW. Kelly has worked at HBW for nearly 12 years, first in marketing roles and now helping to lead the critical planning phase before construction begins. 

Kelly is an active member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)’s Maryland Suburban and DC Chapters and the President for CREW Maryland Suburban. She is also actively involved in HBW’s Women in Construction group, whose mission is to create a supportive group that promotes positive change for women in our company and industry.

Kelly’s advice to women starting in the industry is to immerse themselves in the full scope of the business and to stay on top of construction industry trends. Learning every aspect of the business and how they are interconnected can be invaluable for career growth. She advocates for women to find mentors and allies at work and to seek out new tasks that push them beyond their comfort zone. Kelly believes women in construction need to view career challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and prove themselves. 

As a young woman, Kelly wished she had been braver about speaking up in situations when she was the only woman present. She knows that confidence and curiosity go a long way and that the industry needs diverse voices and perspectives. 

Meet Marisol Santos

Marisol Santos is a Property Accountant for HBW. She manages the financial aspects of real estate assets, including tracking income and expenses to ensure a project’s financial health. Despite working in the office, Marisol says women in construction need to understand on-site work, too. She uses construction progress to help anticipate financial needs, project timelines, and cash flow challenges. She also tells other women to get comfortable asking questions, even basic ones, to ensure they have the clarity they need to do their jobs.

Marisol also encourages women to lean into technology. She says learning unique construction software takes time but helps streamline operational processes. 

Finding Success 

To thrive in the construction industry, women, like their male counterparts, need a combination of hard skills, soft skills, and personal attributes, including strong communication, problem-solving, leadership, and a willingness to learn and adapt. At HBW, Marisol identified attention to detail as a top trait. She says managing budgets, contracts, and financial reporting requires precision, particularly when juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

Kelly named resilience a top characteristic, pointing out that construction is fast-paced, complex, and filled with unexpected challenges. Being resilient allows women to navigate obstacles, adapt to changing circumstances, and confidently assert themselves in a traditionally male-dominated field. 

Supporting Each Other

Kelly believes that women supporting other women in construction is essential. Mentoring, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating each other’s successes can make a difference to women individually and attract more women to join the industry.

As someone who has progressed to a leadership role at HBW, Kelly has learned that sitting at the table is important, but using your voice is even more powerful. In a field where women are still underrepresented, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to conversations can drive meaningful change. She says that credibility is built through knowledge, preparation, and follow-through. When women demonstrate competence and confidence, they earn respect.

Marisol agrees and encourages women in construction to assert themselves. She says expert input is critical to the success of a project, and diversity drives better decision-making and financial strategies. 

The National Association of Women in Construction recognizes WIC Week each March. At HBW, WIC Week is celebrated with a lineup of outreach and support events, reinforcing the role of women in the company’s ranks. To learn more about career opportunities for women at HBW, visit www.hbwconstruction.com/careers.