2025 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Joe Claps, CM&B

“Joe Claps has been a rising star at CM&B for quite some time now. Joe’s meticulous preparation, calm demeanor, and decisive leadership have led to success on every project he has ever worked on for CM&B. Joe operates at a level of expertise and maturity well beyond his years of experience. He maintains complete control of every detail, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. His ability to anticipate challenges and lead by example makes him not just a standout superintendent but a future leader for CM&B.” - Stephen Malenchini, Senior Vice President/Operations Manager Boston & New York, CM&B.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? The completion of a new Whole Foods Market fit-out in Stamford, CT. The project required intricate coordination between the design teams, contractors, material and equipment suppliers, as well as the store operations team. The continuous planning and strategizing that took place between the project team and those involved allowed each component to come together seamlessly, significantly reducing conflict late in the project schedule.

What is your top advice for someone just starting out in your field? Ask the right questions, pay attention to the details, and do your own due diligence. It prompts productive conversation, allows issues to be flushed out and addressed before they materialize, and keeps communication open. It helps establish quality standards for the project before work begins. All parties involved appreciate it, and the results are noticeable.