2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Stephen Malenchini, CM&B

“Steve exemplifies CM&B’s People. Building. philosophy – driving operational excellence through care, commitment, and leadership. He inspires growth, drives improvement, and builds strong teams. Steve’s dedication to mentoring team members, supporting client partners, and delivering results makes him integral to our future, proving every day that investing in people is how we build enduring success.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? I’m proud of my transition from Division Manager in NY to Operations Manager. In 2016, I helped launch CM&B’s NY office, building a strong team and successful operation. After returning to MA in 2021, I worked hard to connect with the Boston team, earn trust, and provide leadership across operations. Today, I value the relationships I’ve built and feel fortunate to work with such a talented, dedicated team.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? I think a strong leader sets the tone for those they lead. Working hard, being prepared, and exhibiting strong professional and personal integrity are traits I try to bring to work every day. Further than that, caring about people is so important to develop trust and camaraderie with your team. I try to make it a point to spend some one-on-one time with almost everyone in my department, to learn about them personally and find ways that I can help and support them in their professional and personal lives.

What is one major challenge you’ve overcome as a leader, and what did it teach you? For most of my career – as an Engineer, Superintendent, or Project Executive – I was a “do-er,” focused on productivity and efficiency. I rarely made time for mentoring or relationship-building, believing no one could do the work as well as I could. As my role shifted to management, I struggled to let go. But I learned the value of trust, mentorship, and collaboration. Watching our talented team grow has been incredibly rewarding. Today, I find just as much fulfillment in helping others thrive as I once did in doing the work myself.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? I wake up at 4 am to go for a run or exercise. It helps clear my mind and prepare me for my day.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? Kevin Puopolo, owner of CM&B, believed in me, pushed me, and helped shape the leader I am today.