2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Jonathan Yaghjian, Pariseault Builders

“Jonathan leads with humility, purpose, and a genuine passion for growth – both his own and that of those around him. He’s deeply invested in improving how we deliver projects, always putting the team and client first. His grasp of project health and financials is top- tier, and he’s earned the trust of our clients through ownership, pride, and consistency. He makes us better every day, and there’s no doubt he’s just getting started.” - Seth LaPlante, Business Unit Director at Pariseault Builders.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? Managing a growing portfolio of projects with Brown University. Over the past year, I’ve led both pre- construction and active construction phases, building a strong, trust- based relationship with the university. From aligning design, schedule, and budget to executing complex work without disrupting campus life, this experience has sharpened my technical, leadership, and communication skills. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute to high- quality outcomes while growing personally and professionally alongside a dedicated team.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? One of my biggest career challenges has been managing multiple projects at different stages while leading and mentoring others. I learned that technical skills alone aren’t enough – success means delegating, building trust, and adapting to each team member’s needs. Balancing pre- construction, active builds, and closeout work taught me to shift gears quickly, prioritize effectively, and communicate clearly. Mentoring helped me grow as a leader by focusing on long- term success, not just daily tasks. It taught me that leadership is about empowering others and creating a supportive environment.

If you could give advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be? If I could give one piece of advice to someone starting in construction management, it would be: listen, ask questions, and rely on those around you. You’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to be curious, respectful, and resourceful. The best learning often comes from experienced subcontractors and vendors – treat them as valuable resources. Don’t feel pressure to have all the answers. Strong project managers build trust, communicate well, and support their teams. Success in this field is about relationships, collaboration, and a willingness to learn every day.

Who has played a pivotal role in your development, and how have they influenced you? Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to grow under leaders who believed in me before I believed in myself. Their trust and encouragement helped shape me into the professional I am today. At Pariseault Builders, that support has continued through a culture of collaboration and mentorship. I’ve learned that growth comes from challenges, not comfort, and that leadership means being someone others can rely on. Now, I try to pay it forward – offering the same encouragement and guidance that helped me along the way.