2026 Ones to Watch - Rising Stars: Justin DiPlatzi, AMCON

“Justin does an excellent job maintaining relationships with clients and subcontractors. He is our utility disconnect project startup expert. Justin is also arguably the best dressed in the office!”

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role? I was drawn to construction management from an early age, starting in the field where I was responsible for rearranging dumpsters to maximize space and keep sites organized. That experience taught me the importance of efficiency and planning. As I gained more exposure, to construction I became interested in the bigger picture, coordinating teams, schedules, and resources. That hands-on start naturally led me into the general contracting space, where I now apply those same principles on a larger scale.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you? A senior project manager I worked under early on was influential. He emphasized the importance of communication, accountability, and staying calm under pressure. The best advice he gave me was to always think ahead and anticipate problems before they arise. That mindset has helped me become more proactive in my role and has made a significant impact on how I manage projects today.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of? I’m most proud of is successfully managing a project that was on a tight timeline and budget. We faced several unexpected challenges, but through strong communication and teamwork, I was able to keep everyone aligned and deliver the project on schedule. Seeing the finished result and knowing I played a key role in overcoming those obstacles was extremely rewarding and reinforced my confidence in my current role.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry? I see technology continuing to shape the future of construction management, especially with tools like project management software, drones, and building information modeling. There is also a growing focus on sustainability and efficient building practices. These trends are pushing the industry to be more innovative and collaborative. Staying adaptable and open to new methods will be key to remaining competitive and successful in this field.