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Shawmut Design and Construction’s Bold Growth Vision

Shawmut Design and Construction, a prominent name in national construction management, is on an accelerated journey to reach $5 billion in revenue. With an initial valuation of $2.3 billion, the firm has announced an ambitious growth strategy centered around strategic acquisitions, new leadership roles, and expansion into diverse sectors including the mission critical domain.

At the helm, Shawmut's CEO, Les Hiscoe, emphasized the clear path ahead that the company has outlined to more than double its revenue. This growth is predicated on key hires, office openings and leveraging Shawmut's expertise in managing large, complex projects. Recently, the firm has undertaken massive developments such as a new research and development campus for FM in Norwood, Massachusetts, a Health Sciences Center for St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and Walmart’s latest home office in Bentonville, Arkansas — showcasing their expertise in installing cross-laminated timber.

Hiscoe remarked on the relevance of this growth strategy, stating, "Our aggressive growth plan positions us for resilience and a stable backlog in any market as we deepen our roots… while expanding into new ones." Hiscoe's confidence reflects a deep understanding of the evolving market landscape, reinforcing Shawmut’s commitment to maintaining exceptional client service while amplifying its offerings.

Last year marked a pivotal change for Shawmut as the firm expanded its traditional operations, allowing it to tackle larger and more intricate projects. This strategic shift saw Shawmut’s revenue soar from under $1 billion to over $2 billion in less than three years. Remarkably, over 80% of this revenue was derived from repeat clients, underscoring the firm’s successful relationships and trust built within the industry.

To forge ahead, Shawmut has strengthened its leadership team by appointing Kathleen Abbott as its first Chief Revenue Officer. Abbott, who previously spent 23 years at Arcadis, will spearhead strategic growth initiatives across various regions and sectors. Her extensive experience in sustainable design and engineering solutions will enable her to cultivate significant client relationships and shape growth strategies going forward.

In conjunction, Joel Nickel has been brought on board as the Head of Mission Critical, a strategic position aimed at promoting Shawmut’s endeavors in the data center domain — a sector witnessing soaring demand. Hiscoe underlined the importance of mission-critical facilities, elaborating on how they serve as the backbone of AI, cloud services, and national infrastructure. With Nickel’s expertise, Shawmut aims to fulfill the rising demand while crafting a recognizable position in this competitive niche.

Shawmut's expansion involves more than just leadership changes. 2025 saw key leaders elevated within the firm, with Paul DiMarino working to incorporate new technologies to enhance customer experience, while Michelle LaFleur is focused on cultivating company culture to empower employees. Marianne Monte, Chief of Staff, oversees the firm’s mergers and acquisitions alongside organic growth strategies.

Moreover, the company plans to open a new office in San Diego to solidify its presence in the life sciences market, following their successful operations in the city since 2003. Hiscoe believes these developments reflect the firm’s ongoing momentum, stating, "These moves reflect our momentum and mission to build a stronger, more forward-looking organization focused on rapid and sustainable growth."

In conclusion, Shawmut Design and Construction's blend of strategic acquisitions, enhanced leadership roles, and the exploration of new sectors demonstrates a proactive approach to growth. The company is set to redefine the construction landscape with its commitment to innovation and service excellence while fostering long-lasting partnerships with its clientele.