Meet the contractors: BD+C 40 Under 40 class of 2025

Eric Hirani, PE, CCM, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA
President
Infinite Consulting Corp.
Hicksville, N.Y.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Columbia University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
At the age of 20, founded Infinite—a construction- and safety-management firm—as a one-person operation in 2009. The firm has since grown to more than 100 professionals

To stay ahead of industry transformation, Eric has completed certifications in AI (via Wharton Online) and Alternative Investments (via Harvard Business School Online)

Led the development of the Infinite One app (available on Apple and Google Play), improving client scheduling, field management, and compliance tracking

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Serves as President-Elect of the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) NY/NJ Chapter and previously served on CMAA’s National Board. Eric also founded the CMAA NY/NJ Mentor Program, which connected over 100 professionals in its first year

Sits on the Board of Governors for the New York Building Foundation, which has directed over $2 million in grants, and on the board of the Salvadori Center, promoting STEAM education in underserved K–12 communities

In 2017, launched Infinite Cares, a philanthropic arm supporting a new cause each month. It has contributed to disaster relief, youth mentorship, food insecurity, and hosts an annual toy drive for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island

Has endowed several scholarships, including The Hirani Family Engineering Scholarship at Mineola (N.Y.) High School, Columbia University SAME Scholarship, ACEC NY Engineering Scholarship, and CMAA Scholarship (launching in 2027)

Recently founded Building Better Futures Foundation Inc., which recognizes impactful AEC leaders and donates event proceeds to nonprofits benefiting the industry and society

OFF THE CLOCK             
Amateur super-sprint triathlete

Live-performance enthusiast

Dedicated father

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"While it's not advice I directly received, I have two simple rules I live by: 'Do Good' and 'Celebrate Everything.' The first comes from the final scene of Boy Meets World; the second, 'Celebrate Everything', is something I've developed through experience. We often move fast, chase ambitious goals, and don't take time to actually appreciate what we achieve. I've learned that celebrating the wins, big or small, and expressing gratitude creates momentum and culture."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"My single most significant professional achievement has been assembling the leadership team that now powers Infinite forward. For many years, Infinite was Eric, and Eric was Infinite, and that model worked in the early days, but eventually I became the bottleneck, the person everything needed to flow through, and that wasn’t scalable. With the help of my business coach, Kevin Donnelly, I learned the importance of building a team and building leaders to really build a business."

Behnoud Kermani, PhD, PE, M.ASCE, GSI Fellow
Managing Engineer
Exponent
Oakland, Calif.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION             
PhD (specializing in pavement, materials, and geotechnical engineering), Pennsylvania State University

Master of Science, Temple University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Works for Exponent’s Construction Consulting practice. Notable projects include pavement design and construction for the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge on the U.S.-Canada border. He has also led multiple projects related to the construction of transmission towers, totaling over $100 million in capital costs

Serves as Exponent’s recruiting lead

Recognized through a National Interest Waiver to continue high-impact research and innovation in the U.S.

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Geosynthetic Institute fellow

President of the AACE International, San Francisco section

Member of American Society of Civil Engineers, International Geosynthetics Society, and Deep Foundation Institute

Has published more than 20 journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports

Regularly mentors aspiring engineers—particularly students from underrepresented backgrounds—offering career guidance, technical advice, and internship and early career support

Editorial Board Member of ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation

OFF THE CLOCK             
Enjoys cooking and baking

Interested in astronomy

"I have a talent for picking up new sports—whether it’s volleyball, soccer, basketball, or badminton. Lately, though, I’ve traded the friendly tournaments for a steady workout routine that helps me stay fit and healthy."

SECRET LIFE             
His father’s cousin earned his PhD in computer science at UCLA in the 1970s, where he was part of the ARPA network research project, which later became the foundation of the Internet

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"From a mentor: 'Focus on solving problems and enjoy the process, rather than simply completing tasks.' This advice has shaped me throughout my career and continues to guide how I approach my work, helping me stay purposeful and engaged no matter the challenge, whether it is designing infrastructure, leading project teams, or advising clients on complex construction challenges. Alongside that, I’ve learned the value of persistence, the importance of setting clear goals, and the need to focus on your own journey rather than comparing yourself to others."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"For me, the achievement is not tied to a single project, but to the cumulative growth gained from working across disciplines and delivery methods, and to the lasting impact these projects have on the communities that depend on them. That said, my biggest professional achievement so far has been earning a PhD in Geotechnical and Pavement Engineering and building a career that spans a wide spectrum of infrastructure works."

Jane Lin, PE
Senior Project Manager
Redmond
Denver, Colo.

AGE: 35

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Civil Engineering, Stanford University 

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering & Architectural Design, Stanford University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             

Led high-stakes construction projects—from billion-dollar healthcare campuses to intricate corporate headquarters—for prominent clients across California, including El Camino Health, Stanford Health Care, Washington Hospital Healthcare System, and a confidential Silicon Valley tech giant. 

Managed prior company’s (Rudolph & Sletten) largest-ever self-perform concrete scope ($41 million) while acting as deputy project manager. 

Supported Rudolph & Sletten's transition of more than 100 projects to the Procore platform as a member of the firm's Procore Implementation Team. She worked directly with project teams to customize Procore functionality to site-specific needs and provide training. 

Partnered with a project executive and data analyst to develop real-time dashboards using Power BI and Procore data. "These tools surfaced key performance metrics, reduced meeting prep time, and improved transparency across clients, trades, and executives. They are now being scaled company-wide as our standard reporting model."

Spearheaded Rudolph & Sletten's Bay Area Intern Program, creating structured onboarding, educational jobsite tours, and hands-on mentorship.

EXTRACURRICULAR             

Taught three-unit graduate course at Stanford University on commercial construction fundamentals. "These lessons went far beyond textbooks, rooted in real-world stories, jobsite examples, and the mindset required to navigate complex builds."

Led Stanford’s ASC (Associated Schools of Construction) competition team for three consecutive years, after supporting it for two prior. 

Led one of Rudolph & Sletten's regional Women Employee Resource Groups.

OFF THE CLOCK             
"I love seeking out new experiences, whether it’s trying a new sport, exploring a different country, or discovering a new hiking trail with my dog."

SECRET LIFE             
Plays taiko, traditional Japanese drums; performed internationally 

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"'Ask a lot of questions.' An executive once shared this with me early in my career, and it completely changed how I approached projects and leadership. Curiosity opens doors—it helps uncover risks, sparks new ideas, and builds stronger connections with teams. It’s been so impactful that I now pass along the same advice to interns and young engineers I mentor."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"Mentoring and teaching the next generation of engineers and managers. Watching students and colleagues grow—from the moment a concept clicks to the milestones they reach in their careers—has been deeply rewarding."

Janie Mills, AIA
Senior Design Integration Manager
Holder Construction
Richmond, Ky.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Sustainable Construction Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Managed the construction of more than 200 airport gates across the U.S. totaling over $8 billion via CM at Risk and Progressive Design Build delivery.

Founded Salt Works in Syracuse, N.Y., a triple-bottom-line sustainable business supporting refugee workforce job skills training by upcycling demolished building components into artisan furniture.

Member, Construction & Project Delivery Working Group Committee, Airports Council International–North America. The committee created a guide and best practices for implementing Progressive Design-Build delivery on aviation projects.

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Co-founder, First Class Leadership mentoring program at Holder

Member, Holder Women’s Business Network

OFF THE CLOCK             
Amateur farmer of 96 acres in Richmond, Ky., since 2020. "I’ve needed to learn how to drive a tractor, safely use a chainsaw, interpret cow sounds to detect if something is wrong, fend off chicken coops from predators, and in general be humbled and in awe of local farmers who actually know how to do this stuff. 

SECRET LIFE             
Her father was a commercial pilot. "We spent a good bit of time being ‘stranded’ in airports as we searched the flight information boards for travel options attempting to fly stand-by for family vacations. Unbeknownst to me then, the understanding of airport systems that was grilled into me during childhood would really come in handy as my career focused on aviation and delivering airport environments that work for passengers, crew, and concessions alike."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"'Do it scared.' Intimidation seems to be an underlying constant in the industry–everyone has it, no matter the position or perceived prowess. Don’t let lack of comfort and perceived limited experience stall development; if you’re comfortable, you’re probably not growing. People, situations, and projects may seem scary; do it anyway. We’re all just people wanting to do great things, and everyone has to push through discomfort to get to the next level."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"In September 2020 I was honored to be part of a team that helped activate the new Salt Lake City International Airport, the first new major hub airport built in the U.S. in the 21st century. After decades of planning, six years of construction, and in the midst of the global pandemic, the team rallied in an overnight switch from the legacy airport to the new 1.3 billion-sf state-of-the-art facility. I got to be stationed at the Airport Operations Center, radioing between team members to alert groups of incoming planes and equipment, answering space access questions, and coordinating resources for where they were needed. Talk about a ribbon cutting!"

Matt Schrodel
Senior Vice President of Operations, Business Unit Leader
McCarthy Building Companies
Dallas, Texas

AGE: 37

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Construction Management, University of Oklahoma

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Advanced from intern to SVP and business unit leader of McCarthy's Dallas office in just 14 years. 

Oversees projects across healthcare, aviation, education, and hospitality. 

Fosters a culture of strong client engagement, relationship-building, community-based business development, and workforce mentoring. Results: 31% increase in regional sales, 80% repeat client business, and 11 internal promotions from craft worker to full-time staff during the past year.  

Key projects: Southwest Airlines Facility Training and Administrative Office, Moody Performance Hall, Museum of Fine Arts – Glassell School of Art, and Collin College Technical Center.

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Champions industry partnerships, including McCarthy’s sponsorship of the Collin College Construction Safety Program.

Board Member, University of Oklahoma Division of Construction Science Professional Advisory Board 

Founding Member, TEXO Executive Development Original Steering Committee. Launched a leadership development program.

Volunteer, McCarthy Heart Hats program

OFF THE CLOCK             
Most of his free time is spent golfing with his four-year-old son and taking both of his boys to the driving range

Has been exploring the underwater world since earning his scuba certification at 11 years old, and has since become a certified rescue diver

SECRET LIFE             
"My grandfather traced our family back to Jamestown, and I’m the 14th generation of my family in the U.S."

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
"Early in my career, I was coached that our entire business revolves around the relationships we build. While it may surprise some people, construction is a people business at its core. That perspective completely changed the way I approached my work. In construction, the true value we deliver isn’t just a finished project—it’s the strength of the team behind it. And those teams extend far beyond a single jobsite. Every interaction with a client, trade partner, or colleague matters, because this industry is a small world. The people you work with today are often the same people you’ll cross paths with again. That advice has stayed with me and shaped my career. I’ve seen how investing in relationships creates stronger teams, better outcomes, and opportunities that last well beyond any one project."

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
"My biggest professional achievement has been building my career at McCarthy over the past 16 years. I began as an intern and have grown alongside the company, watching both McCarthy and my colleagues reach new milestones. Being promoted to Senior Vice President and Dallas Business Unit Leader has been especially meaningful, as I now oversee projects across healthcare, aviation, education, and hospitality. This achievement stands out not only because of my own growth, but also because of the impact I’ve been able to make on the people and communities we serve."