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Justin Hamilton

Justin Hamilton
Justin Hamilton

Justin Hamilton

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Principal, Hamilton Stern Construction

Years in current role: 16

Where do you see the most untapped potential for development in the Rochester region?

As the construction industry continues to face a skilled labor shortage, there is an opportunity to further invest in education and workforce development facilities that support the skilled trades. With an established network of colleges, charter schools and technical programs, Rochester is uniquely positioned to strengthen alignment between construction, education and workforce development. Expanding and modernizing facilities for hands-on trades training can help build a stronger workforce pipeline, create long-term career opportunities, and support the sustained growth of Rochester’s construction and real estate sectors.

How do you approach decision-making when facing uncertainty on a project?

Construction projects involve some degree of uncertainty, making early alignment and communication critical. That is where scheduling, scoping and collaboration matter most. We engage owners, designers and trade partners from the outset to establish clear project goals and maintain strong collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. A transparent, goal-oriented and solutions-driven approach enables faster, more informed decision-making and helps teams adapt effectively as conditions evolve.

Are there innovations you’ve adopted that have significantly improved efficiency or outcomes?

One of the most impactful processes we’ve built into our preconstruction approach is proactively engaging key trades in early project planning. Collaboration and communication with trade partners improve constructability, enhance value engineering, and streamline construction schedules and project execution.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal’s Power List for Construction & Real Estate for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree.