Barely in their early 20s, the oldest members of the cohort known as Generation Z are already influencing the social and economic landscape, bringing energy and digital savvy that may reshape how people work and live. The same might be said of “Generation Z” construction firms, such as 21-year-old finish contractor Philadelphia D&M, ENR MidAtlantic Specialty Contractor of the Year. “Our youth helps push us forward with our innovation,” says the firm’s president, Craig Melograno, who, at age 49, is the oldest member of the Philadelphia-area company’s executive team. He adds, “We have a lot of years in front of us, and we are working hard to make sure we stay at the forefront of how construction is accomplished.”
Built on a collaborative environment that Melograno says fosters an eagerness to explore and experiment with almost any idea, the 450-employee company has expanded and adapted its services over the years. It has broadened out from carpentry and spray fireproofing to becoming one of the region’s premier prefabrication builders.