Page 24 - RE-NJ

22 OCTOBER 2025
OWNERS COUNCIL Q&A
LOUIS
MARCH JR.
PRESIDENT
MARCH ASSOCIATES
CONSTRUCTION INC.
How do you feel about the
market versus this time last
year?
The market feels about the
same as it did a year ago.
There’s a sense of cautious
optimism across the industry.
With that said, launching large-
scale construction projects
remains a challenge due to
fi nancing hurdles and broader
economic headwinds.
What is still the biggest
source of uncertainty?
The largest uncertainties
continue to be tied to fi nancing
and macroeconomic pressures.
Tariffs and commodity
volatility are unpredictable
factors that add complexity to
planning and cost control.
Are you factoring in rate
cuts as you plan ahead?
Rate cuts have a greater effect
on our clients than on our
operations directly. While
we remain mindful of the
interest-rate environment,
our strategy is driven more
by client demand and project
fundamentals than by
speculation about cuts.
How else do you plan to
adapt, evolve or expand in
2026?
We’re focused on strengthening
our team’s expertise in
emerging technologies,
particularly artifi cial
intelligence. From workfl ow
automation to design and
planning support, we see AI as
a critical tool to help us deliver
greater effi ciency and value to
our clients.
Are you hiring? If so, how is
the talent pipeline in New
Jersey?
Yes, we are hiring. New Jersey
has a solid talent pool, but the
challenge lies in evaluating
work ethic and long-term fi t.
Technical skills are important,
but we place just as much
emphasis on attitude, drive
and the ability to work
collaboratively.
Where have you seen
the impact of artifi cial
Getting To Know You
YOUR GO-TO BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
Positano in Wayne for lunch
BEST THING YOU READ, WATCHED OR
LISTENED TO THIS YEAR
Honestly, on a recent weekend, having my family together
and listening to everyone laugh and talk while watching our
Hoosiers beat Illinois was a great time.
PLACE YOU’VE NEVER VISITED BUT WOULD LIKE TO
Th e Amalfi Coast
MOBILE APP YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
I’m old school. You could take all of the apps away tomorrow
and I would be fi ne.
FAVORITE SPORT OR TEAM
Th e Cincinnati Bearcats, my alma mater
FAD OR TREND YOU’D LIKE TO SEE COME BACK
Integrity — it’s becoming a lost character trait.
FAD OR TREND YOU HOPE NEVER COMES BACK
Parachute pants
intelligence and other
technologies?
AI is already infl uencing several
areas of our business. We’re
using it to streamline meeting
documentation, improve
document creation and
enhance search capabilities. It’s
also proving useful in assessing
certain site conditions, which
helps us make better-informed
decisions earlier in the process.
Give us an asset class that
intrigues you (that you
don’t typically focus on).
Data centers. The demand for
reliable digital infrastructure
is only growing, and this asset
class has long-term potential
that we’re keeping an eye on.
Are you buying or
developing outside New
Jersey?
We’re active throughout
New Jersey, New York and
Connecticut. Our core focus
is regional, but we continue to
evaluate opportunities across
the tristate market.
Where else do you see
opportunities going
forward?
We see signifi cant opportunities
in pursuing joint ventures with
both existing and new clients.
Partnering with groups that
share our values and long-term
vision allows us to combine
strengths, mitigate risk and
unlock new possibilities.