Mark Gemignani, Founder & President/CEO of Dominion Builders

Mark Gemignani was always drawn to construction, building and design. During his time in college that Gemignani discovered that “planning and discipline are the foundation of successful projects.”

“As I gained experience and realized how much I enjoyed solving complex challenges, I developed a deep passion for commercial construction,” he said.

After years of working for other companies in Washington, D.C., and New York, Gemignani saw the need for a new company that could handle technically demanding work, with a planning-first mindset. In a 2023 interview with Authority Magazine, he explained that Dominion Builders was born during the financial upheaval of 2008, and he focused his attention on federally funded local contracts.

In the years since, Gemignani has led projects from high-rises to hospitality to corporate interiors. The company recently branched into high-tech agriculture and industrial projects. These markets often feature bidding for the contract, and he said part of his role is to help clients understand what they can expect by choosing Dominion Builders for their project — even if it isn’t the lowest bid.

“We work hard to demonstrate that the greatest predictor of success is intense front-end planning, transparency and steady communication — and that setting realistic expectations from the start saves time, money and frustration.”

His day to day involves strategizing new projects, collaborating with clients, evaluating new markets and coaching employees.

“I focus heavily on critical thinking, thoughtful planning and smart problem-solving so our teams can deliver success with clarity and confidence,” he said.

Impact, Growth & Future Focus

One memorable project for Gemignani was a luxury condominium tower in Midtown Manhattan in 2005, a contract he described to Authority Magazine as a “breakthrough moment” for his career. “[The project] gave me a developer’s perspective and sharpened my ability to manage projects in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with extremely limited space. The final product was incredible — and the experience was transformative,” he said.

Gemignani attributes his success to personal discipline, which he credits wrestling in high school and college with helping him develop. He also credits an early mentor who pushed him to grow and master the construction industry. “I worked for a leader who taught me that your reputation is your currency — and planning is everything.”

“I believe the right mindset and preparation create outcomes,” he said. “I’m driven, I keep an ambitious pace, and I use weekends to reflect and map the week ahead. That rhythm keeps me sharp and allows me to lead with intention.”

As the construction industry shifts and grows, Gemignani hopes to help guide the industry in a direction that’s more technology-driven, energy-efficient and purpose-built.

“I’m especially committed to advancing controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to help deliver fresh, local food across the U.S. and Canada — regardless of climate — and to strengthen food quality and supply resilience,” he said.

Dominion has carved out a niche in the industry as one of the few companies providing design and construction services for CEA companies, he told Authority Magazine. The company has become a go-to for custom grow facilities for both food and cannabis farmers, spinning off DAG Facilities for CEA projects.

The future of the industry, he said, will involve more robotics and artificial intelligence, which will, “help us design in 3D, schedule more dynamically and build with incredible efficiency.”

He also predicted that buildings will become more intelligent, with easily reconfigured spaces and new materials that can withstand harsh climates and changing weather patterns. Most importantly, Gemignani said, construction will become a more collaborative industry.

Communication & Collaboration: Industry Essentials

His advice for young people looking to enter the construction industry is simple: “Master the fundamentals: construction safety, project management and emerging technology,” he said. “But just as importantly, learn how to communicate and work as a team. Collaboration is becoming a lost art, yet it’s the heart of this industry.”