8 — August 2025 — Thriving Under 40 — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
T hriving U nder 40 Spotlight on Bohler Engineering’s Ben Crowder and Joe Holzapfel Two Leaders. One Mission — Redefining What’s Possible in New Jersey Development
Ben Crowder Principal – Branch Manager Years with the company/firm: 14 Years in field: 16 Years in real estate industry: 16 Real estate organizations / affiliations: ULI Northern NJ, USGBC
Joe Holzapfel Director, Land Development Years with company/firm: 10 Years in field: 10 Years Years in real estate industry: 10 Years
What is your most notable project, deal or transaction? One of the most no- table projects in my career at Bohler was the successful design and approval of a 1,065-unit residential development in Woolwich Twp., NJ. Known as Kings Meadow, this multi-phase project spans approximately 243 acres. We successfully navigated the entitlement process and secured all necessary approvals in under two years. How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? I lead with a growth mindset, evolving over the past five years from managing one person to directing our 15-person Red Bank, NJ office while overseeing major land development projects. I adapt my leadership style to fit both the situations and the individual, enabling me to grow teams and align the right people to create efficient, high-performing teams. By combining my engineering expertise with real estate insight, I build strategic relationships across North and Central Jer- sey, positioning my team as true partners in helping clients reach their goals. Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career? Bohler’s Rise program has been a turning point in my career. It’s a nine-month leadership journey that transcends titles and focuses on skills gained through real-world ex- perience and collaboration. Spanning 10 evolving modules, from self-awareness to project management to people leadership, Rise has sharpened my ability to grow and align teams while leading with both confidence and adaptability. It has fundamentally shaped the leader I am today and continues to influence how I approach every challenge and opportunity. Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in, about your current position and why you choose the field/profession you are in today? I’ve always been drawn to the real estate industry because it offers a unique combination of transactions, strategy, and hands-on problem- solving. I started my career ten years ago and four years later purchased my first real estate investment property. While I enjoyed the investment side, I also wanted to deepen my understanding of the engineering and development process. In my current role, which I’ve held for six months, I lead Bohler’s Red Bank team and focus on building strong, relationship-based connections that drive success. My experience and relationships in North Jersey have been invaluable, helping me bring insight, best practices, and trusted connections to Central Jersey and Monmouth County. Networking across offices and leveraging those relationships allows us to grow our business and execute projects more effectively across the region. What were some of your early goals, and did anything happen to change them? Early in my career, I didn’t anticipate being in my current role at this stage, but my initial goal was to lead a team. Bohler has provided opportunities to essentially run a small business within a larger organization, and the trust and support from colleagues and leadership have been instrumental. Learning from others’ experiences has given me a clear path forward, while still allowing me to shape my own approach and style. What unique qualities or aspects of your personality do you feel make you most successful in your profession? I think my ability to connect with people, both internally and externally, has been key. Building trust, regardless of age or experience, helps me assemble high-performing teams that support both Bohler’s goals and individual career growth. I focus on relationships, trust, and partnership, showing clients and colleagues alike the value we can deliver under Bohler’s leadership. What challenges or obstacles did you need to overcome to become as successful as you are today? One major lesson has been learning to fully utilize available resources. In a larger firm, there’s so much expertise around you, and recognizing that you don’t have to be the best at everything allows you to be more efficient and effective. Understanding that we’re all on the same team and leveraging others’ strengths has been critical to my success. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college today? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to let the fear of imperfection hold you back. Early in my career, I felt I had to get everything exactly right, which sometimes slowed my progress. At Bohler, I’ve seen firsthand that taking initiative and moving forward—while staying open to feedback—drives growth. You’ll gain valuable insights, sharpen your skills, and continue advancing with each experience. MAREJ
How do you contribute to your company and/or the industry? As one of the four partners leading Bohler’s New Jersey operations, I spear- headed the establishment of our Ridgewood office. My focus has been on building a strong presence in the region, emphasizing both staff development and client experience. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, we aim to deliver exceptional service and contribute to the growth of the land development industry in Northern New Jersey. What impact has social media/networking had on your career? I believe in the power of continuous learning and networking. Engaging with industry leaders and staying informed through various platforms has broadened my understanding of different sectors within civil engineering. This approach allows me to offer well-rounded and informed advice to clients, aligning with their visions and goals. What were some of your early goals and did anything happen to change them? Initially, my goal was to specialize in structural engineering, given my strong background in that area. However, over time, I developed a passion for site-civil land development, finding fulfillment in transforming conceptual plans into tangible communities. This shift allowed me to make a more direct impact on the built environment and the lives of residents. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? Active listening. Rather than hastily providing solutions, I prioritize under- standing my team’s perspectives and motivations. This approach fosters a col- laborative atmosphere where individuals feel valued and empowered, leading to more effective teamwork and innovative problem-solving. What challenges and or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today? The early stages of your career are very technical and design-focused, centered around the execution of tasks. As you grow in your career, learning how to manage people and getting the best version of your teammates is not as easy. By investing time in understanding their values and motivations, I learned to cultivate an environment that brings out the best in each individual, recogniz- ing that a business’s growth is inherently tied to the development of its people. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? My cousin, who founded Crowder Engineering & Surveying in Choctaw County, Mississippi, was a significant influence. Through our early conversations and his experiences, I became inspired to pursue civil engineering, leading me to earn my degree and follow a similar path in the field. What is the funniest, most unique situation you have faced/conquered during your career? Or in your life? Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, I initially specialized in structural engineering, applying my ex- pertise to early projects. However, after a few years, I sought a more tangible connection to my work. This led me to transition into site-civil land development, where I found immense satisfaction in transforming clients’ visions into reality. From the conceptual phase to the final development, it’s incredibly motivating to drive through a community and witness the lasting impact of our efforts. What outside activities do you enjoy during your free time? Spending quality time with my two young daughters is a priority. They are growing very quickly, and being present in their lives is very important to me. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young executive graduating from college today? “If you enjoy what you do for a living, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Seek out what truly fulfills you and aligns with your passions. Surround yourself with people and opportunities that support your growth and pursue a path that brings both personal and professional satisfaction. MAREJ
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