The Building People Earns No. 96 Ranking on the 2026 Inc. Regionals Mid-Atlantic List

Latest recognition adds to the company’s growing history of regional honors from Inc.

Leesburg, Va. | April 1, 2026 – The Building People has been named No. 96 on the 2026 Inc. Regionals: Mid-Atlantic list, recognizing the company among the fastest-growing private businesses in the region.

The recognition adds to The Building People’s growing history of regional honors from Inc. and reflects the company’s continued presence on the Inc. Regionals: Mid-Atlantic list across multiple consecutive years—an achievement that highlights sustained performance, consistent delivery, and long-term momentum in a highly competitive market.

“Earning another Inc. Regional ranking is a meaningful reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication our team brings to every engagement,” said Lawrence A. Melton, President and CEO of The Building People. “This recognition speaks to the strength of our business, the value of our integrated approach, and our continued commitment to helping clients improve performance by connecting technology, buildings, and people.”

Inc.’s Regionals program recognizes the fastest-growing private companies across seven U.S. regions, highlighting businesses that have demonstrated strong growth and momentum within their markets.

The Building People continues to build on its momentum by delivering integrated solutions that support smarter buildings, stronger workplace performance, and more effective operations. Through expertise spanning real estate, facilities, workforce transformation, and building technology, the company helps clients solve complex challenges and unlock long-term value across the built environment.

About The Building People

The Building People delivers integrated solutions that combine smart building technology, real estate strategy, full lifecycle facilities operations services, integrated workforce and workplace design. We transform organizations and portfolios using real-time data, automation, and AI to optimize performance, reduce costs, and extend asset life. Whether supporting a single building or an enterprise portfolio, we tailor every solution to meet client-specific needs, helping create spaces that are agile, innovative, sustainable, and built for long-term success. Learn more at https://thebuildingpeople.com.

Recognition reflects sustained business growth and an expanding impact across the region.

Leesburg, Va. | March 18, 2026 – The Building People has earned placement on Washington Business Journal 2026 Book of Lists, ranking No. 109 among Private Companies marking the fifth time the company has been included among the region’s leading organizations.

Published annually, the Book of Lists highlights leading organizations shaping the Greater Washington region’s economy. The Building People’s fifth appearance reflects sustained growth and a culture rooted in opportunity, collaboration, and professional growth.

“Being recognized on two Washington Business Journal lists this year is a meaningful achievement for our team,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO & President of The Building People. “Ranking among the region’s top private companies reflects our continued growth and strong partnerships, reinforces our focus on building high-performing teams that bring credibility, thought leadership, and diverse experiences and skills to deliver strong results for our clients.”

The company’s ranking among Private Companies signals steady revenue growth and expanding impact across federal real estate, occupier services, integrated facilities management, and building technology solutions.

Looking ahead, The Building People continues to grow while performance, collaboration, and respect remain foundational to how the company operates and delivers stronger partnerships, better outcomes, and lasting impact for the organizations it serves.

About The Building People

Leesburg, VA – February 25, 2026 Lawrence Melton, CEO & President of The Building People, returns to the Realcomm IBcon Advisory Council for 2026 to leverage his strategic leadership in shaping next-generation practices in intelligent buildings, digital facilities transformation, and integrated real estate operations.

As one of the pioneers advancing smart building and AI technology across the Federal sector for over 20 years, Melton brings deep expertise shaped by his prior service on the Advisory Council and more than 15 years of participation in Realcomm and IBcon events—experience that has helped advance actionable insights bridging technology, building operations, and portfolio performance. This appointment reflects his deep industry experience and commitment to advancing how organizations leverage data, automation, and technology innovation across the built environment.

Realcomm and IBcon events convene senior executives from commercial real estate, facilities, and technology to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Advisory Council members help identify emerging priorities, shape strategic themes, and guide conference programming toward real-world impact that benefits owners, occupiers, and the broader built environment community.

“I’m honored to serve on the Realcomm’s 2026 IBcon Advisory Council to help advance the conversations that matter most,” said Melton. “Our industry is at a pivotal moment where digital tools, operational intelligence, and integrated facilities strategies are redefining how buildings perform and deliver value for tenants and owners. I look forward to contributing perspectives that help organizations transform innovation into measurable performance, efficiency, and strategic advantage.”

As an Advisory Council member, Melton will work with an experienced group of other forward-thinking leaders to guide discussions and programming around smart building integration, digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and the practical intersection of technology and facilities operations. Melton’s selection reinforces The Building People’s leadership in bridging people, process, and technology to drive stronger performance outcomes across complex portfolios and mission-critical environments.

The Realcomm | IBcon 2026 conference will take place June 2–4, 2026, in San Diego, California, bringing together senior decision-makers and industry thought leaders to explore innovation and strategies shaping the built environment.

About The Building People

At The Building People, our people are at the center of everything we do. In this month’s Employee Q&A, we’re excited to introduce Zachary Hill, Facilities Operations Manager

Learn more about Christine’s background and role below:

What is your professional background?

I have spent the last 13 years in the Army Reserve as a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) Specialist. I have served in many roles, and most recently I served as a CBRN instructor. I have also had several additional duties that allowed to to branch out and following drastically different paths. One to note is serving as a Facility Coordinator for 3 years. This additional duty allowed me to gain valuable skills that ultimately led to to my current position with TBP!

What is your role at The Building People?

I currently serve as a Facilities Operations Manager/Lead AFOS.

Can you tell us about the work you do at The Building People?

I support the 63rd DPW mission in Region 1 (Arkansas/Oklahoma). My work consists of traveling to facilities within the region to ensure all facilities remain in great shape and all tenants know who to reach out to in case of an issue. I work closely with the customer to ensure operations flow seamlessly and I always look for ways to streamline processes.

What do you like most about working in your role?

I like being able to get out and see the people who work in our facilities. I know we have an excellent team in Region 1, but sometimes getting out and talking to those who work in our buildings allows me to explain processes that they may not understand. I love being able to educate and provide reassurance.

How do you define success?

I think success is a personal metric that can be hard to reach at times. To me, success is more of a never ending journey. As long as I make an impact with my work, provide for my family, and have time to spend doing thing that I enjoy, I would say that I am successful.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Definitely learn to play the banjo! I think it is such a cool and timeless instrument, and I love the old school sound.

What is a fun fact about you that people might not know?

I am a huge dog lover. I currently have a Corgi named Daisy who is just like a third child to me. When I retire one day I would love to open a dog ranch. I would be able to take in injured or abandoned dogs and give them the life they deserve.

Do you have a favorite quote that resonates with you?

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”

-John Maxwell

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Take the leap and do the hard things. If you are afraid to fail to may never succeed. This is one that can still be intimidating, but it has got me to where I am today.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of to date?

My proudest accomplishment is graduating with my Master of Science in Operation Management from the University of Arkansas. Neither of my parents attended college, but they always pushed to get an education. It was challenging to find the balance between my full time career, military duties, raising a family, and completing course work, but I persevered and became a first generation college graduate.

Me, my wife Mackenzie, and my 2 sons Heath and Hudson.

Advancing integrated real estate strategies that help organizations maximize portfolio value and workplace performance

Christine Abod
Director of Occupier Services

Leesburg, Va. – January 28, 2026 The Building People announced today that Christine Abod has joined the company as Director of Occupier Services, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in federal real estate, facilities management, and workplace strategy to advance the company’s integrated services portfolio.

In this role, Abod will lead The Building People’s Occupier Services practice, helping clients maximize the value of their real estate portfolios by aligning how space is planned, utilized, and managed with organizational performance and mission outcomes. Occupier Services at The Building People integrates workplace strategy, portfolio optimization, lease administration, transaction management, and facilities operations into a coordinated, data-driven approach.

“Managing real estate is complex, from supporting a single transaction to developing large-scale facilities strategies,” said Abod. “Occupier Services is about helping organizations get the most value from the space they already have. It’s not about more or less real estate, it’s about how effectively that real estate functions and supports the people and missions inside it.”

Abod joins The Building People following a distinguished career with the U.S. General Services Administration, where she held senior leadership roles overseeing some of the federal government’s largest and most complex real estate portfolios. Her experience includes directing approximately 30 million square feet across over 250 locations, managing large operating budgets, and leading cross-functional teams responsible for facilities operations, customer service, and long-term portfolio strategy.

“Christine brings a rare combination of credibility, scale, rigor, and customer-focused leadership,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “Her ability to translate complex real estate challenges into practical, value-driven solutions strengthens how we support our clients as trusted advisors, not just service providers.”

Abod has led large campus environments serving agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Food and Drug Administration. She began her work with a strong foundation in project management, supporting complex planning and delivery efforts that shaped her disciplined, outcomes-focused leadership style. That combination of experience informs her approach to integrated operations and continuous portfolio optimization, aligning real estate decisions with operational demands, regulatory requirements, and long-term objectives.

As Director of Occupier Services, Abod’s immediate focus will be deepening trusted advisor relationships with clients, strengthening integrated delivery across service lines, and helping organizations better understand and optimize how their real estate supports business performance and employee experience.

Abod holds a master’s degree in architecture and brings extensive experience in federal contracting, facilities management, and project delivery. She is an RPA-certified Real Property Administrator, brings LEED Green experience, and is currently pursuing professional architectural licensure.

Her appointment reflects The Building People’s continued investment in integrated services that connect workplace strategy, facilities operations, and mission support to deliver consistent, measurable results across real estate portfolios.

About The Building People

Proven facilities leader to drive the company’s Integrated Facilities Management evolution

Leesburg, Va. – January 21, 2026 The Building People is pleased to announce that Shawn Morgal has been named Vice President of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM). Morgal has been with The Building People for nearly five years, serving in multiple leadership roles, most recently as Vice President of Facilities Management and Operations & Maintenance.

Facilities organizations increasingly recognize that traditional Facilities Management and Operations & Maintenance models need to evolve with the advent of technological advancements that are driving change. Connected systems, data-enabled operations, and changing workplace needs have made facility performance more interdependent than ever. Integrated Facilities Management is a modern service approach designed for this reality, bringing together the functions that keep facilities operating smoothly under a unified operating model. It aligns teams, workflows, and partners to reduce handoffs, strengthen accountability, and deliver more consistent outcomes across portfolios.

“Integrated Facilities Management is about delivering facilities services as one coordinated system,” said Lawrence A. Melton, CEO and President of The Building People. “It creates clearer accountability, improves reliability, and raises the quality and consistency of service. Shawn has led that integrated approach in practice for years, and as Vice President of IFM he will continue advancing the performance-driven model our customers need.”

In his role, Morgal will lead the continued evolution of The Building People’s integrated service delivery, focused on improving asset reliability, strengthening compliance and safety performance, standardizing execution, and increasing operational visibility through coordinated workflows and measurable performance.

Morgal brings 30 years of commercial real estate and construction experience across operations and maintenance, facilities management, and construction leadership. Prior to joining The Building People, he spent a decade with Jones Lang LaSalle, including leading campus operations and critical infrastructure and overseeing large, high-profile complex facilities portfolios.

“Facilities work has changed,” said Shawn Morgal, Vice President of Integrated Facilities Management at The Building People. “Customers need an approach that is integrated by design, not stitched together after the fact. IFM connects the people doing the work with the processes and data that drive performance, so facilities run more reliably and service becomes more consistent and predictable.”

Morgal has been an active IFMA Capital Chapter member for 10 years, a licensed Virginia State Class B Contractor with Building, Plumbing and Gasfitting classifications, and has held multiple technical certifications, including Master Plumber, Gasfitter, and Certified Backflow Prevention Technician.

About The Building People

Lawrence A. Melton, CEO & President of The Building People, was featured on iHeartRadio’s “CEOs You Should Know” on 97.1 WASH-FM to discuss leadership and innovation in facilities.

In the conversation, Lawrence reflects on how he got his start, the experiences that shaped his leadership style, and the moments of timing and opportunity that helped set the course for what came next. He also shares what inspired him to launch The Building People, and why he remains passionate about advancing the industry, bringing innovation to facilities, and helping people grow along the way.

Since founding The Building People in 2013, Lawrence has focused the company on a simple but powerful idea: connect technology, buildings, and people to help clients improve performance and make smarter decisions across the built environment.

Whether you’re interested in leadership lessons, entrepreneurship, or the future of facilities, this interview is a great listen and a meaningful look into the purpose behind our work.

Listen to the full interview here.

Leesburg, VA – November 3, 2025 – The Building People announced today that it has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 certification after an independent third-party assessment. This certification confirms that The Building People has the controls in place to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and is prepared for Department of Defense solicitations that include CMMC requirements.

“CMMC Level 2 is about trust,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “Our clients ask us to support complex, mission-critical work. This certification shows we protect their information with discipline and care so they can stay focused on the mission.”

CMMC Level 2 maps to the practices in NIST SP 800-171 and typically requires an independent audit by an authorized assessor. Achieving this level means The Building People has been verified against those requirements across policy, technology, and day-to-day operations. For federal clients and prime contractors, it provides clear assurance that sensitive data is handled and safeguarded the right way.

What this means for our clients

Agencies and partners can expect fewer security hurdles at the start of projects, faster onboarding to programs that involve CUI, and a lower risk profile throughout the life of the engagement. The certification aligns The Building People with the Department of Defense’s CMMC implementation timeline and positions the company to participate in solicitations that require verified protection of sensitive information.

“This is the outcome of years of steady investment in people, processes, and tools,” said Thomas Quick, IT Manager of The Building People. “We have a practical program that our teams use every day. It covers how we configure systems, manage access, monitor for issues, and respond quickly when something looks off. The result is stronger protection for our clients’ data.”

The Building People integrates people, process, and technology to modernize real estate and facilities for federal and commercial customers. With CMMC Level 2 in place, the company can support programs that include CUI with added confidence and accountability while continuing to deliver measurable results across portfolios.

About The Building People

The Building People delivers integrated solutions that combine smart building technology, real estate strategy, full-spectrum facilities operations services, integrated workforce and workplace design. We transform organizations and portfolios using real-time data, automation, and AI to optimize performance, reduce costs, and extend asset life. Whether supporting a single building or an enterprise portfolio, we tailor every solution to meet client-specific needs, helping create spaces that are agile, innovative, sustainable, and built for long-term success. Learn more at https://thebuildingpeople.com.

At The Building People, our people are at the center of everything we do. In this month’s Employee Q&A, we’re excited to introduce Kimberly Bianco, People Strategy Lead.

Learn more about Kimberly’s background and role below:

What is your professional background?

Before joining TBP, I spent most of my career at the Federal Reserve Board, where I led programs focused on strategic planning, workforce development, and organizational effectiveness. I also managed communications and change initiatives to ensure these programs were implemented thoughtfully and successfully. My portfolio covered key people-focused priorities—such as engagement, performance management, leadership development, and career growth—with the goal of ensuring employees had the systems, processes, and support they needed to do their jobs well and enjoy their work.

What is your role at The Building People?

I am the People Strategy Lead on our Human Capital team.

Can you tell us about the work you do at The Building People?

I’ll be partnering with senior leaders to design and scale people strategies that strengthen our culture, support career development, and empower employees to do their best work. We have a number of exciting initiatives underway to align our human capital strategy with TBP’s Vivid Vision in the months and years ahead. I’ll be working closely with the broader human capital team to enhance areas like performance management, career pathing, training, employee engagement, and more!

What do you like most about working in your role?

I really love that I’m encouraged and given the opportunity to design innovative, people-focused solutions that strengthen our culture and support our employees’ success. The kindness and support from folks all over TBP make this type of work especially fulfilling and even more rewarding!

How do you define success?

I think it’s a beautiful thing to be able to do what you love, with those you love, whenever you want—whatever that looks like for you. I don’t think there’s one big milestone that would make me think, “I am successful now!” especially because my goals and aspirations are constantly evolving as I reach various points in my life. Ultimately, I want to find joy in my work, spend intentional time with the humans (and dogs) that make my life brighter, immerse myself in cultures around the globe, and leave the world a better place. And purchase front row seats to Taylor Swift concerts anywhere in the world, anytime I want, every time she tours.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I’d love to become fluent in another language!

What is a fun fact about you people might not know?

Both of my parents passed away when they were pretty young, and very unexpectedly (this is not the fun fact, but it gives context!). After my dad passed a few years ago, I made a promise to myself to enjoy life to the absolute fullest because tomorrow is never promised. To that end, I made a goal to visit at least one new country every year. So far, I’ve been to Italy (2x), Mexico, Canada (2x), Scotland, England, Greece, Jamaica, Spain, and Portugal! My husband and I are currently plotting next year’s trip…

Do you have a favorite quote that resonates with you?

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” – Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Create a great day!” One of my undergrad professors didn’t just say this, he lived it, and encouraged us to live it too. Instead of the usual “Have a great day,” this phrasing puts the power entirely in our hands. It reminds me that we can’t just hope for a good day or a good life—we have to actively create it. Every choice, every small action, every attitude shapes the environment and experiences we live in. For me, it’s a daily reminder to take ownership, focus on what matters, and make each day count.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of to date?

Professionally: I’m most proud of the long-term impact I left at the Fed. I built systems and processes that strengthened culture and supported employees across the organization, many of which are still in place. Knowing that the work continues to create value after my departure is incredibly meaningful to me.

Personally: Although not a specific accomplishment, I would say that I’m proudest of learning how to stay resilient through whatever comes my way. Various personal and professional challenges have shown me how capable I am, and that perseverance has guided me through every meaningful milestone and accomplishment in my life.

Kimberly with her husband, Clay, and puppies, Auggie (black dog) and Leo (brown dog)

Leesburg, VA – October 27, 2025 — The Building People, a leader in integrated real estate and facilities solutions for the public and private sectors, has been awarded a five-year contract to provide comprehensive Area Facility Operations Support Services for the U.S. Army Reserve’s 63d Readiness Division (63d RD) Directorate of Public Works (DPW). This contract strengthens a longstanding partnership with the Army Reserve and reaffirms The Building People’s commitment to enabling mission-critical operations through expertise, innovation, and accountability.

Under the new agreement, The Building People will support more than 100 sites across a seven-state area of responsibility, including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The contract includes a six-month base period and four option years, extending through May 31, 2030. Since 2019, The Building People has helped the 63d transition from fragmented, inconsistent regional workflows to a standardized, data-informed operations model aligned with Army Reserve objectives.

“Our approach has centered on proactive engagement with our customers and scalable solutions that enable long-term readiness,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “This contract reaffirms the trust placed in our team to deliver reliable, mission-aligned support across a complex and geographically diverse portfolio.”

The contract scope includes oversight for operations and maintenance, CAD and engineering services, technical facility support, energy programming, project management, workspace management, quality assurance, and service contract reporting. The Building People’s embedded teams will deliver both strategic and site-level support across six DPW service zones, managing diverse facility types including Reserve Centers (USARC), Maintenance Support Activities (AMSA/OMS), Equipment Concentration Sites (ECS), and Armed Forces Reserve Centers (AFRC).

This continuation of services reflects The Building People’s ongoing commitment to delivering resilient, high-performing facility operations that strengthen mission readiness across the federal government.

About The Building People

Leesburg, VA — October 23, 2025 — The Building People is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Eric Teicholz Sustainability Scholarship, administered through the IFMA Foundation. This prestigious scholarship provides full tuition for students and emerging professionals across the world to earn the Sustainability Facility Professional® (SFP®) credential, equipping them with the expertise to integrate sustainability into facility operations and management.

At The Building People, we believe that healthy, efficient, and resilient buildings are essential for the well-being of people and our planet. By supporting this scholarship, we are helping to develop the next generation of facility management and sustainability leaders who will shape the built environment for decades to come. The SFP credential empowers scholars to improve economic, environmental, and professional performance across organizations, advancing the industry’s collective impact toward a more sustainable future.

This sponsorship reflects The Building People’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community. Supporting the Eric Teicholz Scholarship directly aligns with our mission to create smarter, more efficient buildings that serve people and purpose alike. It also helps grow the talent pipeline in a rapidly evolving industry by opening doors for professionals from diverse backgrounds and removing barriers to education that might otherwise prevent them from pursuing advanced training and certification.

“Supporting the Eric Teicholz Sustainability Scholarship reflects our belief that progress begins with people,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “When we invest in the education and growth of future leaders, we’re not just strengthening our industry, we’re empowering individuals to create healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.”

The scholarship, created by Eric Teicholz, a pioneer in workplace innovation and sustainability, covers the full cost of earning the IFMA Sustainability Facility Professional® credential. It is open to students and early-career professionals in facility management or related fields who demonstrate financial need, potential for impact, and a commitment to advancing sustainable practices. The 2025 Awardees included 33 students across 15 different countries.

The Building People encourages students and young professionals passionate about sustainable facilities to apply and join a growing global network of professionals dedicated to transforming the built environment. More information about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines can be found at https://foundation.ifma.org/students-academics/eric-teicholz-sustainability-scholarship/.

About The Building People

Leesburg, VA — On August 8, The Building People proudly hosted the final overnight stop of Journey of Hope, the national cross-country cycling event organized by The Ability Experience. Escorted by local police and cheered on by the Leesburg community, the cyclists arrived at The Building People and The Depot headquarters for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, and rest ahead of their final ride to Washington, DC.

Journey of Hope is a signature event of The Ability Experience, the philanthropic arm of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Each summer, two teams of cyclists ride a combined 8,000 miles to promote inclusion and raise awareness for people with disabilities. Their journey blends endurance, service, and connection—changing perceptions and building community in every city they visit.

This marks the second year The Building People has hosted the riders, aligning the event with the company’s Hearts & Hands philanthropy campaign, centered on the pillars of Community, Gratitude, Giving Back, and Mentoring.

“Our team is honored to support the incredible riders of Journey of Hope and the purpose they represent,” said Lawrence Melton, CEO of The Building People. “Opening our doors to them is more than hospitality, it’s a shared commitment to inclusion, service, and stronger communities.”

The afternoon featured remarks from company leadership, local officials, and nonprofit partners, followed by food, music, and a spirited cornhole tournament that raised $400 for the Jack Trottier Foundation, an organization supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries. The Building People matched the funds and rounded the total donation to $1,000.

After the festivities, the cyclists stayed overnight at The Depot, The Building People’s coworking and event space, which was transformed into a welcoming rest stop.

The celebration brought together Loudoun County officials, the Town of Leesburg, and local businesses in a united show of support. Together, they helped create a memorable experience for the cyclists—and a lasting reminder of the power of unity, inclusion, and community impact.

To learn more about The Ability Experience and the Journey of Hope, visit www.abilityexperience.org.