Leopardo Construction Senior Preconstruction Manager Matt Pederson has been recognized with the Outstanding Estimator award as part of the ASA Chicago Our Stars Are Shining Awards program held May 7, 2026. Hosted annually by the American Subcontractors Association of Illinois, the awards recognize leading professionals across the Chicagoland construction industry.
Pederson joined Leopardo in 2021 and is a senior member of the firm’s preconstruction and estimating team, focused primarily on projects within the company’s growing aviation market. His work includes conceptual estimating, budgeting, constructability review, scope coordination, and schedule planning for projects in active airport environments.
“Matt has earned the respect of clients, design partners, and trade contractors through his consistency and collaborative approach,” said Euisang Lee, Senior Vice President of Preconstruction. “ At Leopardo, preconstruction is about more than numbers. It requires communication, problem-solving, and the ability to help teams navigate complex decisions related to cost, schedule, and logistics. Matt does that extremely well.”
Preconstruction continues to play a critical role across Leopardo’s work nationally, particularly as projects become more complex and clients seek greater certainty earlier in the planning process. Leopardo’s preconstruction services support owners during the earliest phases of development through budgeting, cost modeling, constructability review, procurement planning, scheduling, and risk evaluation. More than 85% of Leopardo projects receive preconstruction support prior to construction kickoff.
That early collaboration has become especially important within the aviation sector, where projects are often completed in active, occupied environments with evolving operational requirements, phased schedules and extensive stakeholder coordination. As Leopardo continues expanding its aviation portfolio nationally, the firm’s preconstruction team has played an increasingly important role in helping clients align project goals, minimize disruptions, and plan for long-term project success.
“Aviation projects involve constant coordination and changing variables, which makes early planning especially important,” said Ryan Haase, Vice President of Aviation. “Matt brings a thoughtful and steady approach to the process and has played an important role in supporting our clients and project teams in this market. This award is well-deserved.”
Pederson’s recognition reflects Leopardo’s continued investment in preconstruction and estimating, as well as a culture rooted in long-term relationships and collaboration. While technology continues to advance the tools used throughout the construction process, Leopardo remains focused on pairing those tools with experienced professionals who can help clients navigate challenges and make informed decisions early in a project’s lifecycle.
