2025 40 Under 40: Eric Hirani P.E., CCM, DBIA, LEED AP BD+C

Eric Hirani, president and CEO of Infinite Consulting Corp., founded the company back in 2009, evolving from performing every role in the company to now managing the business. Now he oversees Infinite’s strategic planning, operations, innovation, people and culture and business development. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a leading construction management firm in the Tri-State area specializing in program and construction management, cost estimating, scheduling, project controls quality management, and site safety for many of New York’s most ambitious transit projects. 

Under his leadership, the firm’s portfolio has expanded from small safety roles to key positions on multi-billion-dollar transportation programs. Infinite has supported major transit projects particularly in New York, including large-scale planning, subway station rehabilitations, rail yard upgrades, track work, ADA upgrades and much more. In total, Infinite has worked on over 150 major mass transit projects which has given Hirani the opportunity to experience many different perspectives, grow his responsibilities and advance his transit career. 

Hirani is equally dedicated to developing his team and helping advance their careers. He developed the “Infinite Fundamentals,” a values-based framework that guides the firm’s culture of accountability, innovation, people and excellence. He incorporates team feedback to foster a thriving workplace, and has implemented an internal leadership training program for the company’s leadership team. Through these efforts, Hirani has built a diverse, multidisciplinary team and fostered a culture of operational excellence. 

Hirani doesn’t shy away from innovation and automation. Internally, he led the development of the Infinite One App, a proprietary platform that enables real-time scheduling, certification tracking and project personnel approvals, streamlining operations and increasing transparency for clients. He also championed the transition to Deltek Vantagepoint as the firm’s ERP system, advocating for data-driven decision-making, automation and workflow improvements. Most recently, he completed a certification in artificial intelligence from Wharton Online to stay ahead as AI continues to reshape the industry. 

Beyond work, he has modernized operations within several industry organizations where he serves on the board, digitizing PDH tracking, volunteer registration and financial processes to make it easier for professionals to engage, maintain licensure and for organizations to operate efficiently.   

In addition to his commitment to innovation, Hirani is dedicated to advancing the industry and investing in the next generation. He serves as president-elect of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) - New York/New Jersey Chapter and founded its mentor program, which has grown significantly to support emerging professionals through structured guidance. He’s also a governor of the New York Building Foundation, which has contributed over $2 million to research, education and community development. He serves on the board of the Salvadori Center, promoting STEAM education for K–12 students. As treasurer of the SAME Scholarship Fund, he helps manage a $3 million endowment that awards over 210 scholarships annually.  

In 2024, he launched the Building Better Futures podcast to highlight industry innovation and inspire professionals at all stages of their careers. His impact has been recognized with numerous awards, including ENR Top Young Professional, CMAA Distinguished Young Professional, LIBN 40 Under 40, City & State Responsible 100 and the SIAEA’s 40 Under 40. 

He also personally funds scholarships for students pursuing construction and engineering careers through SAME, ACEC, Mineola High School and a new CMAA scholarship launching in 2027. Through Infinite Cares, he leads monthly charitable donations supporting community-driven causes. He also recently launched the Building Better Futures nonprofit to honor individuals improving infrastructure and direct event proceeds to selected charities. Colleagues say his involvement reflects a deep commitment to education, mentorship and community impact, making him a driving force in strengthening both the profession and the communities it serves. 

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?   

It’s hard to pinpoint a specific experience, but I know it would involve my parents. My path has been shaped by the influence of my parents. My father is an entrepreneur and a professional engineer, and my mom has an MBA and works closely with my dad. They instilled in me both entrepreneurial ambition and disciplined decision-making. That balance of risk-taking and thoughtful planning has guided my career and helped me build a company that grows with purpose and intention. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

Watching our team members grow and thrive is the most rewarding part of my job. Whether it’s someone stepping up and solving a problem, leading their team or taking a step outside their comfort zone, seeing people push beyond their limits and succeed fills me with pride and reminds me why we invest so deeply in them. Their success is truly everything. 

What’s the most challenging part of your job?  

The hardest part is deciding what to do next, who to hire, where to invest—all the strategic decisions. Navigating the land of uncertainty and ambiguity that is entrepreneurship is difficult. There’s no playbook, and every major decision involves risk. I have to trust my instincts, make the best decision with the information I have and pivot quickly when things change. That uncertainty is challenging, but it’s also what makes it exciting and allows me to grow every day. 

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of and why? 

I'm most proud of the internal leadership development programs we’ve built at Infinite. From 1-on-1 coaching to a monthly leadership training curriculum, we’ve empowered many first-time leaders to grow and thrive. I'm equally proud of our philanthropic efforts. Through Infinite Cares and the Building Better Futures Foundation, we’ve supported causes, endowments and scholarships that give back to our communities. I feel truly blessed to help build a better future for the next generation. 

What is an accomplishment you would like to work towards in your career?  

I want to create a national company that integrates construction services, leadership development and strategic investment. My goal is to support mission-aligned firms across the country by sharing systems, technology and leadership tools that help them grow sustainably, ultimately transforming how we build, how we hire and how we empower the next generation. 

What is your best advice/tip/best practice you can share from your area of expertise? 

Adopt a growth mindset. You’ll never know everything, and that’s the point. Stay curious, ask better questions and challenge yourself constantly. Whether you're in the field, the office or on a personal endeavor, your ability to adapt and grow is your most valuable asset.