EJ Youngling

At Chesapeake Contracting Group, leadership is more than just experience—it’s about teamwork, problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality projects. As part of our Captains of Chesapeake series, we’re highlighting EJ Youngling, Vice President, whose career in construction has been shaped by competition, collaboration, and a passion for building. 

EJ’s journey into the construction industry started long before he ever set foot on a jobsite. Growing up on Long Island, New York, he was constantly on the move, playing sports like lacrosse, basketball, baseball, and soccer. That competitive nature, instilled at a young age, taught him the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. His curiosity for how things worked was evident early on—he would take apart old toys just to see if he could put them back together. His father also encouraged hands-on experience, exposing him to different labor-intensive jobs during high school to help him appreciate hard work and discover what he truly wanted to do. One summer, he found himself working for the local parks department, cutting grass and even riding on the back of a garbage truck, an experience that shaped his work ethic and appreciation for the trades. 

That work ethic carried through to his time at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Mechanical Engineering while playing Division I lacrosse. However, as graduation approached, EJ realized he didn’t want to spend his career behind a desk designing things—he wanted to be out in the field, building them. A recruiting event with a national general contractor caught his attention, offering the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. After interviewing on campus and at their Maryland office, he was offered a position and never looked back. His early years in the industry took him from Maryland to Colorado, where he honed his skills working on large-scale projects. Eventually, after nearly seven years in Colorado, he and his wife decided to move back east, which led him to Chesapeake Contracting Group. Looking back, EJ considers it one of the best decisions he’s made—a career move that has been both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling. 

Over the past 29 years, EJ has played an integral role in the construction of nearly a million square feet of retail space. Managing large-scale retail projects comes with its own unique set of challenges, from coordinating with future tenants to ensuring jobsite safety in public spaces and meeting tight deadlines. However, EJ thrives in this environment, using his ability to problem-solve and collaborate to navigate the complexities of retail development. He understands that success in construction isn’t just about building structures—it’s about delivering for clients, meeting their needs, and ensuring that every project runs efficiently. 

His leadership style is rooted in leading by example. EJ believes that being in the trenches with his team fosters a collaborative environment where challenges are tackled head-on. His approach to problem-solving is just as team-oriented, identifying issues early, working collectively to find solutions, and always keeping the client’s best interest at the forefront. He strongly resonates with Chesapeake’s core value of Responsibility, particularly the importance of closing the loop—making sure that every commitment made is followed through. For EJ, accountability is key in building trust with clients, trade partners, and his team. 

Outside of work, EJ’s competitive spirit is still alive and well, but now it’s focused on cheering for his children, who play collegiate baseball and lacrosse. Spring is a busy season for his family, traveling from game to game, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He values the time spent watching his kids pursue their passions, knowing that these moments are fleeting. 

With nearly three decades of experience, EJ Youngling continues to be a driving force at Chesapeake Contracting Group. His dedication to his team, his commitment to problem-solving, and his passion for delivering high-quality projects make him an invaluable leader. Whether he’s on the sidelines cheering for his kids or on the jobsite ensuring a project’s success, EJ embodies the values that drive Chesapeake forward.