CMP Exterior’s Christine Pandolfi featured in Apeiron Construction
The following article appeared in the July issue of Apeiron Construction magazine.
https://apeiron-construction.com/july2025-redefining-construction-with-quality-and-vision/
July 2025, West Suffield, CT: In an industry where only 11.2% of workers in 2024 were women—a 45% increase from 2015 but still a stark reminder of its male-dominated roots—CMP Exterior LLC stands as a trailblazer. Founded in 2017 by Christine Pandolfi, this majority-female-owned company is not just building exterior building skins for commercial projects: it’s reshaping the construction landscape with a commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity. As CMP Exterior LLC looks toward a robust 2025, its journey from a small startup to a trusted name in the industry reflects the power of vision, strategic growth, and a dedication to excellence.
Christine Pandolfi’s path to founding CMP Exterior LLC was anything but traditional. With a college degree in design and 25 years of experience in the design industry, she brought a fresh perspective to the world of construction. Her career took a pivotal turn during a home renovation project that drew the attention of a client who owned a construction company. “He liked my work ethic,” Christine recalled. That client soon became her business partner, and together they set out to build something extraordinary.
“We worked out the details of what we would do, and our goal was to bring that unique focus on design and quality that can get lost in the commercial market,” Christine explained. “Our projects are beautiful, and we’re really quality-driven.” This ethos became the cornerstone of CMP Exterior LLC, a company specializing in installing exterior building skins—fiber cement, vinyl PVC, and specialty phenolic products like high-pressure laminate (HPL)—for large-scale commercial projects such as senior living facilities, multifamily residences, mixed-use developments, and retail spaces.
Since its inception, CMP Exterior has focused on “smart growth,” a strategy guided by Christine’s partners, whom she describes as “dynamos in the construction industry.” “We didn’t want to just jump in and not be able to manage our growth—things get messy, and the quality gets lost,” she said. By starting small and prioritizing manageable projects, the company ensured that its commitment to service and quality remained unwavering. “We are a small company that operates like a large company; from submittals to installation, our work is on point.”
CMP Exterior’s work centers on the exterior envelope of buildings, encompassing everything outside the sheathing package. “We focus on everything outside of the sheathing package, often including the weather barrier, the insulation, and the final exposed finished on the building,” Christine explained. This expertise allows the company to deliver durable, aesthetically pleasing solutions that withstand the elements while meeting the specific visions of architects and clients.
The company’s portfolio is marked by high-profile projects that showcase its ability to transform communities. One standout is the Steelpoint Harbor waterfront development in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which Christine described as “our largest project to date.” Spanning 632,000 square feet, the development is the final phase of a long-term effort to breathe new life into a once-overlooked area along the I-95 corridor. “Bridgeport has faced its share of challenges,” Christine noted. “There’s a beautiful waterfront there, and this project is the last piece of its transformation. I think it’s an important part of Bridgeport history, and we really wanted to be part of it because it brings so much positive change to the area.”
Another significant project is the Poet Hill Residences in Worcester, Massachusetts, a 370,000-square-foot development in an up-and-coming community just off the 290 corridor. As Boston’s housing costs drive residents to more affordable towns, Worcester has become a magnet for growth. The project, however, was no small feat. “It was a unique challenge because of the weather,” Christine said. “Combine the weather with the site’s location on top of a mountain and we worked all winter there, and New England winters are historically rough.” Despite these challenges, CMP Exterior delivered a “pristine-looking, crisp and clean New England building” with the help of strong trade partners, cementing its reputation for quality under pressure.
As a women-owned business in a field where women remain underrepresented, CMP Exterior LLC is a powerful force for change. “I think that women in construction have been certainly underrepresented for many, many years, and I think that is really changing,” Christine said. Her 30 years in the industry have given her a front-row seat to this evolution. “I used to be the only woman,” she reflected. “There are so many more women that I see joining the industry; it’s really amazing.”
Christine’s leadership brings a unique perspective to CMP Exterior. “I believe women have an incredible eye for detail, something that’s especially valuable in our line of work,” she said. “Given the aesthetic nature of the products we install, that attention to detail is essential and truly sets us apart,” she said. “Women can really write their own ticket in the construction industry if they have an interest.” As the owner, Christine shapes the company’s direction with a focus on quality and innovation. “I get to drive its growth, and I lead with a more unique perspective and experience than men, so that part’s probably been one of the best parts of this,” she added.
Challenges persist in a male-dominated field, but Christine sees them as opportunities. “I think that we definitely have made an impact, and I certainly feel like that’s going to continue to have an even greater impact as more women learn the trades, and are managing these projects,” she said. “We’re willing to learn and focus on our knowledge, and I think we’re going to bring that right back to the field, and it’s going to show up in large ways in these buildings.”
As CMP Exterior LLC heads into 2025, the company is poised for a banner year. “We really implemented our strategic plan,” Christine said. “It goes back to being a small company and strategically thinking like a big company.” With projects like Poet Hill and the Choate School—a “beautiful building” in progress—the company is riding a wave of success. “This has just been a great year,” Christine noted. “We were concerned, obviously, with the uncertainty of the market and what might happen, but we’ve been very lucky to have landed some great jobs.”
Looking ahead, CMP Exterior is targeting 20 to 25% growth over the next three years, with projects already booked into 2026 and 2027. “We’ve been very, very lucky with what we’ve been able to nail down for projects, and financially I think it’s going to serve us well,” Christine said. The company’s reputation as a “trusted go-to contractor” is built on lasting partnerships and a relentless focus on quality. “We’re of the mindset that relationships are everything, and we work as a team,” she explained. “I think that quality has set us apart from our competitors, and I think we’re going to continue to do great things based on our business model.”
In just eight years, CMP Exterior LLC has become a household name in the construction industry, proving that quality, vision, and inclusivity can redefine what’s possible. As Christine leads her team into the future, she remains grateful for the journey and optimistic about what lies ahead. “We’re already trying to book work into 2026 and 2027,” she said, promising “great things” by 2028. With a foundation built on excellence and a commitment to breaking barriers, CMP Exterior LLC is not just constructing buildings—it’s building a legacy.
About CMP Exterior
Headquartered in West Suffield, CT, CMP Exterior, LLC specializes in commercial exterior coverings and provides expert installation of vinyl cladding, fiber cement, PVC trim, and specialty siding. Our team of professionals provides clients with on-time, on-budget, superior installation with exceptional results. www.cmpexterior.com
March 2023, West Suffield, CT: Five years ago, Christine Pandolfi, a highly experienced interior designer/builder for high-end residences and restaurants, began to think about shaking up her career a bit and finding a new challenge. She had long been fascinated by the idea of bringing residential quality craftsmanship to commercial construction and the ability to operate a “well-run” commercial construction company.
