In a region defined by growth and transformation, few people understand the Lehigh Valley’s evolution better than Peter Polt and Joe Correia. As Executive Vice Presidents at J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc., both bring a rare combination of local knowledge, long-term perspective, and deep experience in Design/Build development—making them key players in shaping the commercial and industrial landscape of the area.
Together, Peter and Joe have spent more than 30 years helping drive the success of one of the region’s most active and respected real estate development firms. But what sets them apart isn’t just tenure. It’s their ability to translate complex challenges—site constraints, permitting hurdles, shifting tenant needs—into practical, well-executed projects that work for both clients and communities.
Rooted in the Lehigh Valley
Both Peter and Joe are lifelong residents of the Lehigh Valley, a fact that informs how they lead and how they build. Their careers at J.G. Petrucci began in the early 2000s (Joe in 2004 and Peter in 2008), at a time when the Lehigh Valley’s industrial market was beginning to take off. Since then, they’ve helped guide the company through multiple real estate cycles, market expansions, and hundreds of successful projects.
“Having leaders who are truly embedded in this community makes a difference,” says Greg Rogerson, Principal at J.G. Petrucci. “They don’t just know the market—they understand the nuances of the municipalities, the infrastructure, and the workforce. That’s invaluable when you’re trying to develop in a region with this much momentum.”
That local knowledge helps the team identify opportunities others might miss. Whether it’s understanding why a seemingly underused parcel has development potential or navigating township approvals with insight into historical concerns, Peter and Joe bring a strategic lens grounded in experience.
The Power of an Integrated Approach
As advocates for the Design/Build model, both executives emphasize the importance of delivering a seamless client experience—from concept through completion. In today’s development environment, where speed to market and cost certainty are critical, an integrated approach isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s essential.
“Design/Build gives us the ability to control every part of the process,” explains Joe. “It eliminates the disconnects that can happen when a project is handed off between multiple parties. We can adjust quickly, respond to client needs in real time, and keep projects on track.”
Peter notes that this approach is particularly valuable on complex sites. “We’re often working with land that’s not development-ready. Maybe it’s a brownfield, has limited access, or needs major utility upgrades. Having full visibility into design, permitting, and construction helps us create solutions that work across all phases.”
Balancing Client Goals with Community Needs
One of the ongoing challenges in commercial development is striking the right balance between private investment and public impact. Peter and Joe have built a reputation for doing both—delivering projects that meet client objectives while supporting broader community goals.
“Good development isn’t just about the building,” Peter has said. “It’s about how that building fits into its environment—how it supports growth, adds value, and can evolve over time.”
That philosophy was evident in Peter’s leadership as project executive on the St. Luke’s University Health Network Hospital-Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township. The 250,000 sq. ft., LEED-Certified campus transformed 500 acres of farmland into the first new acute-care hospital built in Pennsylvania in more than 40 years. The project required navigating a complex approval process, coordinating with PennDOT on corridor improvements, and meeting an aggressive schedule—all while ensuring the hospital would serve the region’s long-term healthcare needs.
Joe has applied the same mindset in the industrial sector, most notably as project executive on several developments in the Forks Township Industrial Park. Projects like the first U.S. location for French bakery brand Norac S.A. of Rennes, France, operating under the brand Bakerly—a 79,000 sq. ft. food manufacturing facility that created more than 60 jobs in the Valley —as well as facilities for Silbrico and TSW Alloy Wheels on Braden Boulevard, have brought new employers, tax revenue, and economic momentum to the area. Since 2017, Joe has also led five phases of expansion for Bakerly, including adding a new Brioche line and an office renovation to accommodate the company’s rapidly growing U.S. operations. These projects showcase how strategic industrial development can generate lasting community benefits alongside business success.
Looking Ahead
As the Lehigh Valley continues to attract interest from industries like logistics, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, the demand for modern, flexible space isn’t slowing down. But the complexity of delivering that space—on time, on budget, and in the right locations—is only increasing.
That’s where leaders like Peter Polt and Joe Correia provide real value. Their understanding of the local landscape and their ability to lead integrated teams put them at the forefront of development in one of the Northeast’s fastest-growing regions.
They may not often seek the spotlight, but their impact is visible throughout the Valley—in healthcare campuses, manufacturing facilities, and industrial parks that support jobs, strengthen communities, and shape the region’s future.
