Erin Thornburn
AZRE Magazine

The retail sector may adapt to changing consumer behavior, influenced by e-commerce trends. Industrial real estate could experience continued growth due to its strategic location for logistics and distribution. The state’s appeal as a tourist destination may also sustain demand for hospitality-related properties, like the $1 billion VAI resort that is being built in the West Valley.

However, challenges like economic uncertainties, interest rates and the impact of global events can’t be overlooked. Government policies, especially those related to zoning and infrastructure development, play a crucial role in shaping the commercial real estate landscape.

One thing is certain, though: For precise insights into the commercial real estate outlook in Arizona in 2024, the 50 people and 50 companies picked as part of the AZ Big 100 for 2024 are the experts to ask. The editorial board for AZRE magazine met with Arizona industry leaders to identify the 100 people and companies who will shape Arizona’s business community in 2024.

Learn more about the AZ Big 100 companies to watch in 2024 below.

Stevens-Leinweber Construction
Over four decades, SLC has become one of Phoenix’s most active general contractors, completing more than 9,500 projects (415 underway in 2022 alone) through its thriving ground-up division and trusted tenant improvement experts. SLC is proud of this track record, but even more proud of its market-leading projects, camaraderie and commitment to giving back.

Adolfson & Peterson Construction
In addition to more recent healthcare projects such as The Oasis Behavioral Healthcare Expansion and breaking ground on The Agave Ridge Behavioral Hospital, Adolfson & Peterson provides prereconstruction and construction services to a host of additional industries.

Agate Construction
Founded in 1973, Agate Construction has deep roots in the construction industry, completing thousands of projects in three countries. As a full-service general contractor and accomplished construction manager, Agate collaborates with clients and design teams on projects of all sizes in diverse commercial market sectors.

Alston Construction Company
Alston Construction has more than three decades of experience constructing upwards of 6,000 buildings across the U.S. Drawing on that experience, the company has developed a highly efficient approach with a powerful combination of people, processes and technology. Alston firmly believes that people come first, focusing on best in class training, specific building type expertise and delivering exceptional customer service.

Alston’s expertise includes industrial warehouse, advanced manufacturing, cold storage, mixed use and medical office, multi-family, retail, airplane hangar and tenant improvement work.
“Our process starts with a single point of contact, from preconstruction through grand opening,” says Mike Bontrager, vice president and general manager of Alston Construction.
“Using our experience and expertise, we deliver the highest value added service and creative solutions to build the best product with the least expense. Leading-edge technology supports our teams to ensure efficiency, real-time data and enhanced communication.”

Alston’s goal for 2024 and beyond is to continue delivering on their promise of excellent client service starting with creative, cost-effective preconstruction. The company will continue to prioritize attention to detail and thorough pre-planning to achieve fast and efficient build time.

Arrington Watkins Architects
With a legacy spanning over 30 years, Arrington Watkins Architects specializes in civil, justice and detention work. The firm is consistently recognized for demonstrating an unwavering dedication to the principles of social responsibility and sustainability, integrating these values seamlessly into their projects.

Big D Companies
With a focus in commercial, multifamily and warehouse/manufacturing, Big D Construction’s Southwest branch is known for outstanding customer feedback and lasting relationships, with 90% of its clients representing repeat customers.

Butler Design Group
Since 1996, Butler Design Group (BDG) has been leading the way in innovative and exceptional design. With countless projects across various industries, BDG has become a trusted name in the world of architecture.

BDG’s foundation is built on a cooperative and mutual approach, where designers and clients work together toward a common goal of creating a quality end product. The company takes a personalized approach to each project, creating current, yet timeless designs that become a source of pride for clients and organizations.

With a staff of talented individuals sharing a passion for architecture, BDG continues to create success stories for clients and the community. Each new project is both a challenge and an opportunity to innovate and exceed expectations. BDG has built a portfolio of successful projects and clients, resulting in a significant level of experience in the industry.

“BDG’s goal in 2024 is to ‘thrive’, not just ‘survive,’” says Korey Wilkes, principal for Butler Design Group. “We are optimistic that our current prospects related to site planning and entitlements will carry us through 2024 better than we all weathered 2023. The market indicators we monitor tell us that companies and developers will be using 2024 to tee up projects for breaking ground in 2025 when they anticipate interest rates will return to acceptable levels.”

BDG is expanding its tenant improvement services and adapting to the new world devoid of ground-up speculative offices for the time being. With new operational regions and expanded services, the company will continue to build relationships, command high levels of service and lead the way in value-based architecture for their clients and communities.

“We are grateful for our high-quality staff and ‘A-team’ of consultants; Laskin and Associates, PKA Structural Engineers, Kraemer Engineering and McGrew Engineering that help us to deliver on these goals,” Wilkes says.

CG Schmidt
CG Schmidt is a family-owned construction management firm with a mission to create exceptional facilities that improve the lives of others. A leader in quality construction management, general construction and design-build services, CG Schmidt is committed to making the construction experience better, simpler and fully transparent to their clients and partners.

The company offers comprehensive construction and serves the higher education, healthcare, senior living, multi-family, corporate, industrial, community and religious markets.

In 2024, CG Schmidt looks forward to creating community connections and growing its client services in the Arizona market. With more than 100 years of construction experience, the firm has a history of building high-quality and state-of-the-art facilities in states across the nation.

Following the opening of the southwestern regional office and the establishment of localized business development and project team personnel, CG Schmidt is specifically focused on extending diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, connecting with local businesses and continuing to build relationships and new opportunities with Arizona subcontractors in the coming months.

“CG Schmidt maintains a continued commitment to supporting our clients through geographic expansion and investing in the communities where we build,” says Eric Schmidt, president for CG Schmidt. “We assess client requirements and business goals to create a distinctive set of client services that go beyond the typical offerings of construction managers. This includes activities such as fundraising support, community engagement, identifying grant and financing resources, and other related services.”

CG Schmidt engages a diverse group of disciplines to support each project, enabling its teams to provide precise cost estimates and budgets, quality construction planning and superior project management.

“From design assistance and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) analysis, to energy auditing and systems training,” Schmidt says, “we go beyond what is expected from a construction manager — we are your trusted building partner.”

Clayco
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering and construction firm that safely and sustainably delivers the highest quality solutions to clients across North America. The company prides itself on dramatically setting new standards for collaborative design, construction quality and craftsmanship, efficient project management, cost containment and jobsite safety.

With more than $5.2 billion in revenue for 2022, and more than 3,000 employees across the country, Clayco is one of the nation’s largest privately-owned real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firms.

“Our people specialize in the ‘art and science of building,’ providing fast-track, efficient solutions in North America for commercial, institutional, industrial and residential building projects,” says Ryan Abbott, executive vice president, Southwest Region. “Year after year, we are ranked by Engineering News Record as a top design-builder and contractor.”

The Valley of the Sun has been a region of rapid transformation over recent years, for which Clayco’s Phoenix team has been instrumental, with its contributions of key projects, investments, implemented ideas and programs.

“After opening our Phoenix office in 2021, we generated over $789 million in revenue in 2022 — building mission-critical data centers, industrial distribution, manufacturing, advanced technology and multi-family high-rise projects across Arizona,” Abbott says. “We are now active with over $3.1 billion in ongoing projects throughout the Valley.”

With the addition of enterprise companies (LJC) Lamar Johnson Collaborative (CSI) Concrete Strategies, Inc., and Ventana; Clayco now has more than 300 Phoenix-based administrative employees.

“We look forward to our team’s continued impact and transforming the Phoenix landscape, skyline, economy and shared community,” Abbott says. “Our team thrives on removing unknowns by digitally rehearsing every possible scenario, allowing our builders to take full advantage of the speed and exactness that new, cutting-edge technology brings to the table. We realized we’re not only a real estate developer or a design-and-build company; we’re a technology company; and a technology company in this day and age handles
an enormous amount of information.”

Commercial Properties, Inc. / CORFAC International (CPI)
CPI is the largest locally owned, full-service commercial brokerage and management firm in metro Phoenix for more than 43 years. In 2022 alone, the team at CPI completed more than 2,080 transactions resulting in more than $456 million in total sales consideration.

Concord General Contracting
Concord General Contracting has been delivering high-quality projects throughout Arizona for more than 51 years, specializing in the commercial, education, municipal and non-profit sectors. Concord is a 100% employee-owned company, resulting in empowered employee-owners eager to take ownership of their positions and work closely together to build success on every project.

Part of building success on each of their projects is providing individual clients with what Concord calls the “ultimate client experience.” From groundbreakings to ribbon cuttings and all of the milestones in between, the philosophy Concord lives by is “construction happens with you, not to you.”

Historically, Concord has been known as a school and non-profit builder. Over the past five years, however, the company devised an intentional and successful approach to diversify their markets.

Currently, Concord’s team is building a three-year strategic plan that is focused on sustainable growth and an intentional and continuous succession plan for every employee-owner. The company truly believes that a plan must have an external and internal approach, understanding that its employee-owners are what build a successful project for their clients.

Known for having multiple generations in the workplace, Concord also recognizes that career development, work/life balance and human connection needs must be tailored specifically to each employee-owner. “When our employee-owners feel empowered and are excited to come to work every day,” says Grenee Martacho, CEO of Concord General Contracting, “that’s where innovation happens.”

CORE Construction
Earning recognition as a “Best Place to Work in Arizona for 2023,” CORE provides diverse building services in 13 markets, including Phoenix, focusing on the K-12, higher education, municipal, public safety and senior living sectors.

Colliers in Arizona
With offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Colliers in Arizona maintains its status as a leading, full-service real estate powerhouse, providing integrated services to real estate occupiers, owners and investors and business owners. Colliers serves office, industrial, retail, mixed-use, land, multifamily, hotels, education and healthcare clientele.

CRE8 Advisors
CRE8 Advisors is a full-service commercial real estate firm in Phoenix. CRE8 was founded in 2023 by a group of seasoned brokers with more than 60 years of combined experience. The name CRE8 (create) is a play on words as CRE8’s goal is to “CRE8” opportunities and solutions for its clients.

Cushman & Wakefield
The firm advised the $81.7 million sale, plus financing, for Falcon Park 303-Phase I, a 599,486 SF industrial asset; the $29.5 million dispositional sale of Avalon multifamily and represented international firm Perkins Coie in a 30,955-square-foot lease, among many other notable transactions.

DBSI
DBSI is a leading retail transformation firm specializing in design-build, digital signage, experiential marketing, equipment and real estate services for the banking, healthcare and retail sectors. For more than 25 years, DBSI’s commitment to excellence has revolutionized retail experiences through a comprehensive blend of architecture, interior design, technology and people.

A trusted partner for thousands of projects across the U.S., DBSI simplifies the transformation process for projects of all sizes by housing the experts for every aspect under one roof — from design to delivery.

In 2024, DBSI is excited to showcase the latest updates to the Ideation Center, a unique experience showroom and event space situated at their 34,000-square-foot headquarters in Chandler. This space demonstrates the latest trends in financial retail space design, equipment, technology and customer experience innovations.

The Ideation Center and new Collaboratory workspace is a hub for exclusive tours, strategy sessions, design intensives, professional workshops, conferences, vendor visits and more. The company aims to provide a hands-on environment for visitors to explore retail transformation possibilities in one convenient location.

With a dedicated team of more than 135 professionals serving clients from coast to coast, DBSI plans to expand its expertise into new verticals.

DP Electric
DP Electric was founded in 1990 out of founder Dan Puente’s home garage and has since grown into one of the leading electrical contractors in Arizona. Over the past 30-plus years, DPE has grown to employ more than 650 people and exceeded $125 million in revenue in 2022.

Dominium
Dominium is a leading national owner, developer and manager of affordable apartment communities with offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix and Minneapolis. In 2023, Dominium and its partners broke ground on the 492,000-square-foot Estrella Springs and the 247,000-square-foot Suncrest Vista in Goodyear.

Empire Group of Companies
A pioneer in the single-family, build-to-rent space, Empire Group has more than 5,000 units in various stages of pre-development, development, lease-up and completion. Through its division Aspirant Development, it’s also recognized for its luxury, urban infill, Class A mixed-use projects throughout the Phoenix Metro.

FCL Builders
FCL Builders is a general contractor and design-builder primarily focused on warehousing, cold storage, food production, e-commerce and manufacturing facilities. With roots extending back to 1976, FCL has grown from the industry leader in the Midwest to serving its customers throughout the U.S. through its teams based in Chicago, Kenosha, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Irvine, Sacramento, Phoenix and Tampa.

Since its inception, FCL has delivered more than 550 million square feet of industrial spaces. Financially strong and conservatively managed, FCL proudly maintains a 97% customer retention rate. FCL’s safety program and safety records are also among the best in the industry.

“As a builder, we must constantly have the pulse of the market in our planning,” says Kelly Pettigrew, regional vice president, FCL Builders Arizona. “While long-range planning can be valuable, too often the market changes in the ‘short range,’ and we must remain nimble and adjust our goals to stay relevant and of value to our clients.”

FCL is constantly improving its systems, and in 2024, will retool its pre-construction process to provide even faster and more accurate budget guidance both at the initial site consideration and in the final contract price presentation.

“FCL has created an internal ‘University’ — FCLU — launching fully in 2024, and will greatly increase our ongoing training and upskilling of our team in the latest technologies and product types we deliver,” Pettigrew notes. “FCL became a 100% employee-owned company in 2019, and our team members have a long-term focus on success and client satisfaction as they are fully invested in our goals.”

As FCL moves forward, keeping a pulse on industrial and commercial market trends, it has increased resources in their areas of strength (and market demand) including cold storage and food processing; data centers; manufacturing/chemicals; and specialized warehousing and distribution.

Graycor
It has been a record year for Graycor, with the industrial- and commercial-focused construction company kicking off several projects throughout Arizona, including a 123,516-square-foot flex industrial facility in Surprise, SkyBridge Arizona’s “Building 108,” and Phase I of Camelback 303.

Haydon Companies
Haydon is one of the largest general contractors in the Southwest with the unique ability to perform building, heavy civil and landscape construction. Haydon provides all-in-one construction solutions including building (commercial), heavy civil, preconstruction, landscape and building information modeling. “The heartbeat of our organization is our culture,” says Katie Haydon, president and CEO of Haydon Companies. “Starting with our extensive and inclusive hiring process, and throughout your career at Haydon, you will feel our culture, that sense of belonging, the consistent indicator that you made the right decision to join Haydon.”

IndiCap
IndiCap specializes in ground-up joint venture, development management and build-to-suit industrial projects from 50,000 to 1 million-plus square feet. The privately held industrial development company currently has more than 7 million square feet of industrial product in its development pipeline.

JLL
JLL employs more than 527 experts in office, industrial, retail, healthcare, multifamily and data centers, with a growing predominance in hotels/hospitality and project and development services. In 2022, JLL completed 115 million square feet in lease and sale transactions and $180 million in project management.

Kidder Mathews
As the largest independent commercial real estate firm in the region, Kidder Mathew’s has a team of 900 local market specialists and top-producing professionals. The firm offers a range of services including brokerage, appraisal, asset services, consulting, project and construction management, and debt and equity finance services.

Layton Construction
Layton has flourished in the Valley since its inception in 1987. From Senna House and AC Marriott Downtown Phoenix to Mesa Arts Center and Retail on Cavasson, Layton Construction’s project portfolio is as wide as it is diverse.

LGE Design Build
LGE Design Build (LGE) is a premier design-build construction firm that has been a leader in the Southwest’s commercial market for 30 years. With dual headquarters in Phoenix and Dallas, LGE is unique in its ability to offer a true full-service approach with architecture, interior design, engineering, budget control, permit coordination and construction available all under one roof.

With an industry-leading reputation and a portfolio of more than 1,200 completed projects, LGE’s dedication to unmatched integrity and craftsmanship results in award-winning designs for clients in various industries including industrial, office, hospitality, mixed-use, medical, education and tenant improvement.

As the only large-scale design-build firm in Arizona, the company has recently earned industry recognition as Ranking Arizona’s “2023 Top 10 General Contractors,” AZRE’s “AZ Big 100: 50 Commercial Real Estate Companies to Watch in 2023” and AZ Big Media’s “Most Admired Companies of 2023.” The firm recently debuted on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in America.

“In the coming years, LGE Design Build (LGE) is unwaveringly dedicated to maintaining a skilled workforce, recognizing the pivotal role our employees play in ensuring client satisfaction,” says David Sellers, CEO of LGE Design Build. “Our focus remains on nurturing a positive work environment through comprehensive training programs and resource provisions, ensuring our team is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.”

LGE Design Build stands out for its innovation in the seamless integration of architecture, interior design, engineering and construction services under one roof. This holistic, full-service approach sets them apart in the industry, fostering unparalleled collaboration and efficiency. By consolidating these disciplines, LGE creates a unique synergy that minimizes communication gaps, accelerates decision-making and ensures a cohesive vision from concept to completion.

LJA Engineering
Tucson-based LJA Engineering is a full-service engineering consultancy firm delivering purpose-driven projects backed by expertise and ownership. The company offers more than 300 diverse services across seven areas of expertise, contributing to impactful projects in public and private spaces.

Lincoln Property Company
Across two decades, Lincoln Property Company (LPC) has developed more than 15 million square feet and acquired more than 6 million square feet. LPC also manages almost 27 million square feet and has approximately 8 million square feet under construction.

Marcus & Millichap
In 2023, Marcus & Millichap’s Phoenix office celebrated 40 years of helping clients achieve their investment goals. To commemorate this shared success, staff and agents conducted several initiatives to give back to the local community. The Phoenix office continues to be a leader in achieving outsized results for commercial real estate owners throughout the country.

Modigent
Modigent and their affiliated operating companies (including Pueblo in Arizona), provide next-generation infrastructure, technology and energy solutions, driving innovation and growth nationwide. With a portfolio of specialized brands, each a strong player in the HVAC, plumbing and controls systems industry, Modigent operates across key markets in the U.S.

In 2024, Modigent’s continued focus is on the growth of the company through strategic acquisitions as well as organic growth of its affiliated operating companies.

“Attracting talent and providing innovative professional development opportunities will ensure Modigent is successfully positioned as the employer of choice in our industry,” says Dan Bueschel, chief executive officer at Modigent. When the company launched five years ago, Modigent was a $50 million company; this year it has eclipsed $500 million in revenue.

“This demonstrates our significant growth trajectory,” Bueschel says, “including the acquisition of 17 local ‘operating companies’ in high-growth markets from coast to coast. We’re actively looking for new strategic partnerships in order to continue expanding our footprint and delivering the highest quality of service to our clients and the communities we serve.”

Modigent also maintains a commitment to its company culture and cultivating a positive workplace, launching innovative new professional development and training programs for every level of its team. And with Modigent’s coast-to-coast presence, the company is able to offer transfers and upward mobility within its network.

Bueschel shares regularly that culture is the most important thing that he thinks about in his role. “By taking a ‘people and the culture first’ approach to our company, we strive to make Modigent a place where our people say, ‘This is the best job that I’ve ever had,’” he says.

Modus
As a heavy-hitter in the build-to-rent market, Modus specializes in developing attainable housing opportunities for the ever-growing workforce. The company is known for its expertise in Net Zero and Energy Star-rated multifamily development, incorporating green building materials and the latest technological advances in construction.

NAI Horizon
A member of the NAI Global network, NAI Horizon thrives as a full-service commercial real estate company. As advisors, brokers, and managers the company unites expertise and collaboration, prioritizing authentic relationships over transactions to achieve their goals.

Okland Construction
Okland Construction is a full-service general contractor with a focus on construction manager at risk and design-build projects. The company prioritizes sustainability, encouraging employees to become LEED Accredited Professionals, resulting in over 50 LEED AP’s within the company.

ORION Investment Real Estate
ORION Investment Real Estate is a leading full-service brokerage firm based in the Western U.S. With more than $1 billion in recent transactions, the ORION team provides best-in-class service to the commercial real estate community.

Boasting an extensive knowledge of the market and properties, ORION uses a tailored marketing and structured approach to each client to unlock the potential of every deal. ORION continually outperforms its competition and delivers unprecedented value to our clients.

“With unprecedented recent interest rate increases over the last 18 months, the market has slowed down,” says Ari Spiro, founding principal of ORION. “We view this as opportunity. Founded in 2009 during the Great Recession, navigating a down market is in our DNA. We see this one as temporary and short-lived and as an opportunity to grow our platform and add experienced agents.”

While many larger firms are cutting expenses, services and personnel, ORION has grown its marketing team in both numbers and services for its agents.

“Just like in 2009, agents and brokerage firms need to do more for their clients during tougher times, not less,” Spiro says. The driving force behind ORION’s success is its marketing prowess.

“We provide unparalleled marketing support to our agents to help them realize their vision and we assist them in branding and positioning themselves in the market,” says Sean Stutzman, founding principal of ORION. “At agents’ fingertips is a wealth of resources, including customized reports, industry analytics, research and valuation services, an in-house photographer and FAA-certified drone pilot.”

Further support comes via an experienced marketing team that promotes agents’ personal brands via social media as well as industry events and publications. The result is more efficient and productive agents yielding a better value and service for clients, be they buyers, sellers or landlords.

The PENTA Building Group
Established in 2000, The PENTA Building Group is a nationally recognized commercial contractor with offices in Arizona, Nevada and Southern California. As a general contractor, construction manager and design-build partner, the company collaborates with every member of the development, design and construction team to build a variety of projects ranging in size and scope.

Locally, PENTA empowers its employees, family, friends and partners to make a positive impact in their communities. Through its charitable arm, The PENTA CARES Foundation, the company has donated $1.5 million and more than 5,000 volunteer hours in 2023 to nonprofit organizations, including Phoenix Rescue Mission, New Pathways for Youth and Phoenix Children’s Foundation.

In 2024 and beyond, PENTA plans to continue to maintain relationships in the healthcare, higher education and hospitality industries while simultaneously developing and building new relationships. The Arizona office has built its reputation — and continues to leverage its affiliations and experience gained from its Las Vegas and Southern California offices — to build upon the experience it has gained in Arizona since 2010.

Pollack Investments
Michael Pollack celebrated his 50th year in real estate in 2023 and has been involved in redeveloping about 13 million square feet of space. But unlike other developers, Pollack sees diamonds where others see shattered rocks. He has become known as the “renovation king” by taking properties that have fallen into disrepair and turned into neighborhood eyesores and transforming them into neighborhood gathering places and lifting up the entire area in the process.

Prologis
A global leader in logistics real estate, Prologis builds and owns modern, sustainable properties and leases them to small and large businesses to help deliver the goods people and businesses need. The company’s teams live and work in the communities where they operate — including Arizona — and they take pride in knowing the communities and their needs well.

“Our Essentials platform optimizes our 1.2 billion square feet of logistics real estate to provide solutions that address today’s warehouse and shipping challenges,” says Jeff Foster, vice president and market officer for Prologis. “We’re the No. 2 generator of corporate, on-site solar energy in the U.S. and have a growing zero-emission vehicle business to help our customers transition to clean fuel.”

Prologis has a long record of sustainable development, committed to achieving net-zero emissions in their operations by 2030, and across their value chain by 2040.

“In 2023, we completed the world’s first net zero industrial building,” Foster says. “This meaningful work supports our customers in their transition to clean energy and sustainable operations.”

Additionally, Prologis Ventures funds logistics innovation and technology companies to help modernize supply chains, with 48 companies and $250 million invested as of September 2023.

Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Ryan Companies is poised to lead in 2024 due to the impact of recent projects on the community. Throughout Arizona, Ryan has had more than 1.8 million square feet in projects break ground in 2023. Notable community impact projects include One Scottsdale Medical office, St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Manor II, and the Arizona Humane Society Papago Park campus.

Schnitzer Properties
Schnitzer Properties is a privately-owned real estate company that acquires, manages and develops properties for its own portfolio. Led by President Jordan Schnitzer, the company owns and operates 30 million square feet of industrial, office, retail and multi-family properties in six Western states. Schnitzer Properties has regional offices in Portland, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Diego, Tucson and its newest office in Phoenix.

In 2024, Schnitzer Properties plans to build on the successes of its expanded investment in the Phoenix market. The company will continue to focus on growing its 1.2 million square feet of holdings in Phoenix Metro. In the past year alone, Schnitzer Properties completed the ground-up development of Queen Creek Commerce Center in Chandler; a 560,352-square-foot property that was pre-leased to Intel, NEHP and Horsepower Automotive.

In addition to Chandler Pavilions, the acquisitions of Scottsdale Summit Business Center, Metro Business Park and the Westech Business Center in the airport submarket, round out the company’s recent Phoenix deals. Next up, Schnitzer will break ground on the Palm Valley Commerce Center in Goodyear, for another banner year of growth.

SDB Contracting Services
Local to Arizona, SDB has provided general contracting services for more than four decades with a focus on healthcare, advanced technology, higher education, municipal and commercial projects. The second-generation family business has demonstrated consistent growth and currently employs 725 people. SDB has diversified its in-house capabilities to include a metal fabrication division, a heavy civil and division, millwork and an industrial/commercial scaffolding division.

Skanska Phoenix
Skanska — a staple of the Valley for upwards of a decade — uses knowledge and foresight to shape the way people live, work and connect. From hospitals to data centers, airports to corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities to tunnels and bridges, the buildings and infrastructure created by Skanska focus on healing, transporting, entertaining and energizing communities.

More than 135 years in the making, Skanska is one of the world’s largest development and construction companies, with 29 offices around the country. Together, with their customers and the collective expertise of team members around the globe, the company’s mission is to create innovative and sustainable solutions that support healthy living beyond our lifetime.

As part of their dedication to “build for a better society,” Skanska has gained a stronghold in the mission-critical, industrial manufacturing and high-tech markets. Heading into 2024, the company plans to continue to grow its operations by pioneering sustainable solutions while ensuring it remains a people-focused business. This means recruiting and retaining the best talent and providing strong operational service for their clients.

Stevens-Leinweber Construction
Over four decades, SLC has become one of Phoenix’s most active general contractors, completing more than 9,500 projects (415 underway in 2022 alone) through its thriving ground-up division and trusted tenant improvement experts. SLC is proud of this track record, but even more proud of its market-leading projects, camaraderie and commitment to giving back.

The Opus Group
The Opus Group is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies with offices and projects across the country, including Phoenix. Opus fosters a culture of building trust with clients and all stakeholders. All Opus associates strive to build strong relationships by exceeding expectations, building quality and delivering on commitments.

“We have broad capabilities, deep experience and a proven design-build model that delivers solutions for customers on time and on budget,” says Larry Pobuda, executive vice president of The Opus Group. “We operate as an integrated, multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets and finance; project management and construction; architecture, engineering and interior design.”

In the past three years, Opus has developed projects representing approximately 4 million square feet of space in Arizona, focusing on two sectors: industrial and multifamily. Opus projects underway or recently completed include Ari on Fourth Apartments in Tucson; Melody on Main Apartments in Mesa; Confluence Industrial Park in Casa Grande; Deer Valley 30 Industrial in Phoenix; Warner Commerce Center Industrial in Phoenix; Union Tempe Apartments; Andersen Windows Manufacturing in Goodyear and Paradise at P83 Apartments in Peoria.

“Opus is committed to operating responsibly and being a good corporate citizen,” Pobuda says. “We are deeply committed to helping make our communities better places to live, work and raise families. Stewardship has been at the core of our organization from the very beginning and remains one of our core values today.”

Since 2016, Opus and the Opus Foundation have awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to nonprofits in the Phoenix area, including $837,000 in the past three years.

Opus continues to be a market leader because it has innovated and evolved to meet the changing demand for space and buildings.

The Wolff Company
Wolff develops, invests in and operates a growing portfolio of residential rental assets across the U.S. This is a long-term strategy focused on capital appreciation, durable cash flow and the tax benefits of direct real estate ownership. Wolff also makes preferred equity investments in multifamily communities primarily related to new developments in markets across the U.S.

The Weitz Company
Founded in 1855, Weitz is a full-service construction company, general contractor, design builder and construction manager that serves all 50 U.S. states. Weitz is one of the oldest general contractors in the U.S. and an industry leader in industrial construction, senior living, student housing, mission critical construction, virtual design and more. The Weitz Company has been an Arizona general contractor since 1978.

Wespac Construction
Specializing in a full range of preconstruction and construction services, Wespac serves a wide and diverse mix of market sectors. Second to pursuing “the art of construction,” the company has a passion for — and commitment to — providing excellence in leadership to every employee, client and project team.

“Throughout the years, we have weathered the ever-evolving landscape of construction, adapting and thriving through industry shifts and advancements,” says Garrett Nybo, president and CEO of Wespac Construction. “Our seasoned team of professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to every project, combining time-tested techniques with cutting-edge innovations.”

Adds Nybo, “With decades of experience etched into the foundation of Wespac, client satisfaction is not just a goal, but a standard consistently exceeded, forging lasting relationships built on quality and trust.”

Wespac also has a deep dedication to philanthropic work, producing Arizona’s only 100% non-profit music festival. The company has reinvested more than $4.4 million into the community since 1991.

Willmeng
Willmeng is Arizona’s largest private general construction firm, employing more than 350 local employees. Willmeng was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Phoenix. All principals of the firm call Arizona home. Willmeng excels in constructing both ground-up and tenant improvement office, industrial and retail projects for developers throughout Arizona. Willmeng is committed to building excellence and preserving the company’s high value to the clients it serves. With a culture that embraces being a “genuine place of purpose,” Willmeng prides itself on being built on solid relationships. The organization invests in team-building, recognizing employee achievements and fostering a true family atmosphere.

Willmeng seeks out world-class employees and has a very successful track record of hiring and retaining a very diverse workforce. One of Willmeng’s most successful approaches to attracting this diverse workforce is its investment in an international student program. Currently, 27% of Willmeng’s employees fall under the category of being international or minority employees.

Willmeng sponsors as many as 30 international employees with their visas (either H1B, or Green Card) each year, with six additional international students being in its 2023 Summer Intern Program. It is important to note that many companies do not sponsor visas due to the complicated and long process, but Willmeng places a high importance on it, as it believes it’s important to go above and beyond in order to have a diverse population from all over the world represented in its workforce.

Another innovative approach Willmeng has taken over the last five to seven years is the focus on project diversification. During the recent industrial boom, Willmeng established a reputation of being a best-in-class builder of large-scale industrial buildings. Also, Willmeng focused on hiring talented team members with experience in building parks facilities, municipal buildings like fire stations and police facilities, schools, sports facilities and even civil horizontal projects (roadways). Establishing a proven track record of success on a variety of projects has positioned Willmeng for long-term, consistent growth as the demands of the market shift.

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