Harvard Investments continues its strategic growth with three new hires, pair of promotions

Harvard Investments continues its strategic growth with three new hires, pair of promotions

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (March 19, 2024) – Harvard Investments continues to strategically grow its team with high-quality and talented people with the hiring of three new professionals. Two promotions were also announced.

Roger Theis joins Harvard Communities as a Vice President of Development. Theis previously served as Vice President of Land for the Arizona division of Brookfield Residential. Theis will work alongside two project leaders who were recently promoted.

Harvard Investments promoted Amy Weidman to Vice President of Development for Harvard Communities. She previously served as Director of Entitlements. Jeff Zimmerman was promoted to Vice President of Development for Estrella Development Company, where he previously held the title of Director of Entitlements and Development.

Chief Financial Officer Kathleen Nidiffer announced the hiring of Marissa Worley as the new Director of Accounting and Steve Brunner as Financial Analyst.

“Building off of our successes in 2023, Harvard Investments starts 2024 with great momentum by growing the team with people who share our mission to build enduring communities where our residents can create lasting, positive memories,” said Harvard Investments President Tim Brislin.

“We also value developing and promoting our existing team who work tirelessly to improve their skills and be leaders in the industry. As Vice Presidents, Jeff and Amy will continue to have leadership responsibilities for our various large-scale communities, along with managing and mentoring fellow team members. Each has demonstrated high-quality work, strong growth in professional skills, and excellent leadership of key Harvard projects,” Brislin added.

Roger Theis (photo by Mark Skalny)

A native of Minnesota, Theis received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University. He spent the first part of his career working in project management and leadership roles for civil engineering firms. Theis was with Brookfield for 6 years working on various large-scale master plans.

Worley has an extensive background in finance, previously serving as CFO for Hanson Capital Group. She possesses experience in the residential field with stints at P.B. Bell and KB Home.  Worley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from New Mexico State University (NMSU). She also earned an MA in accounting from NMSU.

Brunner joins Harvard Investments from RBC Capital Markets where he specialized in sell-side equity research (REITs). A native of Brick, New Jersey, Brunner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Arizona State University and his MBA from Indiana University. Brunner served in the U.S. Navy.

About Harvard Investments  

 Harvard Investments, Inc. is a real estate investment and development company with real estate holdings throughout the western United States. Harvard combines experience, integrity, and financial stability to create high-quality, environmentally sensitive, profitable communities including both large scale master planned communities and build-to-rent neighborhoods. Harvard’s Canadian parent, the Hill Companies, is a privately held diversified company involved in real estate development including construction and leasing of commercial office buildings and retail properties, oil and gas production and distribution, broadcasting, surety bonding, and insurance. The Hill Companies celebrated its 121st year of continuous family ownership and operation in 2024. To learn more visit harvardinvestments.com.

 

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NAI Horizon professionals facilitate pair of office sales for total of $1.15M in Phoenix, Scottsdale

NAI Horizon professionals facilitate pair of office sales for total of $1.15M in Phoenix, Scottsdale

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (March 12, 2024) – NAI Horizon professionals recently sold two Valley office buildings, one in Phoenix and one in Scottsdale, the deals fetching a total of $1.15 million.

Sales Transactions:

Jay Mininberg negotiated the sale of a 3,525 SF medical building for $790,000 representing the seller, Continuum CFG, LLC. The property is located at 3710 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ. The buyer, Abrio Investment Group, LLC, was represented by Dawn Rajda with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Laurel Lewis, SIOR and Dylan Whitwer negotiated the sale of a 1,377 SF office for $360,000 representing the seller, August Building Company, LLC. The property is located at 10031, E. Dynamite Blvd., Suite 135, Scottsdale, AZ. The buyer, Westroc Holding, LLC, was represented by Dylan Scott with Kidder Matthews.

Lease Transactions:

In coordination with Rick Page, NAI Puget Sound Properties, Laurel Lewis, SIOR and Kevin Higgins represented the tenant, Tufts University School of Medicine, in a 128-month office lease for 22,910 SF at 800 5th Ave., Seattle, WA. The landlord, BPP 800 Fifth Property Owner, LLC, was represented CBRE, Seattle.

Isy Sonabend and Drew Eisen represented the tenant, Steelcase Inc., in a 62-month industrial lease for 211,360 SF at 5101 N. Cotton Lane, Glendale, AZ. The landlord, First Industrial Trust, was represented by Riley Gilbert with JLL.

Isy Sonabend and Drew Eisen represented the tenant, AERZEN Rental USA, LLC, in a 60-month industrial lease for 15,000 SF at 2940 W. Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, Harry Ross Industries, was represented by Pat Takash with PT Property Services.

Mark Wilcke and Larson Wilcke represented the tenant GC Door & Trim, LLC, in a 60-month industrial lease for 13,079 SF at 2100 S. Douglas Drive, Chandler, AZ. The landlord, Hansen Commercial Investments, was represented by Aron Brow & Stephanie Lanman with Leading Edge Real Estate.

Jeff Adams represented the tenant, Alpha Insulation & Water Proofing, Inc., in a 50-month industrial lease for 14,290 SF at 2810 S. Roosevelt St., Tempe, AZ. The landlord, TMP I, LLC was represented by Matt Frederick & Matt McDougall, Principals,  with Lee & Associated of Arizona.

Lane Neville and Cole Neville represented the landlord, CPLP 2944 N 44th, LLC, in a 65-month office lease for 4,225 SF at 2944 N. 44th St., Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Lee Engineering, LLC was represented by Kyle York with Colliers.

Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, Pathways of Arizona, LLC, in a 38-month office lease renewal for 10,201 SF at 3295 W. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ. The landlord, Ina Executive Center, LLC was self-represented.

Jeff Adams represented the tenant, BIG CITY INSULATION, INC, in a 45-month industrial lease for 7,238 SF at 221 East Willis Road, Chandler, AZ. The landlord, Phoenix Willis Investors, LLC, was represented by Kurt Saulnier & Matt Frederick with Lee & Associates of Arizona. (Matt Gregory was the original referrer).

Jeffrey Garza Walker and Scott Soelter represented the landlord, Liberty Irvington, LLC, in a 64-month office lease for 1,824 SF at 315 W. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ. The tenant, Phillips Law Group was self-represented.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the tenant, DMND KUTZ, LLC, in a 64-month retail lease for 1,497 SF at 8343 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson, AZ. The landlord, Mikeno Holdings, LLC, was represented by Linda Chipman with J & L Exclusive Homes & Properties, Inc.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the tenant, Sandy Burke, in a 38-month retail lease for 998 SF at 11001 N. 99th Ave., Peoria, AZ. The landlord, Grand Center Plaza, LLC, was represented by Hani Aldulaimi with Keller Williams Realty East Valley.

Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco represented the landlord, Initech Holdings, LLC, in a 25-month lease office building for 1,148 SF at 1480 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Maricopa Reporting, Inc. was represented by Criag Trbovich with Commercial Properties, Inc.

Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, MAZ Northern Plaza, LLC in a 37-month retail lease for 1,000 SF at 5008 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, AZ. The tenant, Klubhouze, was self-represented.

 Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, 1241 E. Broadway Plaza, LLC, in a 12- month retail lease for 720 SF at 1241 E. Broadway, Mesa, AZ. The tenant, AngelicBleu, LLC was self-represented.

About NAI Horizon

Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 325 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.

About NAI Global

 Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

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Coreslab Structures AZ celebrates topping out at Desert Diamond West Casino parking garage

Coreslab Structures AZ celebrates topping out at Desert Diamond West Casino parking garage

     PHOENIX, ARIZ.  (March 12, 2024) – Coreslab Structures Arizona recently topped out on the Desert Diamond Casino West total precast parking garage near Waddell, Arizona, with the Hunt Penta Joint Venture Team.

The five-level/story garage contains 2,163 parking stalls and 1,516 precast concrete pieces. That represents 11,231 cubic yards of concrete weighing approximately 45.485 million pounds and supporting 600,000 SF over four elevated decks.

Originally the project was slated to be completed in 90 days, but Coreslab utilized additional resources to accelerate the schedule. The project was completed in 47 days with four rain days.

The topping out was held on the same day as the Trades Appreciation luncheon provided by the Tohono O’odham Nation for all trades on site. Carla Johnson, Vice Chairwoman of the Nation, grew up knowing the Coreslab name. Her father, Terry Johnson, was a long-time Coreslab employee.

“That is from whom she obviously adopted a strong work ethic,” said Coreslab Sales Manager Phil Richardson, S.E. “We made her aware of our presence on the site when the Coreslab banner flanked across the last double-tee that was lifted in place.”

Joining Coreslab and general contractor Hunt Penta Joint Venture Team on the project are architect JCJ Architecture and structural engineer Reigstad Engineering.

 About Coreslab Structures

Since 1975, Coreslab Structures Inc., has emerged as a major supplier of structural, architectural and hollow core solutions to markets in Canada and the U.S. With 17 precast/prestressed concrete facilities across North America, Coreslab is a leader in construction innovation, structural design and sustainable practices, dedicated to providing top quality products and services. Its commitment to excellence, leading technical expertise and collaborative culture allows it to deliver award-winning, innovative solutions that meet the schedule and cost requirements of its valued customers. To learn more visit www.coreslab.com.

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Hunter Contracting Co. promotes Andrew Perkins to Project Sponsor with Water, Wastewater Group

Hunter Contracting Co. promotes Andrew Perkins to Project Sponsor with Water, Wastewater Group

     GILBERT, ARIZONA (March 12, 2024) – Hunter Contracting Co. (Hunter) is pleased to share the news of Andrew Perkins’ promotion to the role of Project Sponsor within the Water and Wastewater Group.

Having spent the past year as a Senior Project Manager at Hunter, Perkins will now oversee the day-to-day operations, vision, and profitability of this business unit.

Perkins, with a professional journey spanning more than three decades, initially entered the workforce in the masonry industry, contributing to his family business during the late 1980s. He served in the U.S. Navy Seabees and later attended Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, gaining experience as a builder and technical engineer.

His extensive background includes diverse large-scale construction projects such as roadway, underground utility, aviation, and tunnel construction. With a specialization in the water and wastewater industry at both local and regional levels, Perkins brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

“Andrew is a valuable addition to our team. His commitment, expertise, and passion for the work position us to tackle more significant challenges and provide excellent customer service to our clients,” said Hunter President Chuck English.

Known for his adeptness in managing complex projects, Perkins leverages his construction management background and years of field leadership. His collaborative approach extends to working closely with clients, industry partners, project teams, and colleagues to ensure timely project delivery.

Originally from Florence, Oregon, and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Perkins holds a degree in technical engineering from Thomas Edison State University, complemented by additional training with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

He is an active member of the Construction Management Association of America and the Arizona Water Association, and he participates in organizations like the American Legion and the Loyal Order of Moose.

Outside of work, Perkins enjoys quality time with his family, engaging in activities such as working on vintage cars and motorcycles, fly fishing, cooking, and traveling.

 About Hunter Contracting Co.

Established in 1947 by William R. Hunter, Hunter Contracting Co. traces its roots to the inception of Hunter Ditch Lining (HDL), initiated by Hunter for constructing concrete-lined ditches in the East Valley for farmers. Armando Taddei joined HDL and acquired the company in 1961, laying the foundation for Hunter Contracting Co. that same year.

Currently under the leadership of the third generation of the Taddei family, Hunter Contracting Co. is headed by Max Taddei as Chairman and Amy Ostwinkle as Corporate Secretary. Specializing in heavy site/civil construction, the company offers preconstruction and construction services across diverse sectors, including transportation, bridges and structures, water and wastewater, parks and recreation, underground utilities and rehabilitation, site development, and irrigation and flood control. With strategic offices in Gilbert and Tucson, Hunter is committed to providing outstanding project experiences to both public and private clients throughout Arizona. A notable achievement is the acquisition of the innovative Con-Arch™ product, enabling the construction of cost-effective concrete arches as an alternative to traditional box culverts, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity. For additional information about Hunter Contracting Co. and its initiatives, please visit www.huntercontracting.com.

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NAIOP Arizona honors Butler Design Group Principals Rick Butler, Jeff Cutberth with 2023 Award of Excellence; presentation on April 25

NAIOP Arizona honors Butler Design Group Principals Rick Butler, Jeff Cutberth with 2023 Award of Excellence; presentation on April 25

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (March 11, 2024) – Rick Butler and Jeff Cutberth, partners for the past 28 years at Butler Design Group (BDG), have been named the recipients of NAIOP Arizona’s 2023 Award of Excellence. The award will be presented at the Best of NAIOP awards ceremony on April 25, at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn.

The NAIOP Arizona Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made a significant and positive impact on the commercial real estate industry in Arizona over a period of at least 15 years, along with direct contributions to the chapter. It is a fitting tribute for two individuals who have made an indelible mark on commercial real estate throughout the Valley.

“I am so excited that our most coveted award is being given to two of the most talented and hard-working people that our industry has ever seen,” said NAIOP Arizona Board Chair John Orsak, Senior Vice President with Lincoln Property Company. “The contributions Rick and Jeff have made to our industry are worthy of them being honored with the Award of Excellence.”

Butler began his architectural career while in high school, leaving college early to pursue his passion for architecture full-time. He was fascinated by everything around him, particularly the built environment. He simply wanted to create. After working for two other firms for more than 16 years, Butler launched BDG in 1996.

“Starting BDG was both terrifying and exhilarating,” he recalls. “It was also the smartest professional move I could have made. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to do what I love every day.”

While the “self-taught” route does not work for most people – and can be a daunting path to achieving registration and legitimacy in the profession – it challenged Butler to work hard, learn independently, and apply practical “street smarts” in everything he did.

After beginning his career in architecture in 1981 in Austin, Texas, Cutberth moved to Phoenix and joined OPUS in 1989. As the firm’s Director of Architecture, he gained valuable experience in the development, design, and construction industry in the Southwest region. He and Butler met and collaborated on a West Valley retail center in 1994. They became partners at Butler Design Group two years later.

Over the past 35 years, Cutberth has been involved in the design and delivery of more than 200 projects totaling more than 30 million square feet, focusing on Class A office, medical office, distribution/industrial, and civic architecture. After retiring at the end of 2021, he continues to put “pen to paper” on select BDG projects and maintains a strong mentorship connection with the firm.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by and to serve so many intelligent and talented people in the industry,” Cutberth said. “We’ve learned from the best minds in the business and collectively continued to get better and better with every project we completed.

“Our clients and the NAIOP community have helped me understand the essential ingredients of a successful development, from the initial pursuit and design to the final experience of the users that occupy the buildings,” Cutberth said.

Butler and Cutberth have grown BDG into one of the most successful design firms in the Valley, gaining numerous awards including the NAIOP Architect of the Year 18 times.

They have collaborated with many of the area’s top developers and contractors to deliver innovative, thoughtful building solutions that have created value for their clients while delivering quality, memorable design contributions to the architectural landscape.

About NAIOP

NAIOP, a 20,000+ member organization in North America provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of its members. It is the leading association for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use real estate. The Arizona Chapter represents over 1,000 members and is among the largest in the 50+ network. 

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Earthworks Environmental promotes Savannah Gries to Project and Development Manager

Earthworks Environmental promotes Savannah Gries to Project and Development Manager

     GILBERT, ARIZ.  (March 7, 2024) – Earthworks Environmental, an environmental compliance consulting firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Savannah Gries to Project and Development Manager.

Gries, who has worked at Earthworks Environmental for 5 years, was promoted from Compliance and Operations Assistant. In her new role, she will supply project proposals for current and new clients in Arizona. Additionally, she will manage and submit dust permits and dust permit renewals. She will also attend new client meetings to expand the Arizona division.

“I am excited for Savannah to join my team and department. With her 5 years experience at Earthworks, great organizational skills, grit, and fantastic personality, she will do extremely well,” said Kim Famiglietti, Business Management Director of Earthworks Environmental. “I am eager to see how Savannah grows even more within Earthworks and to work with her more closely. She will be a great addition to the Business Development team and as a Project Manager.”

A native of Wisconsin, Gries was raised in Queen Creek, Arizona. She earned a bachelor of science degree in urban planning from Arizona State University. Away from the office Gries is an avid runner with aspirations of completing a full marathon. She enjoys spending time with her family and her two rescue dogs.

Earthworks Environmental provides stormwater pollution prevention, dust control, and construction safety compliances. The firm primarily serves land developers, vertical developers, commercial construction, and land-holding companies.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Earthworks Environmental operates in 31 U.S. markets in 20 states and totals more than 900 projects across the country.

To learn more about Earthworks Environmental visit earthworksenv.com.

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NAIOP, Prologis announce 2024 Inclusion in CRE scholarship winners, trio from Arizona selected

NAIOP, Prologis announce 2024 Inclusion in CRE scholarship winners, trio from Arizona selected

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (March 7, 2024) – Fifteen individuals have been selected as the recipients of the annual NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE Scholarship for Women and Underrepresented Professionals.

Three NAIOP Arizona members were among the scholarship recipients: Robert Hernandez, Senior Associate, Trammell Crow Company; Kelly Royle,

Jennifer Villalobos

Associate, JLL; and Jennifer Villalobos, Associate, Cushman & Wakefield.

The program, now in its seventh year, is designed to prepare a pipeline of diverse talent for development and operations positions in commercial real estate by connecting young professionals with mentors and advancing their industry knowledge.

“We are delighted that for the second year in a row, three Arizona Chapter members were among the elite group of 15 scholarship winners,” said Suzanne Kinney, President and CEO, NAIOP Arizona. “The NAIOP and Prologis Inclusion in CRE scholarship aligns perfectly with our local efforts to promote inclusion throughout our chapter’s leadership and programming to reflect our market’s growing diversity.”

Robert Hernandez

As part of the program, each of the recipients will have the opportunity to earn the NAIOP Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development, delivered through courses in NAIOP’s The Center for Education, at no cost. This comprehensive program is built on core competencies critical to success in the development industry.

“We are proud to be part of helping foster diversity in our industry, including this program,” said Megan Creecy-Herman, President, West Region, Prologis. “At Prologis, we recognize that our growth and innovation is intertwined with attracting more diverse talent. We’re always eager to support and advance this cause.”

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at I.CON West: The Industrial Conference, March 11-12, in Long Beach, California, where they will connect with industry mentors and hear insights from industrial real estate leaders from across North America.

About NAIOP

 NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP comprises over 21,000 members in North America. The Arizona Chapter is among the largest in the 54-chapter binational network with nearly 1,100 members. For more information, visit naiop.org or naiopaz.org.

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KatzDesignGroup honored by NEWH; celebrates at African Diaspora-themed restaurant in Phoenix

KatzDesignGroup honored by NEWH; celebrates at African Diaspora-themed restaurant in Phoenix

      PHOENIX, ARIZ. (March 6, 2024) – The transformation of a Heritage Square building in Downtown Phoenix into a restaurant that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Africa garnered Beth Katz, Founder and Principal of KatzDesignGroup, a national award from the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH).

Katz, whose firm celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, has been recognized on both national and local levels for her design work and business leadership. NEWH honored her with the Best Stand-Alone Restaurant Award for LATHA Restaurant & Bar, 628 E. Adams St., in Phoenix. The restaurant occupies the historic 1900 Silva House at Heritage Square.

 

Beth Katz of KatzDesignGroup

Katz also won TopID 2024, an award she won in 2022. The Top Interior Design (Top ID) award is determined by individual NEWH chapters and regional boards to recognize design excellence and promote design firms engaged in supporting NEWH and its mission of scholarship and education. The Top ID award is presented annually to three firms in the region.

“This exclusive recognition is NEWH’s way of supporting and promoting our designer membership,” Katz said. “Not only are firms acknowledged for their design, engagement, and generous support of their local hospitality industry, but they are also celebrated internationally across the vast network of professionals in the industry. I’m proud to be one of the three Arizona 2024 recipients.”

LATHA, which opened in April 2023, means “flavorful” in Swahili and encompasses The African Diaspora Collective’s mission as authentic, energetic, modern, community-minded, and empowering. These are the founding concepts of KatzDesignGroup’s interior design.

Upon entering the space, visitors are greeted with a colorful wooden map of Africa and a host stand that welcomes them in many African languages. KatzDesignGroup kept the motifs of the design modern yet authentic. It used mud cloth patterns for wall coverings, a custom steel drum chandelier, and the hand-painted porch floor.

“We hung African-sourced rattan mats on the ceiling for color and acoustics,” Katz explained. “The benches are from an artisan in Ghana, and the Ndebele light was handmade in South Africa with our colors.”

Katz said working at the historic 1900 Silva House at Heritage Square was a challenge. Workers were not permitted to move or puncture any walls. The team designed a new pergola outside and a custom fence that enhances the architecture and theme, she said.

The awards were presented at the recent NEWH supper club at LATHA. The event included a toast to Katz with sparkling wine from South Africa; the same wine that was used at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration.

The design and construction team for LATHA includes Michael Hall, architect; Canyon Building & Design, LLC, general contractor; and Lioncraft, millwork.

KatzDesignGroup specializes in hospitality-inspired interior design, including award-winning restaurant interiors. KatzDesignGroup provides space planning, FF&E specification, custom furniture, and millwork design; construction documents; construction administration; art specification, visual rendering and 3D animation; finish selection; and digital concept and presentation boards.

For more information visit katzdesigngroup.com.

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Christopher H. Haas joins Nunez Self-Storage Group, A National Self-Storage Investment Team

Christopher H. Haas joins Nunez Self-Storage Group, A National Self-Storage Investment Team

     PHOENIX, ARIZONA (March 4, 2024) – NAI Horizon Principal Denise Nunez announced that Christopher H. Haas has joined the Nunez Self-Storage Group, A National Self-Storage Investment Team formed from members of the various NAI offices across the country.

Haas is Vice President at NAI Miami | Fort Lauderdale and is licensed with the firm in Florida.

Nunez is actively building out a national self-storage practice under the NAI Global brand. New York-based NAI Global is one of the most recognized brands in commercial real estate.

“Florida continues to be a draw for those relocating from other states seeking employment opportunities and lifestyle changes. The market is hot,” Nunez said. “We are excited to bring Christopher into the mix. His industry knowledge will enable us to expand our footprint to better assist our clients. This includes sales, acquisitions, 1031 and 721 Exchanges, and long-term and short-term planning for a client’s self-storage assets at the various stages from land acquisition all the way up to stabilized assets.”

Haas is a 25-year commercial real estate veteran, focused on capital markets, tax strategy real estate, land development, and investment sales across the country. Haas prides himself on understanding the nuances and analysis of commercial real estate investment opportunities both for his account and for those clients he represents.

Prior to joining NAI Miami | Fort Lauderdale, Haas worked at NAI Legacy and KW Commercial-Midwest where he was the 2018 Top Commercial Broker Individual for Keller Williams Integrity Realty-Roseville. In 2020 he earned the Gold Award for top Real Estate Team at KW Commercial Midwest. Additionally, he was the 2020 Top Three individual Commercial Broker in the KW Commercial North Central Region. His focus was finding unique opportunities in commercial real estate and presenting them to buyers and sellers.

Haas excels in matching the right buyer and seller together to complete a successful transaction and has procured numerous deals across Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Embodying the spirit of NAI Miami | Fort Lauderdale, Haas fully utilizes the national platform and collaborative efforts to best perform for his clients on a global level.

Nunez is based in Phoenix and is the Executive Managing Director of the National Self-Storage Investment Group. She has worked in the self-storage industry for more than two decades and has closed transactions in more than a dozen states.

About NAI Horizon

Exceptional global commercial real estate solutions begin with local market leadership and expertise. Established in 1992, NAI Horizon is a full-service commercial real estate company serving Arizona with offices in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about commercial real estate, providing Brokerage and Property Management Services for local, national, and international clients. NAI Horizon is a member of the NAI Global commercial real estate network providing real estate solutions to more than 325 offices worldwide. For more information, visit www.naihorizon.com.

About NAI Global

Advisory Services, Leasing, Property Management, Property & Note Sales, and Tenant Representation

NAI Global is a leading global commercial real estate brokerage firm. NAI Global offices are leaders in their local markets and work in unison to provide clients with exceptional solutions to their commercial real estate needs. NAI Global has more than 325 offices strategically located in 65 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with over 5,800 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.1 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions throughout the world.

NAI Global provides a complete range of corporate and institutional real estate services, including brokerage and leasing, property and facilities management, real estate investment and capital market services, due diligence, global supply chain and logistics consulting and related advisory services. To learn more, visit www.naiglobal.com.

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Arizona Masonry Council celebrates 30 years of the Masonry Apprenticeship Program with 12 graduates in Class of 2023, now journeymen

Arizona Masonry Council celebrates 30 years of the Masonry Apprenticeship Program with 12 graduates in Class of 2023, now journeymen

     PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Feb. 28, 2024) – The Arizona Masonry Council celebrated 30 years of its Masonry Apprenticeship Program recently with a graduating class of 12, each of whom was certified as a journeyman.

The 2023 Apprentice Graduation Dinner was held at Culinary Dropout in Tempe. Besides celebrating 30 years of the apprenticeship program, the event also celebrated the first graduating class from the AMC Block Machine Operators Apprenticeship Program.

With more than 170 family, friends, and industry members in attendance, the event celebrated the accomplishments of the Arizona Masonry Council’s 12 graduating apprentices as well as its industry leaders. Each apprentice received their certified journeyman certificate and card from the state of Arizona.

“Our industry now has the privilege of recognizing these 12 graduates as certified journeymen,” said Arizona Masonry Council Executive Director Dawn Rogers. “Congratulations as well to our 2023 Instructor of the Year, John Sugameli (Sun Valley Masonry). Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”

The 2023 graduates: Michael Anderson, Allied Masonry; Richard Bedoya, Re-Create Companies; Gilberto Davila, Rare Breed Masonry; John Haynes, Atlas Masonry; Jeromy Phillips, Desert State Landscape; Daniel Ross, Block-Lite; Ruben Rodriguez, Hobbs Masonry; Franco Sanchez, Superlite an Oldcastle Company; Nestor Sanchez, Re-Create Companies; George Shmakov, Yavapai Block; Richard Venegas, Sutter Masonry; and Merlin Weber, Block-Lite.

About the Arizona Masonry Council

The mission of the Arizona Masonry Council is to create significant and lasting positive change for the Arizona masonry industry and to reinforce that our systems provide the premier building envelope solution in the minds of public and private owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors, and the general public. The Council and its members have played a significant role in economic development, new product and construction standards, enhanced safety policies and increased energy efficiency of masonry products. It has also been on the forefront of developing and implementing statewide education programs for the professional community as well as students from college to the high school level. The Arizona Masonry Council can be reached at (602) 265-5999 or visit azmasonry.org.

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