by Peter Madrid | Feb 13, 2024 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (Feb. 14, 2024) – Building things has always been a part of her life. So, it was only natural that after graduating with a civil engineering degree, Nicole Cuellar would pursue a career in construction – and excel at it.
Cuéllar, who has developed an extensive construction background across service markets, has been named General Manager of construction management firm CG Schmidt’s Arizona office. Cuéllar is joined by Phoenix-native, Superintendent Darren Scott; and long-time Valley industry professional, Director of Business Development Nicole Snyder.
Cuéllar credits her relatives in Wisconsin for fueling her aptitude to build things.
“I have a whole garage full of tools that feed my creative side,” she said. “I credit my great-uncle and grandpa for introducing me to tools when I was young. They let me try every power tool in their shed as a kid and were always patient with me. My first project was building a wooden armoire for my dolls. I have kept a few of those early projects as reminders of where I started.”
As General Manager, Cuéllar will oversee CG Schmidt’s Arizona field and office operations. Cuéllar and her team will collaborate with building partners to grow their project portfolios by providing building expertise from concept through completion. She will also mentor staff to provide exceptional services to clients and subcontractors.
Cuéllar ’s national construction experience includes corporate, industrial, and custom projects and geographically extends from Washington DC to Los Angeles. She spent the first seven years of her career with Hensel Phelps as Lead Field Engineer, Estimator, and Project Engineer. After relocating back to the Midwest, she worked for Wisconsin’s only self-performing tilt wall contractor. Cuéllar joined CG Schmidt six years ago.
CG Schmidt opened its Arizona office in 2023. It offers clients a complete range of services from planning and development through close-out.
“No matter where a client is in the construction process, we have experienced professionals ready to guide them through it,” Cuéllar said.
CG Schmidt is led from its Milwaukee, Wisconsin headquarters by President Eric Schmidt, CEO & Chairman of the Board Rick Schmidt, and COO Mike Abuls.
“Nicole’s industry experience is unmatched,” said Eric Schmidt. “Nicole completely embodies the values of caring, accountability, and excellence that we as a firm take pride in. She is an incredible leader, a steadfast partner, and she has my full confidence and admiration in establishing and growing CG Schmidt’s southwest construction services.”
Cuéllar is active in numerous industry groups including GPEC, Arizona Builder’s Alliance, NAIOP Arizona, and AZCREW.
A native of Hartford, Wisconsin, Cuéllar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds a certificate in construction management. Away from the office, Cuéllar is an outdoors enthusiast. Along with trail running in different state and national parks, she enjoys taking long walks with her boyfriend of 10 years and the couple’s two dogs.
CG Schmidt is located at 999 E. Playa del North Drive, Suite 110, in Tempe, Arizona. For more information call (602) 830-8460 or visit cgschmidt.com.
About CG Schmidt
CG Schmidt, a family-owned company since 1920, CG Schmidt is a leader in quality construction management, general construction and design-build services with offices in Arizona and Wisconsin. The company serves the markets of education, healthcare, senior living, multi-family, corporate, industrial, community and religious facilities. As a fifth-generation firm, CG Schmidt is a respected industry leader. The company has built a reputation for tackling the most complex and recognizable projects to create quality, state-of-the-art buildings in communities across the nation. For more information, please visit www.cgschmidt.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 13, 2024 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (Feb. 13, 2024) – Sigma Contracting Inc., a leading commercial general contractor, is proud to announce the recent hirings of Assistant Project Manager Denise Ballesteros and Ian Storlie in a Project Development role.
“We are excited to start the new year with new staff input to complement our tenured personnel as well as new project potential,” said Melinda Hinkson, LEED AP, Business Development/Secretary-Treasurer for Sigma Contracting.
Ballesteros will assist the Sigma Contracting operations team with change orders, scheduling, addressing owner and client needs, assisting on-site and supervision as needed, submittals, meeting minutes, develop and distribution of all required documentation, and facilitate project documents into Procore. She is OSHA certified.
Away from the office she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rappelling. She also enjoys time volunteering with St. Mary’s Food Bank, Save the Children, and Ryan’s House. Her favorite soulmate is her four-legged companion, a chihuahua labrador.
A native of Arizona, Ballesteros is a Reiki Master Teacher and practices Jin Shin Jyutsu. Ballesteros brings a level of passion and excitement to work each day and has proven to be a valuable asset to the firm.
Storlie will work with Sigma’s development team and help facilitate business and project development. The 40-year industry veteran joins Sigma Contracting after recently serving as chief of operations and director of construction with Market Street Development helping it to expand a variety of medical facilities.
Prior to his tenure there, he held various roles in Metro Phoenix commercial real estate, including as a project manager for Sprouts Farmers Market expansions throughout the West for Fitch Architects, as a senior project manager for multiple roll-outs in the West, and for Best Buy on 35 or its new locations.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Storlie holds an associate degree in criminal justice and is a veteran military police for the U.S. Army. Storlie and his wife Wilma have two children and nine grandchildren. Away from the office he enjoys fly fishing, kayaking, skiing, and a great cigar.
ABOUT SIGMA CONTRACTING INC.
Sigma Contracting, Inc. is an Arizona-based company founded in 1983 and licensed in eight Southwestern states. As a premier commercial general contractor, Sigma has established a broad footprint in the region with an extensive portfolio of projects in a variety of sizes, industries, and property types, with established long-standing client relationships with top developers, architects, municipalities, and businesses in the region. For 35 years Sigma has been the turnkey contractor for more than 900 construction projects including hospitals, medical office buildings, schools, public venues, retail and industrial spaces, banks, office buildings, and municipal facilities. For more information visit www.sigmacontracting.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 7, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (February 7, 2024) – NAI Horizon professionals recently facilitated a trio of diverse sales totaling more than $3 million. The assets include land, an industrial building, and a medical condo.
Sales Transactions:
Matt Harper, CCIM and Thomas Smith negotiated the sale of 2.73 acres for $1.295 million, representing the seller, Via Church, Inc. The property is located at 6739 E. Dallas St., Mesa, AZ. The buyer, Power Rd Development, LLC, was represented by Gunnar Sinnett with LevRose.
Laurel Lewis, SIOR, Don Morrow and Dylan Whitwer negotiated the sale of a 3,802 SF industrial building for $950,000 representing the seller, Davalco, LLC. The property is located at 3135 N. Delaware St., #102, Chandler, AZ. The buyers, Shane Matsumoto and Catherine Matsumoto were represented by Warren Johnston with ORION.
Jay Mininberg negotiated the sale of a 3,525 SF medical condo for $790,000 representing the seller, Continuum CFG, LLC. The property is at 3710 W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ. The buyer, Abrio Investment Group, LLC, was represented by Dawn Rajda with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Lease Transactions:
Jeffrey Garza Walker represented the landlord, Liberty Irvington, LLC, in a 60-month retail lease for 2,183 SF at 315 W. Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ. The tenant, Align Tucson, LLC, was represented by Commercial Retail Advisors, LLC.
Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, Astonished! Massage & Facial Spa, LLC, in a 62-month office lease for 1,797 SF at 2520 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ. The landlord, BLICO Properties, was represented by Nick Eggen with Hannay Realty Advisors.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the tenant, Scale and Feather Meadery, LLC, in a 60-month industrial lease for 2,493 SF at 1050 N. Fairway Drive, Avondale, AZ. The
landlord, Avondale Commerce, LLC, was represented by Melissa Bowman with Reliance Management.
Thomas Smith represented the tenant, All Saints North America Orthodox Church in a 36-month Church lease for 2,750 SF at 18700 N. 107th Ave., Sun City, AZ. The landlord, Skyline Properties, LLC, was represented by Joeseph Heckel.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco represented the landlord, Frank J. Diaz, in a 24-month office lease for 2,400 SF at 1516-1518 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, THERE SPACE, LLC, was self-represented.
Dylan Whitwer and Don Morrow represented both the landlord, AP-PP, LLC, and the buyer, Thriving Mind Solutions, PLLC, in an 18-month office lease for 973 SF at 401 W. Baseline Road, Tempe, Az.
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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by Peter Madrid | Feb 5, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (February 5, 2024) – NAI Horizon expanded its team of experienced agents with the hiring of industrial, retail, and corporate services expert Art Verdugo as Senior Associate.
Verdugo joins the NAI Global Advisory Team working with Executive Vice President Jeffrey Garza Walker, MRED/MBA, and Client Coordinator Brenda Walker. Verdugo will represent tenants and landlords in Metro Phoenix and across the U.S., with additional support for investors and corporate occupiers in Mexico and various Spanish-speaking countries, addressing their U.S. real estate needs.
“Art’s addition to the Global Advisory Team has brought the extra jet fuel to expand our capabilities globally and grow as a purposeful partner to our clients,” Garza Walker said.
Verdugo possesses more than 20 years of experience in banking and residential real estate financing. Before joining NAI Horizon, he worked at Coldwell Banker Realty for four years, specializing in buyer and tenant representation, with an emphasis on office and retail space within the social services, healthcare, and construction industries.
“I am excited to have Art join NAI,” said NAI Horizon CEO Terry Martin-Denning. “His background and experience make him an excellent addition to Jeffrey Garza Walker’s team.”
Verdugo is a member of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Green Building Council/Arizona Chapter, Global Chamber Phoenix, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and NAHREP Greater Phoenix Chapter.
Verdugo serves as a teacher and mentor with Junior Achievement of Arizona and previously served in the same capacity with Junior Achievement of Chicago. He
volunteers with the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation as the “Shoe Guy” at its signature event “Wine, Women, & Shoes.” Verdugo was involved in the Downtown Urban Community Kids (DUCK) annual breakfast with Santa, serving as the sports equipment donation coordinator.
Verdugo is a native of Mexico and was raised in Phoenix. Away from the office, he enjoys riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, exploring nature through hiking, and challenging himself in obstacle course races throughout the year. He attended Phoenix College.
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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by Peter Madrid | Jan 29, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Jan. 29, 2024) – NAI Horizon professionals facilitated the sales of land, a flex building, and an office building totaling almost $3.4 million. The recent deals included a flex building in Mesa that sold for $1.321 million.
Sales Transactions:
Laurel Lewis, SIOR, negotiated the sale of 3 acres for $1.612 million, representing the buyer, Southwest Behavioral Health Services. The property is located at 26420, 26552 and 26402 W. MC 85, Buckeye, AZ. The seller, Prestige Holdings, LLC was self-represented.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco negotiated the sale of 5,779 SF flex building for $1.321 million, representing the seller, Charles Gemar. The property is located at 2942 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, AZ. The buyer, VisionMakers International, LLC, was represented by Mike Parker with CBRE.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco negotiated the sale of 8,668 SF office building for $465,000, representing the seller, Mj Tate Ents, LLC. The property is located at 42 W. Hatcher Road, Phoenix, AZ. The buyer, Makers Real Estate, LLC, was self-represented.
Lease Transactions:
Thomas Bean, CCIM, and Larson Wilcke represented the tenant, Werner Collision Center, LLC, in a 122½-month industrial lease for 19,691 SF at 23869 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, DV Parcel A-1 Owner, LP, was represented by Rusty Kennedy and James Cohn with Stream Realty.
Jeffrey Garza Walker represented the landlord, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., in a 65-month lease for 4,378 SF at 1401 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, PAWS 48, LLC, was represented by Kimberly Gateb with Citywide Private Client.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the tenant, West Valley Pain Solutions, LLC, in a 72-month retail lease for 2,400 SF at 1240 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ. The landlord, L & G Fiesta Village, LLC and GM Elped, LLC, was represented by Kalen Rickard, Western Retail Advisors.
Laurel Lewis, SIOR, represented the tenant, Southwest Behavior Health Services, in a 48-month office lease for 9,126 SF at 2215 Hualapai Mountain Road, Kingman, AZ. The landlord, Cheryl Smith, Surviving Trustee, was self-represented.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Caspian Corporation, in a 60-month office lease for 1,200 SF at 114 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, DSH, OD, LLC, was self-represented.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the tenant, Penny Chiropractic, PLC, in a 72-month retail lease for 1,500 SF at 1240 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, L & G Fiesta Village, LLC, and GM Elped, LLC was represented by Kalen Rickard with Western Retail Advisors.
Laurel Lewis, SIOR, represented the tenant, PCB Group Sales Company, in a 39-month office lease for 2,435 SF at 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, PPHC Ahwatukee, LLC, was represented by Tarryn Fountain with Colliers.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, United Group, LLC, in a 63-month retail lease for 1,525 SF at 727 W. Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ. The tenant, Brewteaful Boba, LLC, was self-represented.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Ed Rapee Family Trust, in a 24-month retail lease for 1,400 SF at 511 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Ruth Street Catholic Store, LLC, was self-represented.
Matt Harper, CCIM, and Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the landlord, California Asset Portfolio, Inc., in a 24-month retail lease for 784 SF at 1437 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ. The tenant, Baber’s Smoke Shop 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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by Peter Madrid | Jan 23, 2024 | News & Updates
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (Jan. 24, 2024) – The recently revitalized Estrella Welcome Center is a finalist for the Gold Award in the Best Community Welcome Center category in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “The National Awards 2024” competition.
The new Estrella Welcome Center, which earned a Silver Award for being an NAHB finalist, is a collaborative effort led by Claudia Sieb of The Sieb Organization and the team from Creative License International.
The Estrella Welcome Center, 8175 S. Hillside Drive, was completely redone, starting with exterior monument signage manufactured by MSI, on-building and directional signage, parking signage, and extending into the building with an entirely new space plan, new technology, displays, furniture, murals, art, and more.
“The Welcome Center is absolutely beautiful and inspires guests to discover all Estrella has to offer,” said Cindy Oliver, Community Ambassador Manager for Estrella Development Company. “It’s a comfortable space where our ambassador team can easily have conversations about the new homebuilder offerings, abundant amenities, and overall lifestyle home shoppers will experience as they explore more of our community and look to call these mountains ‘home.’”
Other finalists in the Best Community Welcome Center category include The Aurora Highlands Visitor Center, Aurora, Colorado; Bridgeland, Cypress, Texas; Amblebrook at Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; and The Highlands, Porter, Texas.
“When Harvard Investments took on the role of managing partner in Estrella’s new ownership, we all saw the need to improve this important front door to Estrella. The building, designed by Swaback Partners, is award-winning and deserved an interior to match,” Sieb said. “The new interior is not just beautiful — it works.
“Visitors can now better understand the splendor found within Estrella. The Sieb creative team worked closely to direct the brilliant designers at Creative License, making visitors’ new experience informative as well as aesthetically exciting.”
The winner will be announced at the end of February at the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. The Nationals include the National Sales and Marketing Awards, Best of 55+ Housing Awards, Global Innovation Awards, and NAHB Honors.
The Estrella Welcome Center, 8175 S. Hillside Drive, in Goodyear, Arizona.
About Estrella
Home to more than 8,000 families, Estrella is a 20,000-acre mixed-use master-planned community located in the City of Goodyear, approximately 17 miles west of Phoenix. Estrella’s 500-plus acres of open space include more than 50 parks and 65 miles of paths and trails, plus 72 acres of lakes for kayaking, sailing, and catch-and-release fishing. Amenities include Starpointe and Presidio Residents’ Clubs, the Yacht Club of Estrella, two fitness centers, resort-style swimming pools, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-design Championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella. For more information about Estrella, please visit estrella.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Jan 17, 2024 | News & Updates
Land Advisors Organization facilitates the sales to two homebuilders for more than $18M.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (Jan. 17, 2024) – A pair of land sales at the master-planned community of Estrella totaling more than 30 acres will provide much-needed finished lots as homebuilders scramble to meet rising housing needs in Metro Phoenix.
Land Advisors Organization facilitated the sales, which yielded more than $18 million combined, to Richmond American Homes and Brightland Homes.
With interest rates dropping, homebuilders could see more competition for homes coming on the market. Phoenix Realtors reported that sellers were reluctant to put homes on the market, and through November 2023, West Valley communities saw new listings drop between 20 percent and 25 percent from 2022.
That could change in 2024 as the West Valley has announced major new employers bringing thousands of new jobs. According to The Arizona Republic, the Valley is still one of the top metro areas nationally for homebuilding and is “poised to see more new houses go up in 2024.”
“We’re excited to bring these two builders back to Estrella. They’ve been successful here in the past, and we’re thrilled they recognize Estrella as the terrific community it is,” said Jeff Zimmerman, Director of Entitlements and Development for Estrella Development Company. “Whether you’re looking for lakeside living, hiking and biking on our 65 miles of trails, or a small town feel just over the hill, Estrella has a tremendous amount to offer.”
Estrella North LLC (Tim Brislin, President of Harvard Investments), sold 15.25 acres for $10.09 million ($174,000 per lot, $661,770 per acre). The buyer was Brightland Homes of Arizona LLC (President Mark Moskal). The parcel is located at the NEC of Estrella Parkway and Cotton Lane in Goodyear.
Estrella North LLC also sold 15.66 acres to Richmond American Homes of Arizona Inc. (President Rick Morris), for $8.6 million ($141,000 per lot, $549,200 per acre). The parcel is also located at the NEC of Estrella Parkway and Cotton Lane in Goodyear.
The Land Advisors team of CEO Greg Vogel, Ryan Semro, Bret Rinehart, Ben Heglie, Max Xander, and Wes Campbell facilitated both deals.
“Estrella is poised to be one of the top-selling master-planned communities not only in Arizona but in the U.S.,” Vogel said. “All the elements of success are in place and it is being further enhanced by the expertise and capital of Harvard Investments and its partners.”
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About Estrella
Home to more than 8,000 families, Estrella is a 20,000-acre mixed-use master-planned community located in the City of Goodyear, approximately 17 miles west of Phoenix. Estrella’s 500-plus acres of open space include more than 50 parks and 65 miles of paths and trails, plus 72 acres of lakes for kayaking, sailing, and catch-and-release fishing. Amenities include Starpointe and Presidio Residents’ Clubs, the Yacht Club of Estrella, two fitness centers, resort-style swimming pools, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-design Championship golf course, The Golf Club of Estrella. For more information about Estrella, please visit estrella.com.
About Land Advisors Organization
Founded in 1987, Land Advisors Organization is the nation’s largest land brokerage firm specializing in providing deep market insights to landowners and purchasers for the most comprehensive and effective evaluation of land in markets across the country. By integrating current local market information with cutting-edge technology and geographically specialized professionals, Land Advisors Organization advises clients in identifying and capitalizing on valuable land opportunities in all economic environments. Land Advisors Organization serves landowners and purchasers from offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Casa Grande and Prescott, Arizona; Irvine, San Francisco, Century City, Pasadena, Roseville and San Diego, California; Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Kansas City, Kansas; and Seattle, Washington. Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
by Peter Madrid | Jan 17, 2024 | News & Updates
TEMPE, Ariz. (Jan. 17, 2024) – Terracon Consultants, Inc., is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Thies, CEM, to the position of Principal.
With more than 23 years of experience, Thies leads Terracon’s Phoenix Environmental Department, which consists of a team of approximately 30 geologists, biologists, environmental scientists, planners, and engineers offering full-service environmental consulting.
Thies is responsible for developing a diverse group of professionals, overseeing safe profitable growth, developing strong client relationships, and providing quality review of project deliverables. She has worked in the Phoenix environmental industry for approximately 20 years in the public and private sectors. She was promoted from Senior Associate.
“Jennifer’s promotion to Principal is well-deserved. She shows up every day leading others toward Terracon’s vision of being best at people, leading innovation, and being dominant in our markets,” said Tracy Grove, Senior Vice President, Rocky Mountain Division Manager for Terracon.
Thies, who has been with Terracon for 7 years, is a native of Southern California, where smog and air quality concerns led her to a career in environmental sciences. Before residing in Arizona, she lived in Maryland, where she completed her graduate degree, a Master of Science in environmental sciences from the University of Maryland.
Thies is a member of the Artemis Leads Group, Environmental Professionals of Arizona, and AZCREW. She gives back to the community as a Champion with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Valley.
Away from the office she enjoys traveling and RV camping with her husband, two sons, friends, and extended family. While in Maryland was quite fond of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.
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About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Our talented employee-owners provide on-time and real-time data-driven insights to create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project, any size, anywhere. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
by Peter Madrid | Jan 16, 2024 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2024) — Valley Partnership, the premier advocacy group for responsible development in the Valley, has selected the Class of 2024 ADVOCATES Program.
The Class of 2024 features 30 real estate, government affairs, financial, legal, and development professionals ages 35 and under. This is the 9th class of the ADVOCATES program, which was started in 2013 as a way to mentor the future leaders of the industry. Program participants spend the year learning from industry experts and networking with peers in the Valley.
“We are thrilled to welcome the newest class to the Valley Partnership ADVOCATES program,” said Clark Princell, President and CEO of Valley Partnership. “These young professionals are making great strides within their respective industries and will soon be leading important projects and initiatives within our community. We look forward to an exciting year of mentorship and networking ahead.”
The Class of 2024 includes:
- Madelaine Bauer, Quarles & Brady LLP
- Luke Capen, Evergreen Devco
- Morgan Carr, Cox Communications
- Krystal Carraway, The Weitz Company
- Josh Condon, Trademark Visual
- Haley Conway, HILGARTWILSON
- Guadalupe Ortiz Cortez, City of Goodyear
- Quinne Daoust, Bergin, Frakes, Smalley & Oberholtzer
- Travis G Dunn, Dibble
- David Fallon, Howard Hughes Corporation
- Austin Finch, Vestar
- Amy Forsythe, Southwest Traffic Engineering
- Ryan Hankins, Project Executive, Clayco
- Jake Hollingsworth, Okland Construction
- Aaron C. Jones, Alexander Building Company
- Julianna Morton, RED Development
- Austin ‘Sal’ Navarro, Ashton Woods
- Luke Roberts, RYAN Companies
- Brandon Samwick, El Dorado Holdings
- Sarah Shambrook, Dominium
- Nathan Shooks, Harvard Investments
- Braxton Smith, Arizona State University
- Rachael Smith, Norris Design
- Jen Springman, Horizon Strategies
- Joe Striler, FENNEMORE
- Jonathan Teeter, CBRE
- Hayden Thomson, FirstBank
- Violet Thornton, Manager of Design and Construction, Kitchell
- Jenner Van Kleunen, Preconstruction / Project Manager, Chasse Building Team
- Meg Zemlicka, Economic Development Specialist, City of Tempe
Participation in the ADVOCATES program includes monthly, in-depth learning sessions that focus on various topics including industrial, retail, and mixed-use high-rise infill development covering acquisition, capitalization, development, design, construction, and disposition.
The sessions will be led by subject matter experts with Valley Partnership Board Member Taylor Alvey, Vice President of Leasing at Vestar, serving as the ADVOCATES Board liaison, and Dylan Whitwer, Vice President, NAI Horizon as Co-Chair.
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About Valley Partnership:
Valley Partnership is the Valley of the Sun’s Premier Advocacy Group for Responsible Development. In its representation of the commercial, industrial and master planned real estate development industry, Valley Partnership presents a balanced, pro-development perspective and the Valley’s best industry education and networking opportunities. For more information about Valley Partnership and upcoming events, visit www.ValleyPartnership.org.
by Peter Madrid | Jan 16, 2024 | News & Updates
TUCSON, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2024) – A leader in the Tucson office of Terracon Consultants, Inc., for the past 10 years, Derek D. Koller, CIH, CHMM, was promoted to Senior Principal.
An industry veteran of 15 years working in Tucson and Southern Arizona, Koller will continue to oversee the Terracon Tucson operation, which has experienced substantial growth over the past 5 years. Koller was promoted from Principal.
“I’m excited for Derek’s promotion to Senior Principal. He excels at promoting Terracon’s values of caring, excellence, courage, integrity, curiosity, and prosperity. His philanthropic endeavors with the Terracon Foundation are exemplary,” said Tracy Grover, Senior Vice President, Rocky Mountain Division Manager for Terracon.
Koller is the current Terracon Foundation Chair and has served on the Terracon Foundation Board since 2020. He has championed more than $100,000 in community and university grants in the Tucson community supporting the University of Arizona Colleges of Engineering and Public Health, the Southern Arizona Environmental Management Society (SAEMS), the Southern Arizona Research Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF), and Tucson Clean and Beautiful.
Koller grew up in Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and lived in various areas of the country as his father worked for a defense contractor. He moved to Phoenix in the late 1990s and relocated to Tucson in 2006.
Koller holds a Master’s degree in Public Health: Environmental and Occupational Health from UA. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from UA, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Since 2024 he has served as president of the Environmental Professional Industry Charities (EPIC) and he served on the board of Tucson Clean and Beautiful from 2019 to 2023. He is a past president of SAEMS and is an active member of their scholarship selection committee.
He is an associate member of the Southern Arizona Chapter of CCIM and a member of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
Away from the office he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering.
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About Terracon
Terracon is an employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 6,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 175 locations nationwide. Our talented employee-owners provide on-time and real-time data-driven insights to create an unmatched client experience that spans the lifecycle of any project, any size, anywhere. Start to explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
As General Manager, Cuéllar will oversee CG Schmidt’s Arizona field and office operations. Cuéllar and her team will collaborate with building partners to grow their project portfolios by providing building expertise from concept through completion. She will also mentor staff to provide exceptional services to clients and subcontractors.