by Peter Madrid | Feb 10, 2021 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Feb. 10, 2021) – Phoenix. Glendale. Peoria. Surprise. Four of the top 10 largest cities in Arizona are forging a future as the Valley’s newest advanced industry corridor.
AZCREW, the leading organization for senior-level executive women in the Metro Phoenix commercial real estate field, will present “Commercial Real Estate Outlook – Northwest Valley” in a virtual event on Feb. 16.
The impressive panel of Valley economic developers includes:
- Jessi Pederson, Assistant Director Office of Economic Development, City of Glendale;
- Kirsten Hall, Business Attraction Program Manager, Economic Development Services Department, City of Peoria;
- Samantha Pinkal, Project Manager Economic Development Department, City of Surprise;
- Christine Mackay, Director Community and Economic Development, City of Phoenix.
The Zoom event begins at 11:45 a.m. and runs until 1 p.m. The event is free to members and non-members. Register here.
About AZCREW:
AZCREW is the premier commercial real estate organization that dominates in the advancement and success of women within the commercial real estate industry in Metro Phoenix through leadership, professional relationships, education and excellence. As part of CREW Network, the industry’s premier networking coalition, AZCREW is dedicated to advancing the success of women in commercial real estate. CREW Network’s membership of more than 11,000 professionals in 70+ major global markets represents all aspects of commercial real estate—providing our members with direct access to real estate professionals across all geographies and disciplines. For more information visit arizonacrew.org.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 10, 2021 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZ. (Feb. 10, 2021) – Tom “Mando” Kapita, P.E., regional leader of the Geo-Structural Design and Instrumentation (GDI) practice for engineering consultant Terracon, Inc., recently was promoted to Principal.
Terracon’s Principal program is designed to recognize and reward employees whose leadership helps fulfill the firm’s “purpose of exploring beyond the surface” commitment as a leader on safe, profitable growth while modeling Terracon’s core values.
The role of a Principal includes significant contribution beyond “daily responsibilities” in terms of leadership in advancing the company in areas such as technical capability, client experience, employee experience and community.
Kapita, who has been with Terracon for 20 years, is Manager of Regional Services and is the firm’s Rocky Mountain Region GeoDesign lead. He is tasked with strengthening and expanding Terracon’s GeoDesign services. He is responsible for client development and management, mentoring and managing staff, and project review approval in charge of GeoDesign project quality review.
“As a leader, Mando embodies our core values and focuses on growing and developing his staff so we can take care of our clients,” said Tim Anderson, Executive Vice President/Western Operating Group for Terracon. “Under his leadership, we have seen solid growth in GDI through the diversification of our services, adding new team members, and focusing on improving the overall client experience. We want to recognize Mando for his solid and sustained contributions to Terracon and are proud to announce his appointment to Principal.”
A native of Zambia, Kapita earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mining engineering from the University of Arizona. He is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. Kapita is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Arizona Consulting Engineers Association and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. (SME).
Kapita worked at Terracon previously from February 2001 to April 2013 when his title was Geotechnical Department Manager. He rejoined Terracon’s Phoenix GeoDesign team as regional manager two years ago.
“Mando has collaborated on projects with clients and fellow Terracon engineers from coast to coast, allowing our GeoDesign team to work on specialized geotechnical services throughout the country,” said Brent M. Borchers, P.E., Regional Manager for Terracon and Tempe office Senior Principal.
Kapita and his wife Natalie have been married for more than 16 years and have two sons, ages 15 and 14. Besides being an avid golfer, he also enjoys riding his road bike and hiking with his family.
“Being a Principal at Terracon is a great honor and I am humbled by this appointment,” Kapita said. “This recognition would not be possible without a great support system of which I am surrounded, from my family to senior leadership and to a great team. I am privileged to work with them each day. I feel very confident and certain that, together, we have a bright and successful future ahead of us. I consider this appointment a great honor for me and a responsibility the company is entrusting me with. It is one I do not take lightly nor for granted.”
Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 5,000 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 150 offices with services available in all 50 states.
Terracon ranks 22nd on the Engineering News-Record list of Top 500 Design Firms and is ranked No. 1 in Asbestos and Lead Abatement Design.
To learn more about Terracon visit terracon.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 9, 2021 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (Feb. 9, 2021) – In a rapidly changing world, it’s important that as an institute the Urban Land Institute (ULI) keep pace with the members and communities it serves and conveys that purpose in a way that makes it meaningful and relevant.
That’s the message conveyed by ULI Global Chairman Owen Thomas as the research and education organization drafted a new mission statement. It reads: Shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
“Our new mission statement is supported by three commitments that expand on our objectives and explain how we deliver on our mission,” Owen said in a message to ULI members.
These mission commitments are:
- Connect active, passionate, diverse members through the foremost global network of interdisciplinary professionals.
- Inspire best practices for equitable and sustainable land use through content, education, convening, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
- Lead in solving community and real estate challenges through applied collective global experience and philanthropic engagement
“The mission statement and commitments capture our forward-looking nature, our global footprint, and our commitment to delivering real-world impact in our communities,” Owen said. “The commitments emphasize ULI’s role in bringing together all sections of the real estate industry and the key part our members play in delivering change through knowledge sharing and applying collective experience. In keeping with our strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we explicitly reference the need for diversity in our membership and our belief that communities can only truly thrive if they are equitable.”
The new mission statement and commitments will be rolled out in the weeks and months ahead. Owen said it’s ULI’s hope by this year’s spring meeting, all members will be consistently using the new articulation of the mission and spreading the word about ULI and its impact.
“Mission statements are often obligatory paragraphs that sound lofty but say little. The new ULI mission statement is clear, concise, straightforward and actionable,” said Heidi Kimball, Chair, ULI Arizona District Council, and Senior Vice President, Sunbelt Holdings, Inc. “It perfectly describes what ULI is, does and means to its members and the community. It’s just the right amount of aspirational.”
Following feedback from its members, ULI’s Global Board of Directors agreed it was the right time to review its mission statement to ensure that it achieved everything it wanted it to and did justice to the work of the organization.
“It’s important to say that we are not changing our mission. The same ethos of providing leadership in responsible land use and creating and sustaining thriving communities that inspired you to join ULI remains at our heart. Instead, we are articulating our mission differently to better capture the breadth, spirit, and purpose of ULI through a more memorable, more inspiring, and more relevant statement,” Owen said.
“Through the passion and dedication of its members, ULI makes positive, transformative impacts in our communities every day, and the new mission statement and commitments tell that story in a compelling and meaningful way that resonates globally and locally,” said Deb Sydenham, FAICP, Executive Director, ULI Arizona District Council.
About ULI
The Urban Land Institute is a 501[c][3] nonprofit research and education organization supported by its members. Founded in 1936, the Institute has more than 42,000 members worldwide, representing the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines working in private enterprise and public service. As the preeminent multidisciplinary land use and real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among local, national, and international industry leaders and policymakers dedicated to creating better places. Learn more about ULI Arizona at arizona.uli.org.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 9, 2021 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (Feb. 9, 2021) – The sales of office buildings in Glendale and Gilbert totaling $1.6 million and 8,560 SF highlight recent deals closed by NAI Horizon professionals.
Sale Transactions:
Troy Giammarco and Joe Pequeno negotiated the sale of a 6,800 SF office building representing the seller, Avondale Medical Campus, LLC for $1.4 million. The property is located at 18001 N. 79th Ave., Glendale, AZ. The buyer, NYYX 2, LLC was self-represented.
Dylan Whitwer negotiated the purchase of a 1,760 SF office building representing the buyer, Brad Buffinga and Allison Buffinga for $241,110. The property is located at 4365 E. Pecos Road, Bldg. 6, Gilbert, AZ. The seller, Aspen Park Investments, LLC was represented by Cory Breinholt with CPI.
Matt Harper, CCIM negotiated the purchase of ±0.34 acres of land representing the buyer, KEMAD, LLC for $25,000. The property is located at 709 W. Phoenix Ave., Eloy, AZ. The seller, Nancy C. Vanderslice was self-represented.
Lease Transactions:
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek, Gabe Ortega and Patrick Anthon represented the landlord, Partners Management Inc., in a 60-month retail lease for 6,300 SF at the SEC of Arizona Avenue & Ocotillo Road.
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek, Gabe Ortega and Patrick Anthon represented the tenant, Firestaff Management II, LLC in a 120-month retail lease for 2,128 SF at 2619 S. Woodland Village Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ. The landlord, Woodland Meadows, LLC was self-represented.
Rick Foss represented the tenant, Coyote Courier Services, LLC in a 62-month industrial lease for 9,000 SF at 5058 S. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, Park 40 was self-represented.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco represented the tenant, GreenLoop IT Solutions in a 63-month office lease for 2,572 SF at 9633 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, Charles Meyer was represented by Aaron Norwood with LevRose Real Estate.
Laurel Lewis represented the tenant, Southwest Behavioral Health Services, Inc. in a 71-month office lease for 3,720 SF at 809 & 813 Hancock Road, Bullhead City, Arizona. The landlord, Dorado Plaza was represented by Bob Schoen with Holiday Realty.
Joe Pequeno and Troy Giammarco represented the tenant, Colt Builders Corporation in a 38-month office lease for 2,806 SF at 2150 E. Highland Ave., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, 4800 N. 22nd St., LLC was represented by Eric Ferber with Cutler Commercial.
Thomas Bean, CCIM and Laurel Lewis represented the tenant, Astonished! Massage & Facial Spa, LLC in a 39-month office lease for 1,797 SF at 2520 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ. The landlord, BLICO Properties, LLC was represented by Nick Eggen with Hannay Realty Advisors.
Matt Harper, CCIM represented the landlord, CEMAD, LLC in a 38-month retail lease for 1,040 SF at 4201 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Cash Giant of Arizona, LLC was represented by Mike Garren with Crossroads Brokerage.
Matt Harper, CCIM represented the landlord, M&N Realty, LLC in a 39-month retail lease for 1,908 SF at 12020 S. Warner Elliot Loop, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, E-Migos Ebike Retailer, LLC was self-represented.
Rick Foss and Jay Olson represented the landlord, Friedman Anthem, LLC in a 26.5-month industrial lease for 2,360 SF at 42302 N. Vision Way, Anthem, AZ. The tenant, Fuego Hot Yoga and Wellness 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 located in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about the commercial real estate business, 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 375+ 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 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific,
with 6,000 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.15 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide.
NAI Global provides a full range of corporate 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 8, 2021 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Feb. 8, 2021) – CDC Small Business Finance, a community leader in the economic development field, was named Arizona’s SBA 504 Lender of the Year for the third straight year.
CDC Small Business Finance was recognized among all SBA 504 lenders in the state for the greatest loan production and impact in Arizona.
With a historically low rate (2.692% for the 25-year loan, effective through Wednesday) the SBA 504 has long been a smart and strategic tool for Arizona small business owners. It is often less expensive than leasing and buying a building allows them to invest in an asset. It offers a below-market fixed rate with only 10% down and 10-, 20- or 25-year terms.
“We’re proud that for three years in a row our Arizona office is the top SBA 504 commercial real estate lender. We work hard to help as many small business owners as possible secure the opportunity to buy a building for their business. Our deep expertise in 504 helps us close more deals and be a great partner to the small business, bank and real estate communities,” said Chris Bane, Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender with CDC Small Business Finance in the firm’s Phoenix office.
Bane and the Phoenix CDC office have helped local small businesses including Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles and BBQ Island.
“The 504 loan is a smart vehicle for business owners looking to invest in their future through building and equipment ownership,” Bane said. “Through our suite of loan products, CDC Small Business Finance has helped more than 12,000 small business owners access $20.8 billion in financing across California, Arizona and Nevada.”
For non-real estate financing, CDC Small Business Finance offers a portfolio of working capital loan options.
The Phoenix office comprises Bane and Belinda Rosthenhausler, Vice President, Commercial Lender for Arizona and Nevada.
For more information and current rate, visit cdcloans.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 8, 2021 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Cawley Architects has announced the formation of a new in-house interior design service, Cawley Design Studio, and has promoted one of its seasoned professionals to bring it to life.
RoseAnn Linsmeyer was promoted from Senior Project Manager to Associate in May 2020 and recently achieved the title of Interior Designer, NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification).
Linsmeyer, who has been with Cawley for 15 years, brings an exceptional architectural background and a flair for designing exciting and vibrant spaces to her projects, according to Sherm Cawley, AIA, SIOR, President/Founder of Cawley Architects.
RoseAnn Linsmeyer
The addition of Cawley Design Studio will allow the Phoenix-based firm to offer its interior design services in-house. Interior Project Manager Tari Wager will assist Linsmeyer on projects. The team will report to Cawley Vice President/Principal Paul Devers Jr.
“RoseAnn brings impressive architectural expertise to the new studio,” Cawley said. “She thoroughly understands how interiors fit into buildings to coordinate with their constructability.”
Linsmeyer will be responsible for programming, space planning, and design. Additional services include finishes plans, lighting, fabric selection, wall treatments, graphic design, and furniture selection.
“I’ve loved being a part of the engineering process, and I’m now pleased to shift gears back to my roots of interior architecture and design,” Linsmeyer said. “I feel the knowledge I’ve gained from my education and professional experience has given me the strengths necessary to be a successful designer and leader in my field.”
The studio’s interior design acumen is already evident in two projects, the regional corporate headquarters for E&K of Phoenix and Vitality Wellness Clinic in Chandler.
The scope of work at E&K features colorful interior design elements and innovative space planning for its office and showroom. E&K is a busy subcontractor and wanted to showcase its expertise in drywall construction.
“Everyone that comes through (our building) is absolutely blown away. None of our other offices even come close,” said E&K President Jeff Dowd. “I had a
Cawley Design Studio helped transform the offices at E&K of Phoenix.
vision and Cawley Design Studio nailed it. It’s a fun, practical and unique space that will certainly help us attract people to join the company. I could not have picked a better partner.”
At Vitality’s naturopathic medicine clinic, Linsmeyer said the goal was to make patients feel as though they were at home rather than in a clinical environment. The finishes are soothing, and natural material is used throughout.
“RoseAnn has a tremendous flair for contemporary finishes and designs that elevate the interiors of our projects. She is a consummate professional and is admired for her talents by all her clients,” Cawley said.
A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Linsmeyer earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in interior architecture. She is actively involved with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Southwest Chapter. Away from the office, she enjoys cooking, camping, and traveling.
At Vitality’s naturopathic medicine clinic, the goal was to make patients feel as though they were at home rather than in a clinical environment. The finishes are soothing, and natural material is used throughout.
About Cawley Architects
With almost 800 high-value projects in our portfolio, Cawley Architects is one of the most prolific architectural firms in Arizona. For 25 years, we have been applying our uniquely collaborative approach to project management in order to create buildings of superior form, function and value. During that time, it has been our privilege to participate in some of the top commercial projects throughout the Valley along with an exceptional group of clients, contractors, and design professionals. We are knowledgeable in the specialized architectural requirements, technologies and trends of many building types. This includes: Industrial, Healthcare, Education, Bioscience, Restaurant, Entertainment, Office, Commercial, Automotive, Manufacturing, Distribution, Aerospace, Retail and Tenant Improvement. From small neighborhood bistros to large biotech laboratories, we have the expertise, resources, and connections to serve your needs and execute your plan — and provide you with unsurpassed value. cawleyarchitects.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 8, 2021 | News & Updates
TEMPE, ARIZONA (Feb. 8, 2021) – A Valentine’s Day drive through renewal of marriage vows and an event to support “Heart Healthy Month” are scheduled for two LivGenerations senior living, independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in the Valley.
In addition, Liv Communities has announced that its newest community, LivGenerations Mayo Blvd., is now leasing as it prepares for its fall opening. Prospective residents and their families may visit the showroom at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Suite 1108, Phoenix. Call (480) 485-5000 for more information.
The LivGenerations events:
- Feb. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.: LivGenerations Ahwatukee will host a Viva Las Vegas Vow Renewal. What’s more romantic this Valentine’s Day than to retell the person you love that you “still do” after all these years? Have some fun this year and have Elvis renew your vows in a drive-through vow renewal. Couples will also enjoy a lasagna dinner for two to take home. RSVP at (480) 485-3000; vow renewal is by appointment.
- Feb. 25, 4 to 6 p.m.: LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak will host the 2nd Annual Go Red for Women drive-through event. Dress your car in red for a chance to win the “best dressed” prize. The LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak team will hand out Heart Healthy baskets. All donations will support the American Heart Association as part of Heart Healthy Month. People can make donations by visiting Heart.org. RSVP by Feb. 22 to (480) 485-4000.
LivGenerations Ahwatukee is a senior living, independent living, assisted living and memory care community at 15815 S. 50th St., in Phoenix, with 141 units.
LivGenerations Pinnacle Peak is a 110-unit independent living, assisted living and memory care apartment community. It opened in February 2020 at 23733 N. Scottsdale Road, in Scottsdale.
About Liv Communities
Liv Communities helps people liv fuller lives by developing, owning and operating luxury residential communities through their Liv multifamily and LivGenerations senior living brands. In addition to providing prime locations, premium finishes, inspired designs, and resort-style amenities, Liv Communities provides extensive opportunities for residents and team members to engage in community activities and with each other that ultimately results in their staying longer and referring others to join them. For information visit livcommunities.com.
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by Peter Madrid | Feb 2, 2021 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (February 2, 2021) – NAI Horizon represented the tenant, a recently elected state legislator, in two leases for his junk removal business at industrial buildings in Phoenix and Peoria.
NAI Horizon Associate Jennifer Loehnert represented Phoenician Junk Haulers DBA Junk King of Phoenix, Steve Kaiser, in leases at 2115 W. Shangri-La Road, in Phoenix, and 9543 W. Sahuaro Dr. in Peoria.
Kaiser is the owner of Valley junk-hauling and roll-off dumpster rental franchise, Junk King of Phoenix. He was elected to the Arizona State House in Legislative District 15 in November. Kaiser grew up in the 15th District, graduated from Arizona State University and served in the U.S. Army.
The Peoria lease totals $102,000 for 1,760 SF. The Phoenix lease totals $23,850 for 1,368 SF.
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Steve since the start of his business adventure and always found him to be truly focused, honest and driven on growing his franchise,” Loehnert said. “It was a compliment that he trusted my knowledge and expertise in the industrial market and appreciated the opportunity to assist him with what I feel is just the start of a much larger presence across the Valley.”
The Phoenix property is in a multi-tenant industrial complex consisting of office/warehouse units and a freestanding office/shop building with fenced and paved yard. Buildings feature block construction, 3 phase power, grade level roll-up doors, skylights and gated entry. It is in a stable commercial sub-market with very low vacancy and access to I-17.
“These two new leases offer more expansion opportunities,” Kaiser said. “As you purchase more territory you have to put in new warehousing. One of our other locations in Surprise allowed us to get in the residential dumpster business as well.
“Jen was amazing to work with. She was a really strong advocate in helping find the right locations and working with the landlords. I’ve always wanted to own my own business. It was important to have expertise (Loehnert and NAI Horizon) on my side,” Kaiser said.
The landlord of the Phoenix property, JRAKMA, LLC & KE DE, LLC, was represented by James Powers of CR Property Services, Inc. The landlord of the Peoria property, Sahuaro AZ LLC, was represented by Jim Ryder of Capital Realty Advisors, LLC.
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 located in Phoenix and Tucson. NAI Horizon is passionate about the commercial real estate business, 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 375+ 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 375 offices strategically located throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, with 6,000 local market professionals, managing in excess of 1.15 billion square feet of property and facilities. Annually, NAI Global completes in excess of $20 billion in commercial real estate transactions.
NAI Global professionals achieve extraordinary results for clients locally and globally through creativity, collaboration and the consistent delivery of exceptional knowledge and service that only market-leading firms can provide. NAI Global provides a full range of corporate 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 1, 2021 | News & Updates
TUCSON, ARIZ. (Feb. 1, 2021) – Derek D. Koller, who has spent his entire professional career serving clients in Tucson and Southern Arizona, was recently promoted to Principal by Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Koller has been instrumental in growing the firm’s Tucson office since joining Terracon in 2014 and has been the Tucson Office Manager since 2018.
Terracon’s Principal program is designed to recognize and reward employees whose leadership helps fulfill the firm’s “purpose of exploring beyond the surface” commitment as a leader on safe, profitable growth while modeling Terracon’s core values.
The role of a Principal includes significant contribution beyond “daily responsibilities” in terms of leadership in advancing the company in areas such as technical capability, client experience, employee experience and community.
Koller, the Office and Environmental Department Manager of the Tucson office, possesses 12 years of environmental consulting experience in Tucson and Pima County. Koller is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, a Certified Hazardous Material Manager, and an Environmental Professional. He manages the overall operations of Terracon’s Tucson office and runs the environmental department as well.
Terracon’s Tucson office has provided construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, and environmental services in Southern Arizona for more than 25 years.
Koller joined Terracon in 2014 and was reunited with Arizona Regional Manager (then the Tucson Office Manager) Brent Borchers, who was Koller’s mentor when he was in the City of Tucson Environmental Technician Job Training Program in 2008.
“Terracon was a fantastic career move for me and the first time I worked for an employee-owned firm,” Koller said. “I am very proud to be an employee-owner at Terracon. We are a company that really cares about our employees from both a safety and personal perspective. An added bonus is that we can champion for non-profits we support and universities in our community via Terracon Foundation Grants.”
Koller transitioned careers later in life. In 2008, while he was working in construction, he applied and was accepted into an EPA-funded environmental job training program that was facilitated by the City of Tucson. He landed his first environmental consulting job six months after completing the program.
After starting his career in environmental consulting, Koller went back to college and earned his Associate Degree in Applied Science from Pima Community College and both his BS in Public Health (2016) and Master of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of Arizona (2019).
“Derek has worked in the environmental field out of Tucson for the past 15 years. Since joining the Terracon team in 2014, he started as a project manager and quickly elevated himself to Tucson’s Office Manager in 2018,” Borchers said. “Derek’s high energy and ‘give the client what they need when they need it’ attitude and drive have made him a leader for Terracon’s operation. He is appreciated by our clients and is a well-deserving new Principal of Terracon.”
Koller is a member of numerous industry groups including the American Society of Safety Professionals, American Industrial Hygiene Association, Environmental Professionals of Arizona and Southern Arizona Environmental Management Society (he served as president). He is also a member of Tucson Clean and Beautiful where he is on the board of directors and is a Terracon Foundation Board Member.
Koller has championed $21,000 in Terracon Foundation grants for UA’s Colleges of Public Health and Engineering and $22,500 in Terracon Foundation community grants for non-profits.
“Derek has done a fantastic job of leading his team and keeping them safe and healthy through these challenging times dealing with COVID-19,” said Tim Anderson, Executive Vice President/Western Operating Group for Terracon. He lives our core values and focuses on taking care of our employees, our clients and our communities. Since taking over as the office leader in late 2018, Derek has promoted and led our prosperous growth. Office revenue has grown by over 37 percent. Derek embodies what we want in a leader at Terracon and we are proud to announce his appointment to Principal.”
Away from the office Koller enjoys watching his 11-year-old daughter play soccer for FC Tucson.
Terracon is an employee-owned consulting engineering firm with more than 5,000 employees providing environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services from more than 150 offices with services available in all 50 states.
Terracon ranks 22nd on the Engineering News-Record list of Top 500 Design Firms and is ranked No. 1 in Asbestos and Lead Abatement Design.
To learn more about Terracon visit terracon.com/offices/tucson/
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by Peter Madrid | Jan 28, 2021 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (JAN. 28, 2021) – Fidelity National Title Agency is pleased to announce that one of its valued partners, Andrew Bloom, CEO/Senior Partner/Co-Founder of BVO Luxury Group at Keller Williams Arizona Realty, has surpassed a historic milestone of $1 billion in closed MLS residential real estate deals.
Bloom becomes the fourth real estate professional in Arizona history to surpass this distinguished mark. He stands at $1,011,771,291 in sales volume as of Dec. 31, 2020.
Bloom, an industry veteran of 26 years, has been at Keller Williams since 2017, following a 20-year career at REMAX. His $1 billion in sales volume comprises 1,815 total homes sold, 1,635 homes sold in Scottsdale, 760 luxury homes sold and 194 homes sold over $1 million.
His career achievements include:
- 2019: No. 6 Keller Williams team in the world;
- 2018 and 2019: No. 1 in volume at Keller Williams in Arizona;
- 2014: $40 million, RE/MAX Circle of Legends Award, $10 million in lifetime gross commission income (GCI); only the 312th agent worldwide to ever receive this recognition;
- 1995: Rookie year, closed 40 transactions, $3 million in sales volume and $75,000 GCI;
- Member of Gary Keller’s Top 100.
“I met Andrew when he was brand new in the business. I was a branch manager/ escrow officer and our branch was next to his office. At the time, his office manager sent him over to print open house flyers and told him that is what title companies do for agents,” recalled Diane Day, Senior Vice President, Operations Manager, for Fidelity National Title Agency. “Things sure have evolved in our business since then. He no longer calls us to print flyers. Instead, he considers our professional team part of his personal board of directors.
“We are coaches and consultants in his business and the leader in the industry for efficiency in processing the most complex real estate transactions. He has been fearless in his pursuit of growth throughout his career. We are so honored to share this amazing accomplishment and cannot wait to see what he does next,” Day said.
Bloom’s reputation from his peers and colleagues has been recognized globally. He personally mentored and coached thousands of agents and currently coaches more than 1,500 agents around the world. In his 26 years he has conducted more than 2,000 open houses and personally seen more than 25,000 homes.
“Fidelity has been my partner since I got my real estate license, and they have continued to give every client and the agents I work with a true white-glove experience,” Bloom said. “They continue to lead the industry in customer service and our brands align perfectly.”
Bloom has risen through the ranks of the industry from a tumultuous time living and growing up in Los Angeles. At the age of 11, he was removed from his home by California Social Services when his parents, who struggled with mental illness, could no longer legally care for him. He spent the next 3 years in foster care.
After dropping out of high school, Bloom put himself through college and earned his BS in social work at Arizona State University. He worked in low-income housing projects as a housing advocate, learning the importance of protecting his clients as he advocated for better housing conditions. His social work background led to his career in real estate.
“Having come from poverty and homelessness I realized early in my real estate career that the hard-earned money I was making didn’t belong to me, but was rather revenue in the business I was in,” Bloom said. “I had to put money back into the business for my life to run more efficiently. I hired staff, paid for marketing, and reinvested time and money into building up the business we have today.
“I didn’t simply ride the waves of the real estate cycle with little consistency and little support. I always felt that in real estate you must put the oxygen mask on yourself first. You can’t help others if your own house is falling apart. I am here to inspire and be inspired,” he said.
Bloom, a founding member of the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, is active in supporting local community agencies. They include Vista Del Camino, Hope Kids, St. Mary’s Food Bank and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He is also the father of four children.
About Fidelity National Title
With a proud history of more than 150 years, Fidelity National Title Agency (NYSE-FNF) is the nation’s premier real estate service providers. FNF has $1.5 billion in claims reserves, 33.2% market share, and is the highest-ranked title insurance company currently on the Fortune 500. Through its nationwide network of direct operations and agents, Fidelity National Title Agency provides title insurance, underwriting, escrow and closing services to residential, commercial and industrial clients, lenders, developers, attorneys, real estate professionals, investors and consumers. Let Fidelity demonstrate why customers nationwide rely on its experience, service and financial strength for real estate transactions across the country. For more information visit www.fntarizona.com/
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