by Peter Madrid | Sep 11, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (September 11, 2019) – NAI Horizon is pleased to announce it has hired land and industrial specialist Christopher Lewis, former designated broker and owner of a Valley brokerage company.
Lewis, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has extensive experience in distressed properties, REOs and underperforming assets. In addition to value-add opportunities, Lewis has significant experience in vacant and agriculture land. He also possesses considerable knowledge of the trustee sales process.
Lewis, who will serve as a vice president at NAI Horizon, was designated broker/owner of Arizona Brokerage Company for 6 years.
“I am happy that Chris decided to join our NAI team,” said Terry Martin-Denning, CEO/Designated Broker of NAI Horizon. “His areas of expertise fill a niche that will allow NAI to better serve our clients.”
Lewis is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His philanthropy includes volunteering with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Phoenix.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 10, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (September 10, 2019) – A deal in which five members of the retail team represented the landlord and the tenant for a new Planet Fitness in Gilbert, Arizona, highlights recent transactions closed by NAI Horizon professionals.
The NAI Horizon retail properties team of Senior Vice Presidents Shelby Tworek, Chris Gerow and Gabe Ortega and Associate Patrick Anthon represented the tenant; Senior Associate Horth Hong, also a retail broker, represented the landlord.
Lease Transactions:
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek, Gabe Ortega and Patrick Anthon represented the tenant, United PF, in a 120-month retail lease for 24,287 SF at 4874 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ. The landlord, Val Vista Queen Creek, LLC, was represented by Horth Hong with NAI Horizon.
Matt Harper represented the tenant, A Omega Dental, LLC, in a 120-month retail lease for 2,100 SF at 14884 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ. The landlord, SCU Broncos, LLC, was represented by Max Bippus with CBRE.
Joan Krueger represented the tenant, Vitasome Labs, Inc., in an 88-month industrial lease for 5,454 SF at 7613 E. Ray Road, Mesa, AZ. The landlord, CRP/MarWest Landing I Owner, LLC, was represented by Alex Wentis and Pete Wentis with CBRE.
Laurel Lewis and Thomas Bean, CCIM, represented the tenant, LynnCo Supply Chain Solutions, Inc., in a 39-month office lease for 4,094 SF at 7855 S. River Parkway, Tempe, AZ. The landlord, Biddulph-Peoria, LLC, was represented by Gregg Kafka with Lee & Associates.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Puchhi, Inc., in a 61-month retail lease for 2,480 SF at 9501 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria, AZ. The tenant, Hybrid City, LLC, represented itself.
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek, Gabe Ortega and Patrick Anthon represented the landlord, CC Fund II Maricopa, LLC, in a 63-month retail lease for 1,400 SF at 21101 N. John Wayne Parkway, Maricopa, AZ. The tenant, Desert Made, LLC, was represented by Mitch Korrub with Royal Commercial Real Estate.
Isy Sonabend represented the tenant, WIT Logistics, LLC, in a 23-month industrial lease for 6,500 SF at 447 W. Watkins Rd., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, Harrison Properties, LLC, represented itself.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Sayan 26 Investment Group, LLC, in a 36-month retail lease for 1,200 SF at 4323 W. Cactus Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, Mattress by Appointment Southwest, LLC, represented itself.
Matt Harper, CCIM, represented the landlord, Kayrich Associates, LLC, in a 38-month retail lease for 1,000 SF at 6445 N. 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ. The tenant, Arturo Sanchez and Veronica Tolentino, represented itself.
Dylan Whitwer represented the tenant, Farmer Insurance Agent, in a 26-month office lease for 775 SF at 10201 S 51st. St., Phoenix, AZ. The landlord, SSM Properties II, LLC, was represented by Phil Wurth with Colliers.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 9, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (September 10, 2019) – Dr. Christopher Thornberg is well known for forecasting the subprime mortgage market crash that began in 2007 and was one of the few economists on record to predict the global economic recession that followed.
Dr. Thornberg is a featured speaker and will present “Will the Real Economy Please Stand Up?” at the 21st Annual Arizona Self-Storage Association (AZSA) Conference & Trade Show Sept. 25 and 26 at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., in Chandler.
AZSA is the trade association that represents the self-storage industry in Arizona.
“AZSA consistently strives to bring in speakers with the credentials of Dr. Thornberg to address our conference,” said Dave King, Managing Director, Self Storage, for Wentworth Property Company and AZSA President. “Whether it’s the U.S. economy or the local economy, speakers at our conference present the most accurate, timely and relevant information.”
Dr. Thornberg will speak on Sept. 25. Beacon Economics LLC was founded by Dr. Thornberg in 2006. It’s one of the most respected research organizations in the country, serving public and private sector clients across the U.S. He is an expert in economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy and labor and real estate markets.
“Phoenix is one of the most successful cities in the U.S. from a growth perspective,” he said. “That’s a huge upside. That’s where people are moving. It still has a relatively low cost of living in relation to other parts of the country. As long as that continues the next couple of years, the Arizona market will be strong.”
Appearing on a podcast for RE Radio in California, Dr. Thornberg discussed the inverted yield curve the financial market witnessed recently.
“We do not really know the answer,” he said when asked if the likelihood of a recession will increase. “Every one of the last recessions was preceded by an inverted yield curve. It is probably one of the strongest indicators that we are about to go into a downturn.
“There are typically other issues at play. The Federal Reserve is typically responding to some growing imbalance inside the economy. The result is rates being pushed up to try and cool things off to invert the yield. It is a symptom of another underlying problem rather than a problem itself.”
The AZSA conference comprises the Owners Summit on Sept. 25 and the Operational Symposium on Sept. 26. The annual golf tournament precedes the conference Sept. 24 at Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.
This year’s theme is “Embracing Change to Compete Today.”
“Self-storage is no longer under the radar as an asset class. If you are an investor or business owner, there’s never been a more important time to know what’s going on in the industry. Due diligence is more important than ever before,” King said.
The conference will include vendor/sponsor exhibits in the showroom where presentations take place. Registration fee is $190 for owner/operator members; $240 for owner/operator non-members. Register here.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 4, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Sept. 4, 2019) – Coworking office space is taking American businesses by storm. Whether it’s a startup looking for its first office space or a large firm looking to expand, coworking offers many options.
AZCREW, the leading organization for senior-level executive women in the Metro Phoenix real estate field, presents a look at coworking Sept. 17 at Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. 7th St., in Phoenix.
Novel Coworking’s Community Operations Manager Bylss Davis will discuss the company’s recent Phoenix acquisitions and how coworking is changing the way people think about office space.
Located in Midtown Phoenix on the Central Corridor, Novel Coworking’s Valley location features ninth- and 10th-floor private offices with floor-to-ceiling city views, as well as coworking memberships and office suites for teams of up to 100.
AZCREW’s September lunch begins with networking at 11:30 a.m. The program starts at noon. Member registration is $40; non-member pre-registration is $65. Registration closes Sept. 12. Lunch is included. Register here.
by Peter Madrid | Sep 3, 2019 | News & Updates
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 3, 2019) – Terracon, an employee-owned consulting engineering firm, has promoted Environmental Department Manager Dave Matson of its Phoenix office to lead the Albuquerque, N.M., office.
Matson was promoted to Principal/Office Manager. He will be responsible for management of operations, business development, safety, client experience, technical review and leading and mentoring the staff. Matson has been with Terracon for 21 years.
“Dave’s experience at Terracon, as well as his people leadership skills, make him the perfect leader for our Albuquerque operation,” said Maroun Moussallem, P.E., Senior Vice President at Terracon. “We are very excited and look forward to having Dave and his team deliver outstanding client experiences in Albuquerque and across New Mexico.”
A native of Phoenix, Matson attended Northern Arizona University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science.
Matson is involved with numerous industry groups including American Council of Engineering Companies, Environmental Information Association, Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals and Wireless Telecommunications Worldwide.
His community involvement includes Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout den leader; American Cancer Society, team leader, Climb to Conquer Cancer; and Phoenix Children’s Hospital, volunteer, Ignite Hope.
Away from the office Matson enjoys hiking, biking, camping and fishing.
Terracon provides environmental, facilities, geotechnical and materials services from more than 140 offices with services available in all 50 states. Terracon currently ranks 24th 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/albuquerque/
by Peter Madrid | Sep 3, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Sept. 3, 2019) – NAI Horizon represented the seller through a revocable trust in the $1.748 million disposition of an industrial warehouse at 3265 N. Delaware St., in Chandler, Ariz.
NAI Horizon Senior Vice President Jeff Adams represented Hugh J. Doss and Margarette E. Doss, as Trustees of the Hugh J. Doss and Margarette E. Doss Revocable Trust.
The 16,417 SF property is a freestanding, fenced-improved industrial building. The sale included a partial seller leaseback of up to 18 months with a nominal mutual lease termination clause.
The facility will be occupied by a supplier of window covering solutions for the design industry. Built in 2001, the industrial warehouse has clear ceiling heights of 22 feet. It features more than 3,000 SF of improved office and is located in a secure industrial park.
“The transaction was a unique win-win for both sides,” Adams said. “It allowed the buyer to slowly expand into a neighboring facility while allowing the seller, who preferred not to move immediately, the ability to lease back nearly half the space for a mutually determinable period. For a minor sales price discount accorded the buyer, the seller was able to lessen its capital gains tax hit while also receiving a reduced market lease back rate.”
Adams also represented the current seller in the original purchase of the facility almost 14 years ago.
Gary Pedersen with Phoenix Commercial Properties represented the buyer, Helser Brothers Investments LLC, an Arizona limited liability company in Chandler.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 26, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (August 27, 2019) – With more than 20 years of combined experience in the Valley, local minority business people Samantha Root and Vince Ortiz have collaborated to launch Lujo Commercial Cleaning.
The new company, located at 2801 E. Camelback Road, Suite 230, in Phoenix, will provide full-service commercial cleaning. Services include power washing, commercial floor care (carpet and solid floors), window washing, commercial evening and/or daytime cleaning, medical office cleaning, day porter service, detail cleaning projects and construction cleanup.

Vince Ortiz
“We have designed a commercial cleaning company that has woven its principals and values into every single thing that has our name on it,” said Root, who hold the title of co-owner. “We are intentional in everything we do, making it a point to live our values in and out of the commercial cleaning industry.”
Root, who has more 18 years of marketing and sales experience, previously worked for a commercial cleaning company. It catered to a diverse commercial market. Root is active among local industry groups including AZCREW, BOMA Greater Phoenix and Valley Partnership. She is a past board member and committee chair with BOMA.
Root holds real estate licenses in Arizona and Texas, of which she is a native. She is a resident of Peoria and the mother of five children. She and her husband have been married for 12 years.
Ortiz, also co-owner, possesses more than 32 years of experience in commercial cleaning services. He served as a regional manager for a national commercial cleaning company overseeing its operations. A resident of Goodyear, Ortiz is a native of San Diego. He has five children.
For more information, contact Root at (623) 341-5379.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 21, 2019 | News & Updates
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (August 21, 2019) – Sigma Contracting, Inc. continues to grow its staff and presence in the Southwest with the hiring of another superintendent and a new project manager.
Sigma is pleased to announce the hiring of Superintendent Ron Alderman and Project Manager John Russell. They each have spent 23 years in the industry.
Originally from Canandaigua, N.Y., Alderman will oversee the operations of his current construction site, the new Mountainside Fitness at 5320 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. He will be responsible for daily scheduling, supervising all activities and tasks and ensuring the safety and compliance of the project site.
A native of Tucson who grew up in Pinetop, Russell will oversee a variety of projects, ensuring that plan documents are executed properly and that the superintendents and subcontractors have the proper direction and resources to meet deadlines. In overseeing their interests, Russell will collaborate with owners, employees and suppliers to oversee safety, adherence to schedule and budget.

Ron Alderman
“The demand for Sigma’s longevity of experience and expertise has led to an influx of projects that gave us the opportunity to bring on board this great pair of industry experts,” said Dan Hinkson, President of Sigma Contracting. “Together they bring a combined 46 years of experience and excellent skill sets. Just as we were thrilled to bring back Ben Gorbea, we are equally thrilled to have Ron and John join the team.”
Gorbea, who had previously worked for the Arizona-based general contracting company, was re-hired as a superintendent earlier this year. He is currently supervising a remodel and addition for Knight-Swift Transportation.
Prior to joining Sigma, Alderman worked at GCON Inc., in Phoenix, and Wasson Commercial Contracting in Mesa. He also worked at A.R. Mays. A member of the Army National Guard from 1993 to 1999, Alderman graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. He earned a BA in economics.
Russell also joins Sigma from GCON, where, in addition to project management, he implemented, enforced and managed the company’s safety policy and procedures. He was director of construction for Children’s Learning Adventure. The father of four boys, Russell is a youth basketball coach and enjoys camping, fishing and hiking.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 19, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (August 19, 2019) – NAI Horizon represented the landlord and the tenant in negotiating a long-term lease for a new Planet Fitness at Vista Del Oro in Gilbert, Arizona.
The NAI Horizon retail properties team of Senior Vice Presidents Shelby Tworek, Chris Gerow and Gabe Ortega and Associate Patrick Anthon represented the tenant, United PF TOM LLC of Austin, Texas, in the transaction totaling $2.55 million.
NAI Horizon Senior Associate Horth Hong represented the landlord, Val Vista Queen Creek LLC of Los Angeles.
“The site was a former kid’s entertainment complex and prior to that it was a grocery store,” Tworek said. “We were able to come to terms and demise a 50,000 SF box so that the owner could accommodate two tenants. The area and demographics were ideal for a Planet Fitness model, meeting some of the demands of the local neighborhood.”
Planet Fitness will occupy 24,287 SF at Vista Del Oro, 4874 S. Val Vista Drive in Gilbert. Vista Del Oro is a 102,755 SF shopping center at the SWC of Val Vista Drive and Queen Creek Road. It’s a half mile south of the Loop 202 Santan Freeway.
Tenants at Vista Del Oro include G.S. Consulting Group, GSC Therapy, Leslie’s Pool Supply, Payton’s Place Bar and Totspot Preschool.
In 2018 NAI Horizon negotiated leases totaling more than $23 million for Planet Fitness locations across the Valley.
by Peter Madrid | Aug 14, 2019 | News & Updates
PHOENIX, ARIZONA (August 14, 2019) – A pair of long-term leases at two properties in Gilbert, Arizona, for Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. totaling $4.18 million highlight recent deals by NAI Horizon professionals.
Sale Transactions:
Sharon Reeves negotiated the sale of a 2,888 SF retail building, representing the seller, The Clarke Revocable Trust, for $620,000. The property is located at 7114 E. Sahuaro Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. The buyer, Last Mile Holdings, LLC, was represented by Kurt Saulnier with Lee & Associates.
Joan Krueger negotiated the sale of a 1,727 SF office building, representing the buyer, East Baseline, LLC, for $370,000. The property is located at 6640 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, AZ. The seller, Primesource, LLC, was represented by Jon Willis with Willis Property Company.
Lease Transactions:
Isy Sonabend represented the tenant, Progressive Casualty Insurance Co, in a 65-month lease for 25,193 SF at 339 E. Germann Road, Gilbert, AZ. The landlord, Reserve at San Tan 4, LLC, was represented by Mike Garlick with Newmark Knight Frank.
Isy Sonabend represented the tenant, Progressive Casualty Insurance Co, in a 64-month lease for 42,149 SF at 1395 N. Fiesta Drive, Gilbert, AZ. The landlord, AEI Fiesta, LLC, was represented by Evan Koplan with CBRE.
Laurel Lewis and Jay Olson represented the tenant, First Choice Loan Services, Inc., in a 65-month office lease for 3,548 SF at 10446 N. 74th St., Scottsdale, AZ. Adam Tolson with Lee & Associates represented the landlord, JAWS74, LLC.
Laurel Lewis and Thomas Bean, CCIM represented the landlord, Top of the Tram, LLC, in a 64-month office lease for 4,600 SF at 2165 W. Pecos Road, Chandler, AZ. The tenant, RLF Consulting, LLC, was represented by Tyler Bode with Commercial Properties.
Chris Gerow, Shelby Tworek, Gabe Ortega and Patrick Anthon represented the landlord, Queen Creek Fiesta, LLC, in a 60-month retail lease for 1,200 SF at 21545 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Queen Creek, AZ. The tenant, Optimum Home Solutions, was represented by Jamie Prieto with DPR Realty.
Matt Harper, CCIM represented the tenant, Higher Hopes, LLC, in a 39-month retail lease for 6,000 SF at 3690 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, AZ. The landlord, Tall Development, LLC, was represented by Natalie Jaafar with Phoenix West Commercial.
Matt Harper, CCIM represented the landlord, Janaland, LLC, in a 51-month retail lease for 1,700 SF at 6601 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ. The tenant, HireSource Staffing Solutions, LLC, represented itself.