Employee-owned firm marks four decades of commercial construction, nationwide reach, and continued expansion.
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (May 4, 2026) – A.R. Mays Construction, one of Arizona’s most established commercial general contractors, is proudly celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1986 by Adam Mays, the company has grown from a one-person operation into a sophisticated, employee-owned general contractor with a reputation built on integrity, collaboration, accountability and a commitment to its people. Over four decades, A.R. Mays has completed more than 1,200 commercial projects across 25 states, servicing 12 Native American tribes and has expanded its footprint with an office in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
After earning a degree in construction management from Arizona State University, Mays built his early career as a superintendent for a residential developer and later as a field engineer for a large commercial building contractor, where he helped build The Buttes Resort in Tempe.
When that project concluded at the end of 1985, Mays made the leap he had always been drawn to, starting his own commercial construction company. He hit the ground running, working seven-day weeks, performing as much of the work himself as possible, and relying on a small network of trusted relationships to keep the company moving forward.
The arrival of Joe Barth as Chief Financial Officer in 1993 marked a turning point. Together, company President Mays and Barth, now Executive Vice President, transformed the small local builder into a full-service general contractor with formalized systems, structured accountability, and the operational depth to take on increasingly complex projects.
Over 40 years, A.R. Mays has steadily grown its capabilities and national reach, delivering projects ranging from ground-up construction to complex tenant improvements across a wide spectrum of industries. The company’s evolution from a small business into a highly sophisticated corporation has been guided by a consistent principle: invest in people first.
Joe Barth
That commitment to growth is reflected in the company’s recent geographic expansion. A.R. Mays now operates a second office in Rancho Cucamonga, California, extending its proven approach to project delivery into the Inland Empire and broader Southern California market.
“The employees are the cause and foundation of the company’s success. While we’ve built some incredibly cool projects, we’ve also managed to create and build relationships with some of the most amazing people in the industry,” Barth said.
Today, A.R. Mays operates as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, giving every team member a direct stake in the firm’s continued success. Both owners point to this structure – and the culture of trust, loyalty, and mutual care it reinforces – as the company’s defining advantage and most meaningful legacy.
“We are in a position to achieve more now than ever. We have in place the strongest, most experienced, dedicated leaders to accomplish whatever aspirations we put before ourselves,” Mays said.
As A.R. Mays enters its fifth decade, the leadership team is focused on sustainable growth, continued investment in its people, and maintaining the
Adam Mays
standard of excellence that has defined the company since day one.
With offices in Phoenix and Rancho Cucamonga, a proven track record spanning decades and half the country, and an employee-ownership model driving the company forward, A.R. Mays is positioned for its strongest chapter yet.
About A.R. Mays Construction
A.R. Mays Construction is an employee-owned commercial construction management firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, with an additional office in Rancho Cucamonga, California. For 40 years, the company has built its reputation on operational efficiency, proven processes, and comprehensive personnel training that consistently deliver results exceeding client expectations. A.R. Mays serves both public and private sector clients. With more than 1,200 projects completed across 25 states, A.R. Mays has established itself as a trusted contractor capable of delivering high-quality results across multiple sectors and project types. For more information, visit armays.com.
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