If you have any questions on the nomination process or want to be included in next year’s competition, contact Editor Melissa Leslie at melissa_leslie@mcgraw-hill.com or 801-987-0398.

ADAMS

Matthew Adams

“The biggest challenge facing our industry is the weakness of the overall economy. The stagnation of the national economy has a major impact locally as developers lack confidence and banks appear to be unwilling to finance projects. The slowdown of private development has increased competition for the available public work between large- and medium-sized design firms, putting pressure on medium-sized firms. Although increased competition poses a challenge, it is a positive challenge that provides us with the opportunity to focus on the quality of our services and out-working our competition.”

34
Principal Landscape Architect
The Land Group Inc., Eagle, Idaho
Time in Current Position: 2 years
Time in Industry: 9.5 years
Education: B.S. in landscape architecture, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 2000
Hometown: Rupert, Idaho
LEED Accredited: No, but has completed LEED-training courses and plans to take the accreditation test
Important Projects: Barber Park, Boise; Settlers Park, Meridian, Idaho; Middleton High School, Middleton, Idaho; East Junior High School, Boise; Southside Elementary School, Nampa, Idaho; Boise State University, Nursing, Student Health, Wellness & Counseling Center; Center for Environmental Science & Economic Development, Boise State University
Community Service: YMCA Girls Basketball, coach; Knights of Columbus
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: American Society of Landscape Architects; NRCMA certified; Licensed landscape architect, Idaho, California and Nevada

BELCHER

Paul Belcher

“The crane industry is currently facing the challenge of developing qualified operators. The core of professional crane operators who take pride in their craft is aging. The average age of crane operators who have dedicated themselves to the profession for their career is well over 40 years old. Fewer apprentices are entering the field with the intention of making crane operator their profession. The potential for a proficient, talented crane operator shortage could become a serious problem as the current pool of talented operators continues to retire.”

33
President
Mountain Crane Service Riverton, Utah
Time in Current Position: 6 years
Time in Industry: 6 years
Education: B.A. in Spanish, MBA in business, Utah State University, 2002
Hometown: Riverton, Utah
LEED Accredited: Yes
Important Projects: Chevron Refinery Project, Utah; Pioneer Crossing Project, Utah
Community Service: Church
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: American Wind Energy Association; Specialty Carriers & Riggers Association, licenses; Browz certified

BLANCK

Jeremy Blanck

“I think the biggest challenge the construction industry faces in today’s economic environment is to differentiate your company from others. You do not want to be seen as a commodity but as a professional service provider offering technical services that provide added value at cost-competitive prices for quality projects.”

38
Director of Business Development
Okland Construction Co., Salt Lake City
Time in Current Position: 9 years
Time in Industry: 12 years
Education: B.S. in business finance, University of Utah
Hometown: Salt Lake City
LEED Accredited: No, but has completed LEED-training courses and plans to take the accreditation test
Important Projects: IKEA Retail Outlet, Draper; Cabelas Destination Retail Outlet, Lehi, Utah; SLCC Health Sciences Building, West Jordan; University of Utah Marriott Library Renovation, Salt Lake City
Community Service: Family Promise, volunteer