ENR Southwest's 2010 Top 20 Under 40
As part of the premier issue of ENR Southwest, a new regional section of ENR, we are proud to introduce “Top 20 Under 40.” It highlights the exceptional players working in the Southwest’s A/E/C industry and will take its place alongside our rankings of contractors, designers and projects.
As part of the premier issue of ENR Southwest, a new regional section of ENR, we are proud to introduce “Top 20 Under 40.” It highlights the exceptional players working in the Southwest’s A/E/C industry and will take its place alongside our rankings of contractors, designers and projects.
As part of the premier issue of ENR Southwest, a new regional edition of ENR, we are proud to introduce “Top 20 Under 40.” It highlights the exceptional players working in the Southwest’s A/E/C industry and will take its place alongside our rankings of contractors, designers and projects. Rather than focusing on firms, this list focuses on people, specifically our region’s up-and coming leaders. Chances are you’ve already worked with some of these individuals. If not, they are well worth getting to know.
ENR Southwest solicited nominations from readers who were free to nominate themselves or other people who had made an impression on them. Nominees had to be under 40 and located in the three-state region of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. The final choices for the list were selected from over 40 nominees.
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Related Link: ENR Southwest's 2011 Top 20 Under 40 |
A panel of industry representatives was assembled to review and score the nominees. These judges included Lew Laws, senior project manager with DPR Construction’s Phoenix office; Danielle Feroleto, president/owner, Small Giants LLC, Phoenix; Dawn Tibbetts, senior planner with D. Pennington & Associates Inc. and executive director of ACEC New Mexico, both Albuquerque; Tina Litteral, Hon. AIA, executive vice president, AIA Arizona, Phoenix; and Douglas R. Brown, AIA, LEED AP, principal architect, Architekton, Tempe, Ariz.
These brief descriptions can't do justice to the breadth of the accomplishments, work ethic and dedication of these 20 individuals. Take Mark Kranz: He grew up as one of eight children on a dairy farm in rural South Dakota, but by the age of 31, he was one of SmithGroup’s youngest principals across the firm’s 10 offices. Now he leads the design firm's higher education and science and technology studios out of the firm’s Phoenix office. He also is active in a foundation providing scholarships and grants in honor of his brother, Marty.
This is just one of the extraordinary people you will meet in the following pages.
Jason R. Carter Became CEO at age 25 of fast-growing contracting company
39, Vice President/CEO
Whiteriver Construction
Lakeside, Ariz.
Promoted from controller to CEO of Whiteriver Construction at age 25, Carter was offered a partnership in the fast-growing company at age 27. Working in a rural area allows Carter to participate in unique projects, including two on the floor of the Grand Canyon, accessible only by helicopter or on foot.
Casey CartierCombines book smarts with industry experience
39, Division Manager
Ryan Companies US Inc.
Phoenix
With both biochemistry and business management degrees, Cartier first began working in the industry to help fund his studies. His career developed into field manager and now division manager. Cartier managed the team for NAU’s LEED-Gold Franke College of Business and High Country Conference Center.
Jeffrey ClarksonHas delivered over $1.2 billion in health care projects
36, Vice President, Healthcare Services
McCarthy Building Cos. Inc.
Tempe, Ariz.
This 14-year industry veteran has successfully delivered projects totaling more than $1.2 billion. Sharing his knowledge with future industry professionals, Clarkson is the sole contractor on the board of ASU’s Healthcare Design Initiative. His work with Banner Gateway and Banner Ironwood Medical Centers has earned him several industry awards. He serves on the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA board.
Brent and Brian CooperBrothers carrying on a family tradition of leadership
35, Owners
AROK INC.
Phoenix
Brent and Brian Cooper continue a family tradition stretching back to 1972 with their ownership and management of AROK. Under the brothers’ direction, the firm has been part of prominent projects including Cityscape and Maricopa County’s new 14-story courthouse. They support A Stepping Stone, a foundation providing education opportunities for families with limited resources. Additionally, Brent supports the Phoenix Art Museum and Homeward Bound. Brian recently volunteered as project supervisor to build a Habitat For Humanity home.
Dee Dennis IIIStarted in the industry at 16 and now leads successful firm
32, COO/Member
DKD Electric LLC
Albuquerque, N.M.
Dennis has spent half of his life in the construction industry, beginning when he worked summers in the warehouse under his father’s direction. He is part of a group of employees who now own DKD Electric, and under his leadership has realized the largest revenue in the company’s history while at the same time implementing new operational procedures. Dennis holds a leadership position with the Northern New Mexico IEC apprenticeship program. A loyal UNM alumnus, Dennis supports the Special Olympics and is actively involved with local schools.
Bryan DunnA green building leader who also cares about affordable housing
36, Senior Vice President | Southwest
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Tempe, Ariz.
A key focus for LEED-accredited Dunn is green schools delivered within today’s budget constraints. Dunn also has a passion for equitable housing and is currently working with the Arizona Dept. of Housing subcommittee for the greening of affordable housing. He recently earned a position on the Urban Land Institute’s regional advisory board.
Rob Filary, AIAPresident-elect of AIA working toward improved education
36, Project Manager/Designer
Pugsley.Simpson.Coulter. Architects
Las Vegas
A visiting professor at the UNLV School of Architecture, Filary also works on projects such as a prototype for area elementary schools. He is president-elect of AIA Las Vegas and recently received the 2010 Young Architect Award from AIA Nevada. Filary developed a monthly design forum in his office, featuring theoretical discussions and guest speakers.
Mark Kranz, AIAAward-winning design leader
35, Design Principal
SmithGroup
Phoenix
As one of his firm's youngest principals, Kranz uses his past experience as a faculty associate at ASU to lead SmithGroup’s Higher Education and Science and Technology Studios. He is a mentor and past member of the AIA’s board of directors.
Sandra M. Kukla, AIA
This architect and aviator was youngest principal at DWL
39, Executive Vice President
DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.
Phoenix
A licensed pilot who helped her father build an aerobatic biplane, Kukla’s passion for aviation informed her career choices from an early age. She became the youngest principal at DWL in 2005 and is the only female architect among the firm’s managing partners. Her projects include the award-winning D Gates Concourse at Terminal 4 of Sky Harbor.
Raimund McClain, AIAHarvard-educated architect passes know-how to next generation
38, Architect
Van H. Gilbert Architect PC
Albuquerque, N.M.
Over six years in the classroom, McClain was responsible for training countless future architects. As project architect, McClain recently completed UNM’s Science & Math Learning Center. In 2003, he and his wife founded SERVICE, a non-profit that connects projects with funding sources and pro bono design expertise.
Ryan M. MendenhallManages heavy-highway division with $200 million annual revenue
34, Division Manager
Las Vegas Paving Corp.
Las Vegas
A 16-year industry veteran, Mendenhall worked as an estimator and project manager while attending school full time. Today, Mendenhall manages a division of over a dozen professionals with yearly revenue of over $200 million. He recently served as project manager for McCarran Airport's runway reconstruction and is a member of the UNLV Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Board.
Jason MikkelsenExperience on over 100 projects with focus on mentoring
36, Senior Project Manager
Dibble Engineering
Phoenix
Mikkelsen has worked on over 100 projects with numerous LEED Gold and Silver certifications. He recently worked on the Chandler City Hall project as well as ASU’s Vista del Sol residence complex. Currently president of the Phoenix branch of AzSCE, Mikkelsen is dedicated to community service, helping the Komen Race for the Cure and Habitat for Humanity. His chief focus is mentoring, and he has volunteered with the Future Cities Competition in Arizona and the AzSCE Kennedy School Outreach Program.
Jason OltmanHealth care construction specialist volunteers at several charities
38, Senior Project Manager
JE Dunn Construction
Phoenix
Oltman’s interest in health care construction led to his work on the Medical Center of the Rockies, helping it to achieve LEED Gold. Another notable project was the Centers for Disease Control Laboratory Buildout, with work completed inside an operational government facility. Currently, Oltman is working on the Southwest Orthopedic and Spine Hospital in Phoenix. His dedicated support of the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Special Olympics is the result of personal experiences that continue to motivate his community spirit.
Patrick Panetta, AIADiversity of experience
38, Senior Project Manager
ASU, Real Estate Development
Tempe, Ariz.
With architectural experience at Luke Air Force Base and the Smithsonian, Panetta has devoted his career to the public sector. He helped realize the ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus. As current AIA Phoenix president and president-elect of AIA Arizona, Panetta champions the Arizona State Capitol redevelopment for the state’s 2012 centennial. He volunteers with Rebuilding Together, aiding local residents in their home renovations.
Kristine RoeCFMA President tutors students
37, Region Controller
McCarthy Building Cos. Inc.
Tempe, Ariz.
As the president of the Valley of the Sun chapter of the CFMA, Roe implemented a program to acclimate new members. A CPA, she is responsible for the accounting of over $500 million in revenue. Her volunteerism includes tutoring struggling students. Through Habitat for Humanity, Roe spent 12 Saturdays at building sites with McCarthy’s Heart Hats.
Ray SedeyHelped steer firm through tough economic times to new success
33, Vice Pres. of Operations, Nevada Div.
McCarthy Building Cos. Inc.
Henderson, Nev.
Sedey helped his company through the tough economy, allowing new hires to continue. He was project director on the McCarran Terminal 3 Early Civil Package, his division's largest project to date. Sedey helped organize more than 100 walkers and raised over $10,000 for American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign.
Paul ToplakBrings free health care to children
38, Vice President Business Development
Martin-Harris Construction
Las Vegas
Toplak has a staff of 10 as director of MHC’s special projects, responsible for approximately $40 million in revenue. High-profile projects include the USA Today facility for Las Vegas and retail stores such as Chanel at the Bellagio, earning Toplak a place on his firm's executive board. He volunteered as project manager for NAIOP’s Casey Jones Health Clinic, a free clinic for all children of need, as well as Safe Nest, which included the complete renovation of a home.
“Raimund McClain’s career trajectory so far speaks to the energy, creativity, commitment and professionalism that characterize his work.”
—Van H. Gilbert, AIA, President/Founder, Van H. Gilbert Architect PC
Julie Walleisa, AIAHarvard graduate, active mentor
35, Associate
Dekker/Perich/Sabatini
Albuquerque, N.M.
Walleisa is current project manager on a $23-million school renovation for the Navajo nation. Chair of USGBC-New Mexico, Walleisa has given over 60 public presentations. This active mentor encourages women to join the field of architecture.
Michael WolfeLeads firm’s largest project
39, Project Director
Kitchell
Phoenix
Over the last 13 years, Wolfe has specialized in hospital construction, including over $700 million worth of projects, such as the $357-million Phoenix Children’s Hospital expansion, Kitchell’s largest project to date. He is currently completing the Arizona Builder’s Alliance Leadership Development Forum.
“Ryan Mendenhall “demonstrates excellence in his profession by constantly sharing his knowledge and expertise with those around him.”
—Jay N. Smith, President, Las Vegas Paving Corp.
Thomas W. Young, P.E.Piloting between counties to challenge students
39, Location Principal
Lumos & Associates Inc.
Carson City, Nev.
Young is Eureka County Engineer, piloting the company plane between Carson City and Eureka. His projects include an urban fishing pond and the reconstruction of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. He is a project mentor for local students and works with the National Engineers Week Future City Competition to engage middle school students in engineering.
