ENR Southwest's 2013 Top 20 Under 40
ENR Southwest's 2013 Top 20 Under 40 Lead the Way to Southwest's Construction Future
As construction employment levels begin to rebound in the Southwest, it's a good time to reflect upon the enrichment that a challenging job provides to one's professional and personal life.
The recipients of this year's Top 20 Under 40 awards have considerable achievements to reflect upon. In just a few short years, these young professionals have enhanced the design and construction fields with their optimism for the future and dedication to the industry while also enlivening their local communities with ample philanthropic endeavors.
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Related Links: ENR Southwest's 2014 Top 20 Under 40 |
While young, these recipients have collectively worked 265 years in the industry, an average of more than 13 years each. John Michael Stroud started his career with J.B. Henderson Construction Co. in Albuquerque when he was just 15. Shawn Ingram began his love affair with construction as an 18-year-old laborer in Colorado. At 30, Melissa Beutler is the youngest of those honored in the following pages, but she has achieved more in construction law in nine years than many do in a lifetime.
Nominations were solicited by ENR Southwest for individuals under the age of 40 at the time of publication who work primarily in Arizona, Nevada or New Mexico. Entries were reviewed for the Southwest region by an independent panel of industry judges: Ryan Abbott, science and technology group leader with Sundt Construction, Tempe, Ariz.; Wylie Bearup, street transportation director for the City of Phoenix; Danielle Feroleto, president/owner of Small Giants, Phoenix; Caleb King, curtain wall division manager with Pacific Architectural Millwork in Los Angeles; and Cynthia Schultz, president of Bradbury Stamm Construction in Albuquerque.
Abbott, King and Schultz are previous recipients of the Top 20 Under 40 award.
Candidates were judged on professional achievements; involvement in industry causes and associations; accomplishments in improving the Southwest's built environment; and service to the community.
This year's honorees will also be recognized at the Best Projects celebration later this year.
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| ALBRECHT |
Dan Albrecht
Continual improvement pays dividends for concrete contractor
39, Vice President-Operations
The Noel Co. Inc.
Albuquerque
Dan Albrecht's construction education began at an early age as he helped his father remodel homes. The lesson he took away was a simple one: Construction is about "making things better." After earning a degree in construction management and science from Kansas State University, he joined The Noel Co. After five years as a project engineer, Albrecht was promoted to chief estimator and helped the company achieve some of its greatest growth ever. Now as vice president of operations, Albrecht is so committed to continual professional improvement and community outreach that he changed the company's bonus policy to require the leadership team to contribute to community organizations. He currently serves on the board of the American Subcontractors Association of New Mexico.
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| BAILEY |
James Bailey
Helped large civil contractor expand into Phoenix market
39, Division Manager
Skanska USA Civil
Phoenix
When Skanska USA Civil recently expanded into the Phoenix market, it leaned heavily on James Bailey to help make it happen. As one of its first hires for the Phoenix office in 2008, he worked as the chief estimator and directed all preconstruction activities. Bailey's experience with local projects was already considerable, and included a $28-million reconstruction of U.S. 93 and a $66.2-million runway project at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. After two years, Bailey was named division manager. The unit has performed an estimated $60 million of work to date. In addition to working with several steering committees of the AGC Arizona, Bailey also volunteers for a local elementary school serving at-risk students.
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| BEUTLER |
Melissa Beutler
Successful attorney makes strides nationally
30, Associate
Holland & Hart LLP
Las Vegas
As Nevada's first LEED AP attorney, Melissa Beutler has quickly made her mark as a construction lawyer both regionally and nationally. Beutler showed her potential early, graduating cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, where she was named Most Outstanding Female Law Student. She is a member of the ConsensusDOCS Advisory Counsel, specifically applying her skills to the LEED Addendum and the 2011 revisions of the ConsensusDOCS documents. She served as editor of the industry's first green construction lawyer book, which was published by the American Bar Association. In 2011 Beutler was recognized as one of six "Rising Litigation Stars" in Nevada by Benchmark Litigation and was given the "Rising Star" award by the National Association of Women Business Owners.
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| BRINKMAN |
Matt Brinkman
Bright future in store for solar power expert
38, Regional Energy Group Manager
Burns & McDonnell
Phoenix
As a business unit manager for Burns & McDonnell's growing solar energy practice, Matt Brinkman is set up for a bright future in the power sector. During his six years in this role, Brinkman has become the firm's leading expert in consulting with utilities and other developers of solar energy projects. After joining Burns & McDonnell in 1997, Brinkman was initially focused on traditional power generation projects. In 2004 he sought to expand beyond the firm's core services by pursuing opportunities in the emerging solar industry. Shortly afterward, he landed his first solar project as owner's engineer for Sempra Energy's 10-MW El Dorado Solar PV project. Recently, his team conducted a due diligence review for MidAmerican Energy, which was considering a $2-billion investment in a solar energy project. Based partly on the report, MidAmerican Energy has moved forward with its investment.
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| CHAU |
Christa Chau
Mentors younger engineers while designing signature projects
32, Structural Engineer/Project Manager
PK Associates
Scottsdale, Ariz.
Since joining PK Associates upon graduating from the Milwaukee School of Engineering in 2003, Christa Chau has made a big impact on Arizona's built environment. Her projects have included the $110-million Banner Estrella Medical Center Expansion, the net-zero energy use DPR Construction Phoenix Office and the 1.1-million-sq-ft CityScape high-rise project in Phoenix.
Achieving associate status in just six years with the firm, Chau excels at managing teams, whether internally or with clients. She currently manages and mentors several younger structural designers at her firm while maintaining a healthy work-life balance with her husband and 1-year-old son. Chau contributes to the community as an active member of PK Associates' Canstruction and Rebuilding Together teams.
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| CORENS |
Paul Corens
Well-rounded construction leader, teacher and volunteer
38, Senior Portfolio Manager
Arizona PSPRS
Phoenix
As a portfolio manager for retired public safety personnel, Paul Corens provides investment capital to real estate and engineering projects in the Southwest. During his 20 years in Arizona, he has helped shape infrastructure, land planning, building design and mining projects. His current role is managing a $1.2-billion portfolio of investments in Europe, Africa and Asia. Corens helps train the next generation as an adjunct faculty member or guest lecturer at several schools, including Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University. Last year he was awarded a fellowship with the Arizona Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Institute to promulgate infrastructure, construction and utility-related policy. Corens volunteers his time with law enforcement support groups, as a board member of the Arizona Hemophilia Society and with the Urban Land Institute.
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| FROBERG |
Eric Froberg
Hired to start up engineering firm's first New Mexico office
36, New Mexico Operations Manager
T.Y. Lin Intl.
Albuquerque
Hired to start up T.Y. Lin's Albuquerque office three years ago, Eric Froberg became one of the engineering firm's youngest operations managers. Adept at value engineering while maintaining quality, he strives to save clients money while exceeding their expectations. Due to his success in this new marketplace, Froberg has been able to mentor other young engineers and CAD technicians while creating new career opportunities. He also fosters partnerships between designers and public agencies through involvement in the ACEC Government Affairs Committee and the Professional Technical Advisory Board.
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| FUNK |
Jason Funk
Young leader redefines image of a successful business executive
36, President
Western Window Systems
Phoenix
After joining Western Window Systems in 1999 while still completing his college degree, Jason Funk rapidly worked his way up until being promoted to president in 2006 at the age of 29. Since that time, he has led the company toward geographic expansion, greater diversification of job types, creation of new products and a steadfast commitment to customer service. While his company's staff has nearly tripled under his leadership, Funk strives to keep a personal connection with each of his employees in an atmosphere of inspiration, encouragement and humor. His approach has paid off, with sales in the company's indoor/outdoor window and door systems taking off by 43% in 2011 and 77% in 2012. He serves on several boards, including those of the MVP Foundation and First Scottsdale Bank.
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| HARRINGTON |
Adam B. Harrington
Multi-talented executive wears many hats at family-run firm
34, CFO/Safety Director/HR Director
HB Construction
Albuquerque
On any given day, you may find Adam Harrington ensuring prompt payment to subcontractors, performing a safety inspection on a jobsite or setting up the company payroll. With three distinct roles at his family-run general contracting firm, Harrington has helped guide the company to build more than $195 million in commercial projects while, as safety director, maintaining a remarkable record of no lost-time incidents at the company for more than eight years. In his CFO role, Harrington pioneered a partnership with accounting firms to conduct cost segregation studies for HB's clients, saving them valuable time and resources. Harrington is just as generous with his time at several local charities, including his role as board president for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico.
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| INGRAM |
Shawn Ingram
Advocates for more efficient water/wastewater building methods
37, Vice President of Operations, Water Services
McCarthy Building Cos.
Phoenix
During Shawn Ingram's 14-year career at McCarthy, he has been promoted four times and has delivered more than $1 billion in water/wastewater projects. He thrives while leading complex projects, such as the $105-million 91st Avenue UP05B Wastewater Treatment Plant in Phoenix. The collaborative environment he helped create between the city, engineer and contractor was one of the reasons the project was completed several months early—with nearly $1 million returned to the owner—while maintaining a perfect safety record. As a member of American Water Works Association and the AGC of Arizona's Water Committee, Ingram works to educate owners and the industry about cost control, scheduling, quality and safety. He also strives to develop internal talent at McCarthy by mentoring young employees and leveraging their technical skills to educate older employees on the advances in modeling and alternative delivery methods.
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| LANDON |
Halleh Landon
Electrical engineer who is passionate about conservation
36, Vice President
Energy Systems Design
Scottsdale, Ariz.
A professional engineer, Halleh Landon has spent 13 years designing building electrical systems and controls for government buildings, educational facilities and offices. She is especially passionate in her desire to educate her clients and her fellow staff about the importance of energy efficient design and its impact on energy consumption and environmental sustainability. Not only is she LEED accredited, but she also obtained the USGBC Green Classroom and ICC Commercial and Residential Inspector certifications, which enable her to train others in energy conservation. For the past two years, Landon has served as the USGBC Arizona Green School State Advocate, creating awareness and raising support for higher environmental standards in schools.
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| RAMOS |
Mauricio Ramos
Leads small teams working on remote water projects in Arizona
32, Manager, Special Projects
PCL Construction Inc.
Tempe, Ariz.
Working for PCL's water infrastructure group, Mauricio Ramos has fostered growth that is 50% above plan for new work in 2012. He began as an intern at PCL and has been promoted four times in his nine years there. Ramos currently manages more than 20 salaried staff and up to 90 hourly trade workers in small teams working on water projects throughout Arizona. One of his most recent projects was the emergency response after an unexpected breach of the Central Arizona Project canal in western Arizona, where he coordinated a 60-person crew that worked double shifts for 12 days to place 5,000 cu yd of imported fill, 260 cu yd of concrete and 10,000 ft of joint sealant to restore water delivery throughout Arizona.
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| RHOADES |
Ryan Rhoades
A top performer with extensive engineering experience
36, Principal Project Manager
CH2M HILL
Phoenix
Known for successfully completing complex infrastructure projects on budget and schedule, Ryan Rhoades has become a top-performing project manager for CH2M Hill's water business group. He led the $47-million Glendale Oasis Groundwater Treatment Plant project to remove nitrate and arsenic from groundwater to meet drinking water standards, performing value engineering and team collaboration to help reduce the project cost by more than $30 million. His efforts helped the project net awards from WESTMARC, the City of Glendale and the American Council of Engineers Association.
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| RICHARDS |
Bryan Richards
Fosters meaningful relationships with subs, owners and designers
37, Project Manager
The Penta Building Group
Las Vegas
From working odd jobs in construction during his teens, Bryan Richards has grown into an expert builder with enthusiasm for all facets of his work. While managing complex projects such as the $48-million Davidson Mathematics and Science Center in Reno and the Zappos corporate headquarters project in Las Vegas, Richards promotes meaningful collaboration with subcontractors, owners and designers. He received Penta's Business Development Award in 2011, earning the recognition as a result of his commitment to developing new opportunities for the general contractor.
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| SHUNK |
Ben Shunk
Thrives in the retail and office building sectors
33, Senior Project Manager
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Tempe, Ariz.
During his 12 years at Adolfson & Peterson, Ben Shunk has delivered numerous commercial projects, including nearly 3 million sq ft of retail space. When still in his 20s, Shunk managed the 120-acre Promenade at Casa Grande, the largest shopping center in the Arizona city. Shunk now directs all commercial and retail projects for the Southwest region for the general contracting firm. An active member of Valley Partnership for the past seven years, he is currently serving as the youngest member of the group's board of directors. Shunk is also part of the young leaders group at Urban Land Institute, and in 2010 he became the youngest person to achieve CDP-level certification from the International Council of Shopping Centers.
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| STROUD |
John Michael Stroud
Worked his way up from odd jobs to leading specialty contracting firm
39, President
J.B. Henderson Construction Co.
Albuquerque
Recently named president of J.B. Henderson Construction Co., John Michael Stroud began his 24-year career at the firm pulling weeds at one of the 53-year-old Albuquerque company's offices. Stroud's family has a strong legacy within the firm; both his father and grandfather worked in the mechanical department, and his mother cleaned offices. After simultaneously completing the construction management program at the University of New Mexico and an apprenticeship program with Local Union 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Stroud worked his way up to become one of J.B. Henderson's top project managers, tackling hundreds of complex higher education, microelectronics and national laboratory projects. After 16 years in that role, he was promoted again to Rio Rancho area manager, where he managed multimillion-dollar projects in the Albuquerque suburb. Stroud's unique blend of management and field experience, along with a dedication to continuing education, helps him lead by example and maintain the company's excellent reputation for safety and quality control.
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| TURCHIN |
Jennifer Turchin
Industry activist promoting sustainability in architecture
31, Principal/Senior Consultant
Coda Architecture/Sellen Sustainability
Las Vegas
In just a few short years, Jennifer Turchin has made a tremendous impact on Nevada's design community by taking on leadership roles in numerous industry and community organizations. She is president-elect of the USGBC in Nevada and chairs the Developing Leaders Institute committee for the state's NAIOP chapter, a commercial real estate association. She also serves as AIA+2030 Professional Education Series moderator for the AIA Las Vegas and recently received the chapter's Young Architect Award. While continuing to manage green consulting projects for Sellen Sustainability, Turchin started her own architectural practice with her husband, Kevin, focusing on sustainable architecture.
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| UMBERGER |
Erin Umberger
Combines creative and scientific smarts into great building designs
37, Associate, Project Director
Westlake Reed Leskosky
Phoenix
With bachelor's degrees in both biology and biochemistry and a master's in architecture, Erin Umberger brings a unique blend of critical thinking skills and rigorous scientific methodology to her creative skills in designing health care, performing arts and historic preservation projects. Whether designing an operating room or a contemporary theater space, Umberger balances her right/left brain talents to successfully lead integrated project teams. One standout project was the $42-million transformation of a Las Vegas federal courthouse into the MOB Museum on organized crime and law enforcement, where she managed her internal WRL team along with 18 specialized consultants across the U.S. Even during construction, Umberger stayed on to help represent the City of Las Vegas and coordinate with the general contractor and subcontractors. She was project manager on Lone Tree Arts Center in Colorado, WRL's first performing arts facility executed in REVIT. She also helps guide adoption of new design technologies.
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| WAGNER |
Jeff Wagner
Architect and educator who inspires emerging designers
33, Principal
[N]Site Studios
Las Vegas
Despite his young age, Jeff Wagner is already a veteran of the Las Vegas architecture community. He received his master's degree in architecture from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and in 2008 joined local firm RAFI, where he worked his way up from project manager to director of operations. Believing that both academic and professional advancement are the cornerstones of a successful architect, Wagner began a full-time teaching position at the College of Southern Nevada in 2007 that continues to this day. He also serves on the AIA of Las Vegas board, representing and mentoring young architects. In 2012 Wagner left RAFI to form his own practice, [N]Site Studios, while continuing to support several community organizations such as 1percent.org and Skills USA. He hopes to instill similar values in his design students by involving them with Spirit Therapies, a local organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding for physically and mentally challenged individuals.
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| WALKER BELSICK |
Jody Walker Belsick
Founded successful Las Vegas civil engineering firm
39, President
Walker Engineering
Las Vegas
A Las Vegas native, Jody Walker Belsick founded Walker Engineering in 2003, specializing in civil engineering design for retail, office, industrial and residential projects. Walker Belsick's firm was recently selected to design the engineering for the Las Vegas station of the X Train, a luxury passenger train being developed between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. "Jody and her team's accomplishments speak volumes about the firm's abilities, and we know we have the right partners on board," says Michael Barron, X Train president andCEO. Walker Belsick is currently serving as chair of NAIOP's Sustainable Development Committee, and in 2012 she served as vice chair of the United Way Young Philanthropists Society. She was the University of Nevada, Las Vegas alumna of the year in 2012 and has hired several other UNLV graduates.
