Ben Shunk, senior project manager for Adolfson & Peterson Construction, was first attracted to Valley Partnership when he learned about its Community Project Committee.

Six years later, he remains active in all aspects of the organization, and is finding career success in its networking opportunities.

“(Valley Partnership) has helped me in my career because it’s a local organization where people who are trying to make a difference in the commercial industry as a whole can meet,” Shunk says. “This includes architects, developers, contractors, engineers, subcontractors, city personnel, attorneys — basically everyone who touches the private and public real estate industry.”

Shunk hasn’t lost his passion for community service, though, and served as chairman of the Community Project Committee in 2010.

The project Shunk spearheaded was with Phoenix Day, one of three day care facilities in South Phoenix. The team spent the first Saturday in November renovating the facility’s courtyard playground.

Shunk says he believes that was his single best experience with Valley Partnership.

“Even though it was a tough year for the economy, we had a great group of committee members, and it turned out to be an amazing project even in the tough economy,” he says.

Shunk adds that he is proud to be a part of Valley Partnership because he believes the organization serves a vital purpose in real estate, calling it “the voice of industry professionals.”

“If there are issues that the industry is passionate about, (members) can have a voice and an impact,” he says. “If it wasn’t for an organization like Valley Partnership, I don’t think those opinions would be heard.”

Shunk says he has high hopes for the real estate industry after a difficult few years, adding that “2010 was a little rough for everyone. We’re seeing a lot of momentum for 2011.”

For more information about Ben Shunk and Adolfson & Peterson Construction, visit www.a-p.com.

AZRE Magazine May/June 2011