Fred Knapp
Vice president, Tucson, CORE Construction, Inc.
Years in construction: 37
Years at CORE: 6
Years as an ABA member: 6
Role at CORE: Business development, project director and local liaison between owners, staff and subcontractors. I also, direct support and coordinate community service projects.
What’s one thing everyone should know about your company?
Since 1937, CORE has been a family-owned business. Headquartered in Phoenix, we have offices across the country from Reno, Nev., to Ft. Myers, Fla. Our emphasis is that service comes first.
What are recent projects you’ve worked on in Arizona?
Arbor De La Vita and Likens Hall (University of Arizona dormitories), Ed Pastor Justice Complex (Nogales), school projects for Continental, Sahuarita and Amphitheater districts and TUSD Solar.
What’s on your bucket list?
Professionally, I would like to leave the legacy that promotes our “CORE Values” — honesty, integrity and continuous improvement. Personally, we will see what the future holds.
Why did you join ABA?
I believe the work the ABA staff does through legislative initiatives and community service is not only important but crucial to the success of our industry.
How has being an ABA member contributed to your professional success?
It has assisted in validating our primary purpose and theme of serving our clients and the communities in which we work, along with giving us an opportunity to better ourselves as reflected in our CORE values. In retrospect, I believe it has enhanced our standing in the business community and in the eyes of our peers.
What is one of the biggest obstacles that the construction industry will face in 2015?
My biggest concern is the ability of the individual trades to have qualified personnel (in place) to man each and every project which will be under construction in the near future.
