Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — showcases the top people and projects to know in Arizona’s commercial real estate sector. Pulling from a competitive pool of nominations and the editorial board’s knowledge of the industry, this annual edition highlights 50 meaningful projects across all product types and influential professionals in 23 different categories. The digital sponsor of PTK magazine is Quarles. Over the coming days, meet the individuals making an outsized impact on the built environment across Arizona. Here are the business development pros to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Andy Snedeker
Director of business development and marketing
Background: As a steward of the Suntec brand, Snedeker helps formulate project presentations, assists with bid strategies and leads the organization in client-facing events and communication.
Source of pride: “Making a career shift to business development at age 40. I was supported by my own deep and dependable network, and that allowed me to hit the ground running. I’ve honestly never felt more energized to go to work every day.”
Favorite project: “I’m fascinated by the scope and consequence of the Hoover Dam (fun fact: its concrete is still curing!) At the local level, I’m also drawn to projects that have a transformative impact. A recent example of this includes Marina Heights which changed the dynamics of Tempe forever. My kids tell me it appears in the background of the ‘College Football 25’ game when you play at Sun Devil Stadium.”
Surprising fact: “For our first date, my wife and I rode beach cruisers around Old Town Scottsdale. We reenact that ride every year. I even rented a ‘trike’ when she was pregnant, so we wouldn’t miss the day.”
Cassie Van Ess
Business development specialist
Background: Van Ess is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, cultivating relationships and overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives. She also runs the Wespac internship program and strives to turn interns into full-time employees upon graduation.
Source of pride: “Becoming part of the management/leadership team and contracting projects through new relationships.”
Favorite project: “The Arizona Department of Transportation Flagstaff office was a former Harkins Theatre and was an adaptive reuse project for Wespac. Several unique features of the existing building were preserved. I remember visiting during demolition and it still smelled like popcorn in there. Visualizing the interior’s sloped theater floors as flat surfaces seemed difficult at the time, but the project turned out great for ADOT to consolidate their Northern Arizona operations into one office.”
Surprising fact: “I have completed an Ironman (140.6 miles) and two half Ironman (70.3 miles) triathlons.”
Clayton Graham
Director
Background: After starting his career in the restaurant industry as a certified sommelier, Graham now applies his skills to business development strategy, market research and overseeing branding.
Favorite project: “I remember my mom driving me to watch the heavy machinery work on the 1990 Paradise Valley Mall expansion. Today, I live in the area and see the huge demand for the new experiences the PV will offer.”
Source of pride: “Joining Lincoln Property Company! Commercial real estate offers limitless opportunity, but getting a foot in the door can be challenging, especially as a career pivot. I was lucky enough to be spotted by Lincoln’s Phoenix team at just the right time to take on their first-ever role focused on local business development.”
Surprising fact: “I’ve played music since I was nine years old. I still gig once or twice per month, either on drums or singing with an acoustic.”
Marci Utakis
Business development associate
Background: In her role, Utakis leads business development initiatives aimed at identifying, qualifying and cultivating key relationships, with particular emphasis on the construction markets in Arizona.
Favorite project: “Living in Scottsdale for many years, I’ve watched Scottsdale Fashion Square undergo dramatic transformations, but one thing remains constant — each year, my best friend and I meet there for lunch and a movie to celebrate our birthdays and lasting friendship.”
Source of pride: “My biggest career accomplishment lies not in a single project or milestone, but in the strong professional network I’ve built with clients, colleagues and peers in my field. Over my 10-year tenure, these connections have brought a wide range of opportunities to my team. To me, true success is measured not only by project outcomes, but also by the long-term relationships built over many years.”
Surprising fact: “Growing up, my father worked as a project engineer and manager for a global engineering and construction firm. Our family moved frequently because of his job, and I spent much of my childhood living abroad. This sparked a deep fascination with different cultures. At Arizona State University, I majored in archaeology, which gave me an appreciation of how understanding the past is often critical to shaping the future — bringing my journey full circle and renewing my interest in the CRE and AEC fields from a unique perspective.”
Travis Dana
Business development manager
Stevens-Leinweber Construction
Background: Dana leads strategic initiatives to cultivate and strengthen client relationships, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business to expand SLC’s market presence.
Source of pride: “Stepping boldly into business development with no prior experience — just a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for building relationships. That leap of faith allowed me to grow SLC’s business development platform from the ground up — pun intended.”
Surprising fact: “I served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Hawaii. I focused on the movement of ground-based military forces by vertical lift aircraft — primarily helicopters — into and around the battlefield. It’s a key tactic used to quickly insert troops into combat zones, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by land by way of rappelling from helicopters.”
