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. Here are the Arizona developers to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
David Hrizak
CEO
Background: Hrizak leads a fully integrated real estate platform designed to identify, execute and manage investment-grade real estate with precision and vision.
Favorite project: “Tempe Town Lake is, in my view, Arizona’s crown jewel of transformative development. Turning a dry riverbed into a man-made lake surrounded by Class A commercial, multifamily and entertainment assets took vision — and serious execution. It not only revitalized Tempe but proved that placemaking can thrive in even the most unexpected locations.”
Source of pride: “Transforming raw desert land into vibrant, revenue-generating real estate is a challenge I’ve grown to love — and two of my proudest examples are the 100,000-square-foot Potato Barn Furniture stores in Mesa and Goodyear. These weren’t just retail projects; they were community anchors that required navigating complex entitlements, designing memorable customer experiences, and executing on aggressive timelines. The process sharpened my skills in development leadership, and the outcome strengthened my belief in hands-on, vertically integrated execution.”
Surprising fact: “Baseball isn’t just a hobby — it’s part of my identity. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, I’m a loyal White Sox fan through and through. Baseball taught me about resilience, timing and never underestimating the power of a comeback. That same grit shapes how I approach business.”
Jagger Everett
Vice president of development
Background: Everett is responsible for guiding development projects through the entitlement, design and construction phases, working closely with architects, engineers and partners to move projects from concept to reality.
Source of pride: Within the past three years, Everett has led transformative commercial real estate efforts across multiple markets, including breaking ground on two highly awaited mixed-use developments in the downtown cores of Queen Creek and Gilbert. The Switchyard and Heritage Park are projects shaping the future of fast-growing communities while reimagining how people live, work and gather in the Southeast Valley.
Surprising fact: As a third-generation Arizonan, Everett has deep ties and understanding of the land, its communities and the unique challenges of building in the desert. Having watched Arizona evolve over the years, he approaches each project with a focus on lasting impact.
John Orsak
Executive vice president
Background: Overseeing a staff of 50, Orsak heads all leasing, acquisitions, dispositions and property management for Lincoln Property Company across Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.
Source of pride: “Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a regional Lincoln team that has more than quadrupled. During this time, we have been able to promote several members of our team from within. Growing our operations so significantly while continuing to expand our team and provide opportunities for so many smart, hardworking folks around us has been an incredible career experience.”
Favorite project: “I appreciate everything about the Biltmore Hotel. Its history and architecture have truly shaped the submarket. There are a few places around the resort where you can still find old photos of the hotel, the surrounding area and the famous guests that have spent time at this iconic resort.”
Surprising fact: “On a trip to Australia, I learned how to play a didgeridoo — a long flute-like instrument that’s made from a hollowed tree. So, of course, I had to buy one and bring it home.”
Kyle Walker
Vice president of construction
Background: Responsible for all phases of construction and design oversight of the firm’s development portfolio, Walker is actively managing more than 1 million square feet of ground up development across three states.
Favorite project: “Camelback Collective — not just because of its architectural significance, but because I was involved early in the design process and later managed construction for the mixed-use project. I developed a strong working relationship with LaPour, which led to career shift from general contracting to development.”
Surprising fact: Walker grew up in a military family, living on several Air Force bases across the country. His father was one of the first pilots of the B-2 Stealth Bomber, a role that made a lasting impression on Walker. Being raised in that environment taught him the value of discipline, accountability and staying grounded.
Sharon Harper
CEO and co-founder
Background: Leading the ownership, development, leasing and management of nearly 13 million square feet, Harper has positioned Plaza as one of Arizona’s largest woman-owned businesses.
Key to success: “Perseverance and perspective. Challenges are inevitable, but my belief is that every obstacle carries an opportunity if you look for it. My glass is always half full, even when it might appear empty to others.”
Source of pride: “Chairing the 2023 GO Bond Program stands as one of the most meaningful professional accomplishments of my career. Guiding a $500 million investment into our city’s future was both a responsibility and a privilege. This provided critical funding across the community, from arts and culture and education to housing, sustainability, public safet, and neighborhood services. I take great pride in knowing this work reflects our community’s priorities and ensures the city continues to grow, thrive and prosper well into the future.”
Surprising fact: “Well, I am proud to share that I was the President of the Ricky Nelson Fan Club in North Mankato, Minnesota, while growing up.”
