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 general contractors to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Brett Helm
General manager – Southwest Division
Background: An industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Helm is responsible for leading Graycor’s regional talent pipeline and diversifying the company’s presence in growing markets through strategic planning and the management of complex, mission-critical projects.
Source of pride: His involvement in the expansion of Arizona’s data center sector, starting with the state’s first colocation project in the early 2000s to his recent involvement in the market.
Favorite project: Helm’s favorite real estate project is the founding of Tombstone, Arizona — a town steeped in grit, legend and silver. It all began with a man who set out into the desert against everyone’s warnings. They told him he wouldn’t find anything but his own tombstone. But instead of death, he discovered silver. He named his first mining claim “The Tombstone,” on land near where the iconic town now stands.
Brian White
Vice president of construction operations
Background: Starting his career in the trades, White now leads all field operations, providing strategic direction across project teams in quality assurance and commissioning, team development, resource management and client and stakeholder success.
Source of pride: Growing GCON’s mission critical program to $500 million in project volume within a two-year span. It now serves several of the world’s largest advanced technology companies, multiple enterprise and colocation data center operators.
Favorite project: The Intel Ocotillo project, specifically Fab 12, which marked the beginning of White’s career in 1995 as a construction engineer fresh out of college. The project was large-scale and highly complex, offering early exposure to the intricacies of advanced construction. Being part of such a transformative and technically sophisticated project at the very start of his career was foundational and deeply influential in shaping his professional journey.
Surprising fact: The first project White led was a $450 million semiconductor lab build for the University of Albany, which would go on to win an ENR Best Project for Higher Education award.
Chad Labucki
Senior vice president
Background: Labucki oversees all phases of project delivery from early client engagement and preconstruction strategy to on-site execution and closeout, helping Clayco’s compute business unit grow fourfold over the past three years, with $3.6 billion in data center in 2024 — accounting for nearly 50% of the enterprise’s total revenue.
Favorite project: “NTT’s Mesa data center campus is hands down my favorite. It’s not just an impressive facility — it’s a benchmark for how projects can balance world-class infrastructure with community, culture and sustainability. That culture, led by NTT’s leadership, helped us achieve over 1 million injury-free work hours.”
Surprising fact: On nights and weekends, Labucki is a proud hip-hop cheer dad, traveling the competition circuit with his 8-year-old son.
Corde Kurtz
COO
Background: Managing multidisciplinary teams of architects, contractors and technology specialists, Kurtz’s leadership ensures projects not only meet technical requirements but also create environments that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Favorite project: “State Farm Stadium. The facility features a retractable roof that operates at an incline and incorporates a roll-out natural grass field system — both firsts in stadium design.” For him, the project stands out for its engineering and the way it has contributed to Arizona’s reputation for large-scale, forward-thinking developments.
Source of pride: The complete transformation of Vantage West Credit Union’s branch network — one of Arizona’s most ambitious financial institution projects. Tasked with delivering 10 new or renovated branches in just two years, Kurtz led the DBSI team in developing a “Kit of Parts” approach, dramatically accelerating design approvals from weeks to mere hours. This innovation enabled Vantage West to rapidly expand its footprint, modernize member experiences and honor its deep Arizona roots.
David Campbell
District manager – Phoenix buildings
Background: Starting his career with PCL Construction in 2005, Campbell now focuses on creating partnerships and overseeing buildings operations across the region.
Source of pride: “I feel fortunate to have contributed to and led a wide variety of projects, including several well-known theme parks, high-profile sports venues, high rise and industrial projects. This diversity and the opportunity to build spaces where people enjoy family time keeps me passionate after almost two decades in the industry.”
Favorite project: “I think it’s very intriguing to see the impact that companies like TSMC and Intel have had on this region. Projects associated with these markets have transformed how the industry invests in this region, positioning Arizona as a hub for critical manufacturing. They’ve also had the positive economic impact of adding jobs and investment into Phoenix. This helps create a domino effect supporting the growth of retail, hospitality and housing industries.”
Garrett Nybo
President and CEO
Background: Nybo oversees all company operations, participating directly in conceptual estimating, pre-construction services and quality control. His accessibility to clients and active involvement shows clients that their work is being closely monitored from the highest level of the firm.
Favorite project: “I am always in awe of any structure that Wespac builds. We love the unique and different type of projects which we construct, and that to me is quite an accomplishment at the end of the day.”
Surprising fact: “I had a bowling scholarship to Michigan State University that I politely turned down — there’s not a lot to do when it’s 40 degrees below.”
Heath White
Vice president and group manager
Background: A respected industry leader, White has overseen nearly 40 projects — primarily in the healthcare sector — helping grow JE Dunn’s reputation through partnerships with organizations such as Banner Health and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Source of pride: In 2022, White transitioned from healthcare work to manage Saiya, a 23-story multifamily project, saying that keeping the camaraderie and operational excellence alive for nearly three years felt amazing. Despite a challenging trade environment, the team completed the build successfully, formed lasting relationships,and contributed a striking building that enhances the Phoenix skyline.
Surprising fact: White has been to most of the NASCAR tracks on the circuit with his dad over the years. They’ve traveled around the country for nearly 40 years and attended over 150 races. He is now working to transition that love and experience to his four (soon to be five) grandsons (ages 2-10).
Heather Lennon
Founder and owner
Imagine General Contracting and Development
Background: Throughout her career, Lennon has worn many hats — serial entrepreneur (Imagine is her first of nine successful businesses), construction site management, client negotiation and retention, and is ultimately responsible for the company’s success.
Source of pride: The purchase, adaptive reuse and launch of Warehouse215. A historic structure built in 1918, the Imagine team transformed the space into a premier event venue while preserving key architectural elements. Today, the award-winning Warehouse215 stands as a vibrant venue for weddings, corporate events, community gatherings, and charitable endeavors.
Surprising fact: In Lennon’s off time, to feed what she calls the “creative beast within”, she is a potter. She has spent many years throwing pottery on a wheel and has volunteered to teach at a studio in Phoenix. Her pieces are evocative, colorful and offer utility. She firmly believes that beautiful things should be used, not coveted and stored away, and her friends are always excited to receive one of her pieces to enjoy for a lifetime.
Jaki Scott
Director of operations
Background: Over the last 11 years, Scott led Sonoran Crest Construction prior to its acquisition by Kraus-Anderson in January 2024. Her leadership ethos is grounded in developing strengths and leveraging people-oriented insights to make decisions that deliver construction excellence.
Source of pride: “Providing opportunities for people to grow their professional strengths and abilities, and then coaching and cheering them on to conquer! One of the biggest rewards is seeing team members grow from introductory and entry roles, to leaders and culture champions within a team. Over the last 13 years, I have hired and mentored over 110 people on my team, many of whom have gone on to craft and lead great construction teams.”
Key to success: “Choosing to show up human (flaws, failings and all), hustling to remove unnecessary roadblocks to team members’ success and incorporating humor. When I was younger, I thought leaders needed all the answers. I have learned that leadership is curated in the dark, exposing corners of uncertainty, with the courage to lead and unify a team clearly on a path forward.”
Surprising fact: “I grew up in a very musically-focused home, resulting in performing opportunities at the Phoenix Symphony, recording an album, and performing for public and presidential events.”
James Murphy
CEO
Background: Under Murphy’s leadership, the Willmeng has grown to become Arizona’s largest privately held construction company, with more than 400 employees and offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Salt Lake City.
Source of pride: “Transitioning to an employee-owned company. We had opportunities for acquisition from some very reputable firms but ultimately, we decided it’s best to put our company’s future in the hands of the people who make it happen.”
Surprising fact: Murphy grew up fishing and hunting on the San Carlos Apache reservation — an area that remains special to him and his family.
Jim Roland
Senior vice president
Background: A commercial construction professional with 25-plus years of experience in the Phoenix Metro area and Arizona market building industrial, hospitality, education, retail, medical office/office, senior living, Native American and gaming projects.
Source of pride: “Seeing the tangible results of our projects and in some instances seeing the end user’s reaction to the improvements being provided them.”
Key to success: “Humility, I learned very early in my career that sometimes it is best to listen and once all has been said by others then it is your turn to speak based off the facts and dialog of others.”
Surprising fact: “I interned a summer in college for a residential architect in Carefree as his model builder. Then I switched to bartending because it paid better.”
Lisa York
Design phase executive
Background: In college, York transitioned from architecture to construction management, graduating as one of five women in her class. Now with more than three decades of experience, she acts as the bridge between the client’s concept and the building team.
Favorite project: “Choosing a favorite commercial real estate project in Arizona is tough, but the SRP campus project stands out for me because of its incredible diversity and complexity. Over seven years, I had the opportunity to work on an occupied campus, tackling everything from a parking garage and chiller plant expansion to a new building addition, a fleet maintenance garage, a major building renovation, a history center and even a cafeteria. The experience of coordinating so many different elements on an active site was both demanding and rewarding, and it’s a project I look back on with a lot of pride.”
Surprising fact: One of York’s favorite things to do in the Valley is hike Piestewa Peak, which she does at least twice a week before she heads into the office. She says it’s her personal quiet time to reflect, adding that she likes the challenge of hiking the summit trail.
McLean Johnson
Preconstruction manager
Background: Johnson leads all aspects of preconstruction, conducting detailed budget reviews, ensuring client goals are met, integrating design vision early and managing subcontractor coordination.
Source of pride: While working on the preconstruction phase for Rock Point Church’s new Kids Building, Johnson managed to save the church more than $800,000 by exploring alternate structure and envelope options, adding that “Finding smart, cost-effective solutions that make a real impact for clients is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
Favorite project: As a football fanatic, Johnson loves the new ASU additions that took place at their stadium. The new look and feel truly created an engaging space for games. For a more classic answer, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is a memorable project. “The architecture, vision and creativity infused into that building are still unmatched,” he says.
Surprising fact: Johnson has ridden a bull before —and yes, it was just as wild as it sounds. You’ll have to ask him for the details!
Michael Stafford
President
Background: Responsible for executing LGE’s short-term and long-term goals, the company’s continued growth and expansion into new markets sectors. Stafford prioritizes a people-centered culture to foster employee wellness and professional excellence.
Key to success: “Consistency. Small, repeated actions compound over time, building momentum and progress that occasional effort cannot match. Ultimately, success is not built on bursts of intensity but on sustained, intentional effort that turns vision into reality.”
Source of pride: “Watching LGE grow and mature over the past eight years has been my proudest accomplishment. Year after year, LGE continues to push design boundaries, build to the highest quality construction standards while relentlessly focusing on the client experience. Scaling our footprint in the Phoenix metro market, along with establishing our brand in Texas has been both challenging and rewarding. To me, it’s proof that vision, consistency, pursuit of excellence and a strong culture can drive lasting success.”
Surprising fact: “I am health enthusiast and constantly pursuing optimal performance. I love competing in multiple marathons or ultra races annually. Any fitness challenge or adventure that gets me out of my comfort zone I am into.”
Ryan Park
Director of construction
Stevens-Leinweber Construction
Background: As a child, Park was fascinated with Lego — a passion he parlayed into a career spanning more than 20 years and a string of award-winning projects, including Camelback 303 Logistics Center.
Source of pride: “Completing the Arizona Builders Alliance Leadership Forum while also running a large volume of SLC projects. The program was a significant commitment, including a group case study that was defended in front of a panel of judges.”
Favorite project: “As an Arizona native, I can recall when the Valley was still relatively small. The construction of America West Arena, known today at PHX Arena, always stands out to me. I was an avid Suns fan and sat at many games in Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. When construction began on Bank One Ballpark (now Chase Field), my dad and I would drive to the top of the Jefferson Street Garage after Suns games to look at the construction of this other major sports development. These two investments in Phoenix’s downtown and the success of both franchises in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped shine a spotlight on Arizona as a whole.”
Surprising fact: “Outside of my family, my passion is golf. Although I’m not great at it, the game has been a part of my family for three generations and I’m committed to improving and lowering my overall score.”
