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 real estate up and comers to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Abigail Vallelonga
Marketing manager
Background: Vallelonga is known for her hands-on approach, building strong partnerships by blending strategic outreach with the deep understanding of the restoration industry she gained by completing the same technical training as the technicians she supports.
Favorite project: “The revitalization of Downtown Phoenix’s Warehouse District. Watching the area evolve from forgotten, industrial spaces into a vibrant business hub represents everything I love about this industry — honoring the past while building for the future.”
Surprising fact: She’s one of the few marketing professionals in the restoration industry who has actually gone through the same hands-on training and certification as our technicians — including ride-alongs, onsite work and coursework. She believes you can’t effectively promote what you don’t fully understand, so she made it a point to learn the work from the inside out.
Alberto Caballero
Senior associate
Background: Beginning his career in the sports and entertainment industry, Caballero entered the commercial real estate industry in 2020, advancing to broker within two years. He now evenly splits his time between landlord representation and national tenant representation, working with clients such as Vestar, Site Centers and Schnitzer Properties.
Source of pride: “Developing the Northside listing in Gilbert from a relationship that stemmed from my involvement in the Urban Land Institute into a leasing assignment that will bring unique retail, restaurant and hotel amenities to the SanTan Village submarket. That includes a recently signed lease that will bring the first-ever Perry’s Steakhouse to Arizona.”
Favorite project: “Sticking to retail, I think Desert Ridge Marketplace is a fascinating story. Built and developed prior to the SR-51 freeway, it’s now one of the top shopping centers in the state. Vestar had a vision when the city was growing north, built the center on a ground lease and purchased the rights to the ground lease in 2023. It’s nice to see when projects come full circle, especially those where Western Retail Advisors plays a pivotal role.”
Surprising fact: “I have a 120-pound Bernese Mountain dog!”
Kaylena Ferrin
Associate
Background: A trusted advisor, Ferrin represents clients in a broad range of complex commercial real estate transactions across multiple asset classes, including multifamily and mixed-use developments, office buildings, shopping centers, industrial sites and hotels.
Source of pride: “I am the most proud of being able to become a trusted advisor to my clients. Lawyers are often viewed as bottlenecks to business, but I have found that it provides the unique opportunity to collaborate with clients and truly add value to transactions — from both a legal perspective and a business perspective. It is these small moments that bring me the most pride in my practice.”
Key to success: “I have always favored the idea that discomfort is productive. It acts as a gate to something greater, but only if we are willing to go through it. By raising my hand for opportunities, I know that I may be temporarily uncomfortable, but that there are personal and professional gains to follow.”
Surprising fact: “I am a former collegiate athlete in women’s volleyball. I also briefly played as a select player for the U.S. on an exhibition tour in Europe.”
Tierney Encinias
Business development specialist
Background: Known for an entrepreneurial mindset and exceptional networking skills, Tierney has built a reputation for fostering connections with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors and owners.
Source of pride: “Receiving the Build Her Up Award at the Arizona Subcontractor’s Building with the Best Awards Gala. Being honored with this award as a woman in the construction industry has been incredibly meaningful both personally and professionally. It recognizes the dedication, leadership and passion I’ve brought to my work over the past 2.5 years. This achievement is a proud milestone that reflects the strong relationships I’ve built, the initiatives I’ve led and the positive impact I strive to make every day.”
Favorite project: “The Watermark, a mixed-use development located in Tempe. This project is renowned for its innovative design and striking architectural features, that was also performed by Kovach. A defining element of The Watermark is its unique façade, which incorporates revolutionary garage screening systems developed in collaboration with Nelsen Partners. These systems not only provide privacy and shade but also serve as artistic elements, enhancing the building’s aesthetic appeal.”
Surprising fact: “I started my career in the hospitality industry, even helping open a wine bar with a close friend’s family, which taught me a lot about. The skills I gained in communication, adaptability and customer experience have played a huge role in my success today.”
Wally Brown III
Partner and consultant
Background: Raised around the business, Brown developed an early appreciation for the strategy, relationships and hustle it takes to succeed. He approaches every deal with attention to detail, strong work ethic and a natural ability to connect.
Source of pride: “Watching the evolution of a project from finding a piece of real estate to becoming a cash flowing asset. It’s truly exciting to see developments grow and nurture right in front of me.”
Key to success: “Hard work, motivation and being able to adapt to changing environments around you. You have to be prepared to solve new and evolving problems everyday of your career.”
Surprising fact: “I enjoy racing cars, and am passionate about motorsports.”
