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 REIT pros to know in 2026:
the Arizona engineers to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Chris Burbach
Co-founder, partner and CEO
Background: Before founding Fundamental Income, Burbach led the underwriting of approximately $12 billion in net lease investments, including over $7.5 billion in closed transactions, for STORE Capital Corporation. He was responsible for other aspects of the firm’s capital market activities including corporate capital strategy, corporate credit ratings, the issuance of $725 million in investment grade corporate unsecured notes, and the issuance of over $2 billion in asset-backed notes, including A+ and AAA-rated notes.
Jamison Manwaring
Co-founder, managing partner and CEO
Background: With a mission to democratize access to real estate investment, Manwaring identifies, acquires and repositions multifamily properties across Arizona to improve neighborhoods and generate strong investor returns.
Source of pride: Orchestrating Neighborhood Ventures’ acquisition of Venture on 52nd Street — a 71-unit multifamily property in Phoenix’s coveted Arcadia neighborhood — directly out of foreclosure. Distressed assets almost always move through lengthy auctions or third-party sales; Manwaring’s team negotiated a direct purchase from the lender for $11 million (more than 35% below its previous valuation), securing the deal faster and at far deeper discounts than typical market transactions. He demonstrated his fundraising prowess, launching the offering and raising $1.345 million from investors in just 36 hours.
Favorite project: Manwaring is excited about Revel Surf, a groundbreaking surf park in Mesa. Revel Surf represents something entirely new for Arizona: the chance to enjoy a water sport he’s passionate about, right in the heart of the desert.
Surprising fact: Manwaring actually had very little real estate experience before founding Neighborhood Ventures. He left his career as a successful technical analyst at Goldman Sachs and then did investor relations for LifeLock before settling in Phoenix and starting the company.
Ken McElroy
CEO and principal
Background: On top of leading a company with $2 billion in multifamily across three states, McElroy is also an author who educates millions through his podcast, YouTube channel and bookstore KM Press.
Source of pride: “Without a doubt, it’s building MC Companies from the ground up. We went from managing a few properties to owning and operating over 10,000 multifamily units with a full vertically integrated team. But here’s the part that makes me proud: it’s not the number of doors — it’s the number of lives we’ve impacted. Our residents, our investors, our employees — this business has become a vehicle for opportunity, not just for me, but for thousands of people.”
Key to success: “It’s the people. Hands down. I’ve always said real estate is a team sport — and I’ve been incredibly intentional about who I surround myself with. I don’t just do deals with people; I build real relationships. I’ve worked with many of the same folks — partners, lenders, contractors, even investors — for 10, 20, sometimes 30 years. And that’s not by accident. I stay in touch. I make the calls. I show up. Loyalty matters. This business will humble you real quick if you try to do it alone. You need trusted people in your corner who will tell you the truth, help you grow and pull you through when things get tough. That’s been my edge. Great people, great relationships — that’s what’s built this whole thing.”
Mary Fedewa
President, CEO, director and co-founder
Background: Known throughout the industry for her business acumen and solutions-oriented charisma, Fedewa co-founded STORE Capital in 2011. She was appointed president in September 2020 and ascended to CEO in April 2021.
Key to success: “I lead by example — with energy, integrity and a commitment to collaboration. I have found that diverse empowered teams consistently deliver the strongest results — and STORE’s success is proof of that.”
Zach Haptonstall
CEO and co-founder
Background: Haptonstall has grown Rise48 Equity into a company with more than 300 full-time employees, purchasing 11,000 units since 2019. The team currently manages over $2 billion in assets across Arizona, Texas and North Carolina.
Source of pride: “Growing the company to over 300 team members. To me, that represents more than just a number. It shows that we’ve built a unified, resilient team. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that so many people trust Rise48 not only with their careers, but also to help support their families.”
Key to success: “Always be hungry and push yourself to improve. Taking risks and getting uncomfortable is when the biggest breakthroughs happen — never let setbacks define you.”
Surprising fact: “I drink 2 gallons or more of water every day.”
